The Wilmington morning star., 1941-01-05

CdTs wary Stops ueT, 1cduS uCA A"sO
admissions that she never intended
to marry Jerry, dated him mere
ly because he was the most eligible
man at the university. When Val
erie accuses Mary of loving Jerry,
Mary admits it. The Connellys
overhear Valerie. Jerry is resting
easier, but is not out of danger.
JERRY CLOSES A YEAR
CHAPTER XII
DR.. and Mrs. Connolly went d.
rectly to Jerry's room, when they
reached the hospital, leaving Mary
and the twins in the downstairs
office. Kathleen thumbed through
an out-dated magazine. Sheila and
Mary waited near the window.
IT wonder if Dad and Mother
will break the news to Jerry about
Valerie" Sheila said. He'll never
believe we didn't have something
to do with her leaving in a huff"
Mary nodded. The thought had
been troubling her since Valerie
stormed out of this same room five
hours ago. Jerry loved Valerie.
Mary loved Jerry. Valerie was in
love only with herself. It was like
a nursery rhyme riddle W h nc
answer.
1t was up to Jerry to find the
answer. But how could they tell
him what Valerie had said? Who
would tell him?
IT don't know how that brother
of mine could be so blind" Sheila
went on. HE should have been
wise to Valerie five minutes after
he met her."
He was unconscious while Val
carried on about her car" Mary
began.
He's been unconscious for six
months" Kathleen added, from be-
hind the magazine. HE had to
wake up sometime"
But the ending of Jerry's ro-
nance with Valerie would not
solve Mary's problem. Jerry might
be bitter, against his family,
against her. He might ever 60
through with his determination to
quit medicine. If he did that, there
was little hope that she would ever
have the opportunity of seeing him
again.
And seeing him was necessary.
1t Jerry returned to school, they
might begin dating again, as they
had before Valerie intruded. Some
day-Mary chung to the hope -
Jerry might fall in love with her.
Then, after Jerry had finished
school,
Martha's voice interrupted:
"Jerry's awake now. He wants to
see you. He asked particularly for
you, Mary"
Jerry was grinning as they filed
into the room. Bandages encircled
his head. A framework supported
his broken arm. His face was pale
and drawn, but he still could grin.
Happy New Year! Here, be
careful Kathleen and Sheila
had rushed to the side of the bed
to kiss him-"I'm fragile. I break
easily"
DR.. Connelly's face and that of
his wife mirrored their happiness.
Not so fragile, son." the doctor
said. THE rapS you took would
have dented a stone wall. And that
hard head of yours didn't even
crack"
"Queer place to spend New
Years." Jerry was saying. Il
tried to get home for that annual
family breakfast. Didn't quite
make it,"
Lets forget last night" Martha
suggested.
mo, don't want to-" Jerry per-
sisted. 1--WE a lot of things to tell
you. Valerie and I are through"
"You are?" The doctors sur
prise seemed genuine.
"Yes. Washed up. Finished"
Jerry reached for his mothers
hand, grasped it tightly. "1'n tell
you about it and then it will be
buried in the past-that's the rule
isn't it? And all of this happened
before midnight" They waited for
him to continue.
1T started when I said l had to
be home this morning. Val wasn't
coming at first, but finally gave
in when I promised to take her
home early. We kept arguing most
of the time during the drive over
here. Val said some things I didn't
like about you.
Il told her she'd have to like
my family if she was going to
marry me, and she set me back
on my heels by telling me that
she had no intention of marrying
me-ever. I got mad then, took her
home. And on the way, we hit this
other car"
wal told us, too. While you were
unconscious" Martha said softly.
cts all over and best forgotten,
son." Hugh advised. you'll have
to stay here for a couple of weeks,
and you'll be. shaky for a month
or so, but you'll get over this-and
you'll get over Val, too"
"Im over that right now, Dad
l.. >" Jerry's glance went around
the room. I've been pretty much
of a fool. I've hurt you, Mother,
and you, too,- Dad. -. Say, think
you could be using an associate in