Evening star., 1941-03-14

mo, scarcely that. Its just that
I'm a little surprised. Gladys is usu-
ally careful of appearances. And
after all, we're engaged"
Perhaps we'd better go-before
they see US
No. I've always longed to see
the Honorable Lady Gladys embar-
rassed. Besides, we came in here
looking for a parachutist. Maybe
we'll find one What do you think?"
Il don't know" confessed Brinda.
I'm beginning to wonder if saw
any one after all. Everything here
looks so routine-so much like any
other nightclub. And yeti have
queer feeling-as if I were being
watched"
You are" said Dick with a smile.
I'm watching you. I shouldn't be
surprised if there were others, too.
There's something about you that
challenges the eye. Lots of things,
all nice"
Il don't mean being watched that
way" she replied. Its more like
the feeling you get in India-in the
jungle-the feeling of wild beasts
watching you-hiding-waiting TO
spring"
Dick studied her thoughtfully.
perhaps Sir John is right, dear
Maybe you are in danger. Maybe
it would be better for you to do
what he says-leave England"
You really thing that?" Her eyes
searched his, wide and questioning.
He knew they were both thinking
of the same thing-of another,
earlier time, when they had been
schoolday sweehearts. But that was
in the past.
Dick Makes Decision.
Now Britain was at war and upon
British victory the rest of the civil
lied world hoped and depended.
Like war or not, they Brinda
and Dick were part of it.
Dick made sudden resolve. Lis
ten! I've been doing some heavy
thinking since I found you again.
There are things I want to talk to
you about. Important things. Give
me a chance, will you? I mean
don't do anything definite-dan's S
go away. And-meanwhile, don't
take any more risks, please. Leave
this spy-hunting TO the Intelligence
Service"
Brinda's eyebrows went up. her
lips curved. You talk like Sir
John"
That" said Dick gravely. may
be because we both love you"
A moment passed before Brinda
answered, her voice was little un-
steady. I'm surprised-Dick. I
didn't think you were the kind of
man who would make love TO two
girls at once"
I'm not"
But you're engaged to Gladys
you're going to marry her"
That is one of the things I wish
to explain, darling-if you'll let me" "
But Dick-I don't see how you
can. Aren't you in love with her?
Wait . don't answer now"
For the music had stopped and
Gladys and Vaslav were leaving
the dance floor, coming directly to-
ward their table.
Vaslav Is Complimentary.
Vaslav saw them first, and his
brilliant, dark eyes flashed quick
glance of recognition He said
something to Gladys, and she stared
at them-f1rst at Dick, then at Brin-
da-in a startled, dazed way. as if
just awakened from sleep.
But by the time they reached the
table, she was almost her usual cool.
aloof self.
Dick" she said, with languid
enthusiasm. How nice of YOU to
be here. I was just telling Vaslav
to phone you and ask you to join us.
And Brinda You look awfully well.
my dear"
Reluctantly, Brinda was compelled
to admire her former Schoolmate'S
easy duplicity But look at Dick S
face told her he might not be wholly
deceived.
Vaslav bowed. Il am especially
grateful to 1t Maiden" he said in
his deep, musical voice. Here I have
been longing to have chat with
Miss Duncan beamed at Brinda
and, behold he appears with her.
Lieutenant, you increase my already
great respect for the royal navy"
Gladys flashed Brinda a quick,