The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-04-25
CHAPTER X

4 "
 CHAPTER x
 The message which Bob held haC oeen handwritten, and even thC script gave hints of the writeri Beelings.
 ~Robert dear" the letter read, q send this in desperation because can write what l cannot say. Things hnve been 50 changed these past few days. You are utterly different | hardly know you. But the worst 1s that you hardly know me any more. oe you seem not to.
 "Tell me, frankly, have ] proved unsatisfactory to you in any say? For many months we worked in harmony side by side and while I hardly dared hope for such success as we have achieved, l know 1t to be far more significant than you realize. Don't you wish me with you any longer, Robert? Have I shown myself unworthy? Where have failed2 ."
 There was more of 1t, in c spained outpouring. ~ Bob read with increasing dis tress., Somehow on paper her plea affected him more than her spoken word had done. In truth, he had listened to her rather ab- sent mindedly, but if Leana were this upset
 Oh, Carolyn" he called ab- xuptly. T must move fast. The plane for the west leaves in bare ly two hours and Look, can you take one more letter2 had no idea she felt 50 keenly!"
 The highly personal nature of Che matter never dawned on him. Somebody had written him 8 let- ter, 50 in his mind 1t was logical for his confidential secretary to take Q dictated reply.
 Its to Leana," he began.
 'Leana? You mean Leana Sormi? Ygn't she here?"
 "Yes But I'd better write. She wrote me-"
 Carolyn looked her surprise.
 "she is upset" Bob's voice showed infinite sympathy. "She is such a wonderful person, Carolynl I have been most ungracious. But she is sensitive and I don't wish to em- 'barraes her in the slightest. Ready?" Carolyn was ready, 50 he began:
 My dear Leana:
 Your note has shocked me. That you had to write 1t at all was enough to show me up. Please forgive me Paragraph.
 "Of course" underline that, please, Carolyn, "of course, you have proved satisfactory to me. More than satisfactory. You are still the outstanding woman you were when you came, even more 50, in my estimation. Leana, 1t is just that I am an insufferable 1ngrate myselfi I forget to show appreciation. T.
 Look, Carolyn. I don't mean to get that wayl A man just gets his confounded nose into some- thing and forgets everything else, see what mean? Now how can tell her that7 She Is Q delicate, sensitive"
 Carolyn suddenly found herself in the role of father confessor. It was as if Bob felt he had to apologize not to Leana but to her. Moreover, 1t disturbed her greatly.
 "You are not unkind, Bob," she said, gently. You mustn't feel 1t so."
 "But I do! Her letter shows what a heel am. l - well - Leana," his voice resumed the dic- tation tone, T humbly apologize for seeming inconsiderate of you, and l promise to be more careful hereafter. It is necessary for me to leave the city tonight on business mission and when re- turn - I will" He paused, his face serious T will endeavor to make up for my shortcomings. regard you as the one person tn this world closest to me. T."
 Did you say 'closest'?" Caro- 1yn interrupted.
 "I-yes. But you phrase 1t as seems best, Carolyn"
 "Me?"
 T am not very good at words. 6ut - all TlRHC. LeHHH, lU IS ny one fervent hope that you and can always be near each other. pray that our companionship, so pleasantly and fruitfully started here, can endure through life. It will be-"
 Carolyn had looked up in con- gternation, so that he paused again. She hadn't meant to reveal her feelings but she suddenly blushed with . sense of guilt. Guilt and dis tress. He saw the distress, at least
 Please" he begged, you write it, Carolyn. You see what I'm trying to sayl I'm never good nt this sort of thing"
 T can try, Bob" She almost whispered 1t.
 You're priceless. I've simply got to square this with Leana. [ have no idea how discourteous I have been to her. I know I