The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-04-02
SIS A WEEK
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kEA SERVICE. INC.

was thinking of the conversation
on the stairs the previous evening.
mo, l wouldn't care. We're
both looking around a little. l
might even fall in love- She got
up from the bed. I'D better be
getting dressed"
Ann glanced at the little clock
on her dresser. 1t was after 10.
jeff plays until q" Irene ex-
planned. IT never show up till
midnight or after" She left the
room.
Ann was ready for bed when
the telephone rang. She waited
for Rose to answer but, when
the bell kept up its monotonous
chant, she went to the upstairs
sitting room.
Mr.. Temples residence" she
said.
Ann? Steve talking
Hello, Steve"
How'd you like to go for a
cruise on the lake? It's a swedish
night"
Honestly, Steve, I'm too tired"
9TH do you good. I'll have you
back in an hour if you say so.
The moon is not quite full, but
tipsy-"
Are you, too ?"
Steve laughed. My state of in
toxication is well in hand, lady,"
1t was dark in the sitting room
and the moonlight made a puddle
on the carpet. 1t would be gor-
geous on the lake. The Temple
gardens sloped down to the
waters edge. A dock reached far
out into the lake. Ann could
imagine Steve's launch put-put-
ting up to the dock in the silvery
light. For a moment she was
tempted.
Then, Steve, try to understand.
Mr.. Temple and Irene and Blake
are wonderful to me, but, after
all, I'm not a member of the FAM
lily. I have work to do and plenty
Of it. l can't go footing off at this
hour of the night"
I'll bet a buck Irene is pre-
pairing to take Off" he said.
That's different
Doesn't housekeeper rate
boy friend?"
Perhaps after she gets her
housekeeping under control"
Then you won't go ?"
mot tonight. Steve. Thank
you" Ann was not too pleased
that Steve had asked her TO slip
out of the house for a midnight
cruise. 1t clearly emphasized the
difference in their stations. He
seemed to read her thoughts.
Don't think I'm trying to back
door you" he said What I told
you last night goes. If you don't
watch out I'll ask John Temple
for your hand"
"Steve-you stay in your own
back yard and III stay in mine.
That's the better way"
"All right, but I'm warning you
This is only the beginning of my
campaign. The villain will still be
pursuing you when the gold Of
your hair has turned to silver"
He was disarming and engaging.
His interest salved AIMS hurt Just
little. Paul had robbed her Of
self-oonfidenoe, Steve gave it back
10 her.
III let you know when the first
gray thread appears" she said.
Until then. cheerio." She re-
placed the telephone, silencing his
pleas.
Three hectic days passed.
Against terrific odds, Ann made
progress. She decided on a new
market and clipped Plunket's
objections short
Il could have both you and
your uncle arrested for what's
been going on" she said. Plunket
retired 10 menacing silence. II
was on the third night that Ann
saw the cook whisk out Of her
room as she turned the corner in
the second floor corridor.
! "Plunket-" she called sharply.
There was no answer and she
was half inclined TO believe that
she had imagined the visit Blake.
home for a few days. dashed out
Of his room, begging for help with
his dress tie, and Ann forget the
incident.
The following morning Mr..