The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-31
UNDER THE ARCH
CHAPTER XVII

And then the three of them were strolling across a campus brilliantly patterned with June Uf cottony clouds lazed across the deep blue sky and the fragrance of mock orange filled the air.
 Tony was giving Chris resume of events.
 Paula thought, Here VIC are ali together again, yet everything seems so different"
 And then she knew why. The difference was Tony, Now she was sharply aware Of everything about him of tho breeze in his dark hair, of the careless way he wore his clothing. of the cleansCut leanness of his quiet face Oh, 50 many thingsl
 The difference was also Chris. When his shoulder brushed hers it no longer started her heart pounding. She could even think of his being in love with Kilo and feel no hurt.
 This, too, she could understand. No violent or sudden change had taken place within her, She had simply learned to listen to her own heart. Chris had attracted her llko drop Of quicksilver, bright and elusive, but it was to Tony that she always turned when she wanted depth of feeling . Chris was saying, i've learned some things these last few days" I'm glad, Chris" Paula said, doubtfully. Chris was subducd now, penltent, but before long he'd probably be of again chasing the moon.
 "Paulie that Job in New York1 Have I wrecked my chance7"
 "of course not, Chris"
 He let his long arms drop on tho shoulders of his two friends" New York, look outl" he grlnned the old reckless glcam In his flre.blue eyes. Here comes old Christopher" He huegcd them. Good oggs," he mumblcd. Maybe we'll oil meet there" "soon, Chris" Paula pledged, her eyes shining. I'm leaving on the afternoon train"
 "cne for the money, two for the show" Tony said quietly.
 "T'hroe to make ready ." pAula choked.
 Four to go," Chris finished.
 And in that instant all three knew that it. was all over. They might sec each other again at Com fnencement or in New York, but that would bo beginning. This was their real farewell, here In the long shadows of the old college buildings. Here they must turn their backs on four precious years Of their lives and head bravely into q troubled world,
 They gripped hands oil around, and three pair of eyes were moist, Then Chris was strldIng away for them.
 Tony said, puzzled, q thought he'd want to Do aione with you, paulie."
 That's all over. Tony. Rcmem- bor, Chris said Four to go'2"
 You mean |. :"
 "Kilo," Paula explained. Her fingers ached 10 touch Tony't hand, but he was standing 50 stiff and taut that she was little afraid of him.
 Tony said, Well, I guess I'd better SO and pack. I'm leaving right after Commencement. Gosh I'll bet look like heck in . black gowh"
 Paula took q step after him. Shs wanted to call him back, to ask his forgiveness, but her throat wal dry and wordleSs
 A few minutes before Com fnencement exercises began, Paull took her seat In the women's Bec' ton and watched q few tardy stu dents dash across the campus, thcl black gowns Tapping ludicrouslI behind them. She looked for TonI among the men, but he was lost II . sea Of black caps.
 pr. Van Horn arose and intro duced the speaker, the earneB young reform governor of neigh boring state.
 You're going into changinJ world" he told them, "and change is the watchword Of youth Bu change wrought too suddenl, brings dislocation. You must havI patience if you would make 1 your world ."
 Paula thought, "It's Tony world. And ChriS's. And mine We must make 1t better world And her heart beat hard and fas at the challenge.
 Presently the speech ended On by one the students moved for ward to receive their diplomas all bit pale and showing hoy impressed they were by the solem nity of the occasion.
 Then 1t was Paula's turn. He knees were shaking when sh reached the platform. pr. Val Horn held her hand a momen longer than he had the others My particular thanks to fin student, Miss Jeffers."
 Flushed with pride, Paula re turned to her seat. She felt tha she would carry his words wit her forever.
 The last diploma given the gle club began "Cardman Forever. The students rose and joine their voices in the alma mater Paula could scarcely sing for tn lump in her throat.
 Now, with the benediction, tn exercises were over. A blac wave of students poured fror their seats to receive the congrat ulations of their friends an parents.
 Paula pushed her way througl Elae crowd, q choking lump still | her throat. She stood apart fror tne others. looking eagerly fo