The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-04-29
Reputation

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Reid ever looked at me like that
Id never be treating him like
that"
She added. But l never get
break. It's always the old men who
fail for me. OF course ! don't sup
pose Chris would ever marry girl
who works. His father wouldn't
stand for It."
Cal remained unresponsive ut
to herself she admitted that even II
Anna had consented TO their mar
rage his father wouldn't.
IL was useless from every angle.
No sooner would one barrier be
disposed OF than another would
take its place. Well, she had dis
couraged Chris 50 much now that
she probably wouldn't have to ex-
plain II to him.
She thought she had wounded
his pride but that night as she left
the store he was waiting for her.
Her heart lesped with JOY as
caught sight Of his handsome pro-
file beneath the brim of his hat.
In spite of all her intentions she
cried, Hello, Chris" with such
obvious delight that he took her
hand and held 1t as they walked
along the ice covered street.
We're having dinner together,
Gail. Don't say you can't. You can
telephone your mother"
She could not refuse although
the sound Of Annals voice when she
told her ruined her happiness and
sent her back to him fully con-
scious of what she had to do.
He was waiting for her so
eagerly Oh, this simply could
not go on. 1t was breaking her
heart. 1t must be. settled, she
thought, yet even as she did so
her eyes overlooked with love and
pride.
She had no idea where they
were or what they were eating.
Just to be with Chris was enough.
But when dinner was over and
they were slipping black coffee
from tiny cups Chris forced the
issue.
Darling. what is it? Why do
you look so sad ?"
She tried to smile but tears
were shining in her eyes.
You haven't changed your mind
about loving me ?" the man urged.
NO" she said earnestly. I'm
never do that But l realize more
than ever that we haven't anything
to hope for. cannot marry you,
Chris"
He asked patiently. do you
mind telling me why ?"
Many different reasons" she
evaded. My mother, your father"
But, Gail" he cried in surprise.
Il don't think Father would object.
Even if he did I shouldn't let that
stop me-. But he likes you. heard
him say so just the other day. And
the fact that you work for him
won't make any difference. He
admires girls who support them
selves"
1T isn't that" she said, tempted
to tell him everything. "Oh. Chris
darling, l told you we could never
marry. Please don't argue about
it,"
If anyone had told me would
pursue girl as l have you, 1
would have been certain they were
crazy. But this seems to be some
thing can't fight. If you won't
tell me what it is, how can I do
anything about 1t ?"
You can't" she assured him.
No one can. It's something that
can't be helped"
She sounded so positive that for
the first time Chris was convinced.
Il can't believe you would let the
unreasonable objections of your
mother keep you from marrying a
man you really love" he said un-
happily.
III that were all. I probably
shouldn't" she admitted. You
can't possibly feel any worse about
this than do. Chris. But there's
no use torturing ourselves by hop
ing for the impossible. Let's try
to go on as if nothing had ever
happened"
Can you" he demanded fiercely,
do that?
Her eyes trimming with tears
met his.
Il can try"
"All right" he agreed. Then so
can l. And this time l mean it. l
shan't bother you again, Gail! I'm
less you ask to see me, I'm
through"
They drove home drenched in a
fog of misunderstanding and mis-
cry. When they reached her apart
ment Chris took her hand and
kissed it,
Goodbye, darling" he whisper
ed. Remember this is all your
idea. Not mine"
She pressed his hand against her
cheek.
Il love you" she declared pas
sionately, more than you'll ever
know"
That night before she slept her
pillow was wet with tears. Had
she been right :? Was the justifica-
ton of her father more important
than the man she loved with her
whole heart? But she couldn't
marry Chris without telling him
who she was and II he knew he