Evening star., 1940-10-27

as Sne laced the tdl broad -ShOuldeTed young
man standing before the fireplace Every line
of her slender figure portrayed grim deter
mnation.
mo, Jimmie; absolutely, no, she said. Il
have changed my mind will not marry a
policeman Jimmie, when girl thinks of mar
riage. she expects to have a husband and a
few children - 60 ahead and blush. AS soon
as have time and get around to 1t, I'll blush
too - and have no desire to be known as the
'redheaded widow of Jimmie Burke with two
children - God bless EN-
mo, Jimmie not me. That gangster Red
Crane, whom you pointed out to me at the
hotel the other night, has sworn to get you.
cant take it. When have a husband, want
a live one - all in one piece.
Jimmie's grin was scornful. That punk
Forget him. He wouldn't hurt anyone but
women and kids, and I'll catch up with him
some day"
- Nora nodded II know all about that sort
of thing too. heard my dad talk the same
way about another punk. | met the ambulance
at the door when he was brought home. bat
tered and bleeding. I'm the one who, listening
outside his bedroom door heard him groan in
his sleep from the pain of old wounds. If had
two men to suffer with, couldn't stand it,
But, Nora don't you love me any more"
Yes you fool, you dear fool, do. But |
won't marry policeman. And Nora stamped
her foot to clinch the matter. Here you are,
college trained engineer and you want to be
policeman Go ahead and be one, but I'll not
marry you unless you find some other. less
dangerous, occupation"
What about your father? He's police
man. H. Jimmie wasn't grinning now - In
spector Clancey is one Of the most highly
respected officers in the state.
Yes | know that - the girls voice held
a note of pleading - And that's why I've
made up my own mind. I've watched my
mother hair grow white, and have seen the
lines etched into her face because she's
pollcemans wife I've been with her as she
walked the floor in terror night after night.
while Father was on his beat. couldn't stand
it, haven't that kind of courage"
but Nora "
But me no butts, Jimmie boy I'm signing
off. | won't marry policeman. I'll be a
mother to you. sister, a cousin or anything
like that, but I'm darned if I'll be your
prospective widow. Here's your ring - lay
ing it on the table I'm going to bed. You
can stay here and think of your sins as long
as you want to. You know where the front
door is; lock it when you 90 out Good night.
brother"
Jimmie was left alone.
What he didn't know was that tears damp
ened the red hair on Nora's pillow long after
he had locked the front door
WHEN Nora woke up in the morning the sun
shining through her window made dancing
shadows of the tree branches on the window
shade The day was well advanced.
The girl came slowly to life. She looked at
the clock nearly 9:3O. Jimmie would be COM
to the station.
Getting up she drew on dressing gown.
showed her feet into slippers and went to her
mirror.
Nora. my dear, - she said to her reflection,
you look perfect fright. Quarreling with
Jimmie doesn't help your looks. But I'll keep
after him until he does change his job
Raising the shade and sitting well sheltered
by the trees. she started to brush her shoulder
length hair, counting slowly. To her right she
could see, plainly the corner of the brick
building where it jutted from the alley, max
~ A.