The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-04-30
CHAPTER TwENTY-oNE

Bill ; voice over the IeIepnonc
sounded tired. He admitted he had
been working harder than usual
but when Gail said wistfully. Il
need advice" he responded quick
ly. Then you shall have it," He
promised to meet her that night
after work and was waiting In
front OF the store.
As they turned to walk down
the street Christopher passed. He
lifted his hat but Bill could see
his face was like a thunder cloud.
whats eating him ?" Bill In
quired cheerfully. After all you
were my girl first"
We've quit Gail announced
feeling that the mild statement
did not begin to do justice to the
mad rebellion in her heart.
Darling Christ How could he
think that Bill or anyone could
really matter to her after what
she had said to him last spring?
She added forlornly. You were
right. Bill. when you advised me
not to attempt being a detective.
I'd given anything if I had never
gone to work at Reds. That was
my first mistake"
ut seems we all make EN-" Bill
reminded her opening the door into
the small restaurant they used to
frequent. The proprietor remem-
bered them and gave them their
old table beaming with pleasure at
seeing them together again.
He probably thought they had
quarreled. Gail thought over the
dull ache in her breast. She
wished they could go back to that
former period of contented COM
partnership.
If she had never met Chris
topher Reid she might have mar
ried Bill and lived with him a
normal happy life. But now that
was impossible.
Even if she had been willing to
do so Bill wouldn't. His attitude
had changed during the past
months. He must have suffered
at first but gradually he had be-
come accustomed to life without
her.
Out of His Heart
Tonight he was attentive as al
ways but with a difference. Bill
had put her out of his heart and
while he would always be her
friend and offer her advice if she
asked for it the romantic issue
between them was dead. 1t made
Gail feel lonelier than ever.
Now then tell me what's both
ering you most" Bill suggested.
Mother" she admitted. I'D
like to drop the whole idea since
none of my private Investigations
has proved anything but she won't
let me. She has aged SO terribly
In the past few weeks.
ut breaks my heart to look at
her."
II told you long ago that you
would have to refuse to let her
bitterness ruin your life. In the
long run she will suffer more by
it. Can't you understand Gail,
that the best thing for both of you
is to forget what hoppened to
your father, unjust and cruel as
it may have been? For you to
marry Chris might add to her un-
happiness for awhile but after all
he isn't to blame for what his
father did. It isn't fair to hold it
against him.
II understand that he has given
up his irresponsible ways and be-
come quite an asset in the store.
He would probably make you a
good husband and to have you
happily married would mean your
mothers eventual happiness and
security no matter how she may
feel about it now"
Although this was precisely
what Gail had hoped he would say
she asked, But do you think he
would want to marry me II he
knew who I ann"
You certainly ought to tell him
before you make any plans. If he
loves you it won't make any diff
ference"
Clean Cut
The issue seemed so clean cut
when Bill discussed it with her.
Gail sighed, "It sounds SO simple
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