The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-03-17

| wen Ilhe yOu, Lovely du-
mitted slowly.
II think / like you too" from
Emily trace uncertainty. "And
now that I've seen you -"
"Yes?" Lovely's face was in
tensely vital.
We'll l don't know" Emily
finished helplessly.
Roger had thought it would be
draIHatic. that their voices would
rise and they would scream at
each other. He expected to be the
center of something like hurri-
cane. But they were talking quiet
ly, slipping their drinks.
"Of course Rogers the whole
question. Who'll be the have and
who the have mott" Lovely said.
yes" from Emily in a very
small voice.
1--WE could flip a coinl" Lovely's
voice was vibrant. She flashed a
brilliant, Turing smile at Roger.
Emily looked up startled. She
couldn't have com m a n d e d a
smile like that then if she were
to die She caught her lower lip
between her teeth and clenched
her hands on the arms of her
chair. Roger thought for an in
slant he saw tears in her eyes.
She finished her drink quickly.
She rose.
I'm afraid it wouldn't do any
good" she said.
Roger wondered afterwards
how they got out of the house.
1t was as if all three had been
waiting anxiously for some sign
that would end that terrible in
terView.
Roger had no memory Of any
goodbyes, even of helping Emily
into the car. She just seemed to be
there instantly. All the way down
the hill Emily said nothing. She
sat far over in her corner of the
car, her face turned away. When
they got to her house Roger saw
she had been crying. She brushed
at the tears with her hand.
What about Aunt Amalia's
dinner tonight" Roger asked as
he left her.
We'll go, of course" Emily's
voice was a pale wisp of sound on
the sunny afternoon air. BE
there promptly if you can" She
went in without turning to look
at him.
Roger started. He knew then
that he had expected her to cancel
the engagement. But she was 60
ing through with it. That dinner
of the families would clinch
things. There would be no draw
ing back after that. He felt as il
a weight. greater than he could
bear was settling over his heart.
Puzzled
IT WAS still early afternoon, He
couldn't 60 home and face his
mothers happy chatter about the
event. He'd go mad. much as he
adored his pretty, still young
looking mother. He drove aim
lessly along the Albany Post road.
then went into Tumble Inn.
He was at the bar ordering a
drink before he realized Hugh
Chase was standing beside him.
Hugh was still in evening clothes.
He had been drinking more than
he needed, but Hugh never got
maudlin. He spoke to Roger, who
replied coolly.
Bring your drink over here"
Hugh suggested. "I've got things
to say to YOU"
II can't think of anything I'd
want to hear you say, Hugh"
Rogers cold eyes seemed to look
through and beyond the youth.
He was remembering that morn
ing when Hugh had been with
Lovely and his smile. which sug-
geSted more than words could
have.
Il know" Hugh replied. 81
know how you feel but there are
things I've got to say about this
morning. Things feel should
say, if I'm going to lay any claim
to decency at all"
There was something so earnest
about him that Roger stared for
a moment trying to think what he
could want and then followed him
TO table.
It's about that girl" Hugh be-
gan,
You and / haven't anything to
say about her. Hugh" Rogers
voice was like cold steel.
! You're misunderstanding me,
| Roger" Hugh went on. II want to
make an apology TO her. And TO
you. The things that happened
while John and l were there
are things to be proud of. went
up there with John for a lark ex-
pecting to find just smart harf1y.
Or a beautiful dumbbell Restful
and relaxing because she never
thought before speaking YOU
know the sort. We all do But |
was all wet. She pretty near
near Drained John for getting
fresh. | took tip and temem-
bered my manners"
He paused. Roger merely stared
at him, Roger realized that all
that day this was the thing he'd
wanted someone 10 tell him. that
Lovely had treasured his honor In
the presence OF his friends. A
restless cloud lifted But he gave
no sign of what was going on
within him.
But that's neither here nor
there | lust wanted 70 tell you
because | think the kid deserves
It She's all right" Hugh's eyes
met Rogers honestly
Its obvious he continued.
that she was baFn ON the wrong
side OF the tracks and nobody
can blame her fer wanting 10
cross over. But Roger. as your
best friend-yun know we've been
pals since we were children
WNprsa docs SNa So ,nP Gha'e 49,,