The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-21
MARTHA TELLS A LIE
CHAPTER XIV

As her husbands voice went or in her ear, Martha Marshall sal down groggily on the chair by the phone table.
 Where were you last night?' He was asking again.
 She looked at the little electric clock which had come from the store where Bill used to work. It was 9:30! Nine-thirty on Sunday morning, and Bill was asking her what kept her out last night
 Where were you?" he shouted again. Martha, are you there?"
 I'm here.' Never afterward could she explain the impulse which made her take a deep breath and say, quickly. Why, Bill, IT was out with the girls last night. You know, IT joined their bowling club"
 "Bowling!" he repeated Bowl ing until after midnight? You must be a glutton for punish ment!"
 She hated herself. I'm sorry I missed your call" she said meekly. Was it - was it some thing important? Did you get leave?"
 Important? Sure it was i'm portant! I wanted to talk to you. Most of the guys go into town on Saturday nights and have them selves time. And me, I'm stuck out here, thinking of you"
 She had been dancing at the country club-going from one mans arms to another's-laughing, en- toying herself-while Bill moped in an army camp.
 "oh, I'm so sorry I wasn't here!'
 well. you can't stay home every night he said. "As far as leave is concerned, I've got a fat chance! With only a year to train us, the brass hats aren't handing out any leaves to speak Of"
 She had hoped that he might come home for a few days. But they weren't to have even that.
 T wish you'd come up here again" Bill said. How about next week? Do you think you could?"
 She hesitated. Much as she wanted to go, it had been a gruel- ing drive. And she'd been late the following morning. TT hate to ask Paul for his car again, ,' she said at last. Besides, he said he wouldn't lend it to me"
 "Said he wouldn't lend it to you?" Bill was incredulous. What got into him? Did you smash a fender going homer"
 "No. He thought it was too long a drive for me. I was late next morning"
 why don't you ask him to drive you down then? It's not too far for him, I hope! I'd like to see the old prune, anyway"
 "All right" she said slowly. "I'll ask him."
 That's swell. I'll be seeing you next Sunday"
 Yes"
 "In case I forgot to mention it." he began, softly. Martha knew what was coming. She fin- ished it for him, T love you, dar- ling"
 She sat there, after she had hung up, wishing bitterly that she hadn't lied to Bill. He wouldn't have minded her going to a dance with Paul. There'd been no need to lie.
 Their silly little joke, hers and Bills, was like reproach to her. "In case I forgot to mentio nit-' with phrase that always brought back the time Bill carried her over the threshold into their new home. He had glimpsed the red leather chair which he had in- sisted on buying in defiance of all the laws of good interior dec- oration, and he had dropped her uncermoniously. The chair! See, it does fit in, see?"
 Martha had managed to keen herself from falling by grabbing his shoulders. You dumb oaf! IS this the way you carry in your bride?"
 Bill had grinned, sheepishly. "In case forgot, to mention it, l love you, darling. But you've got to admit, that's a wonderful chair. It adds distinction and class to the whole room!"
 She went back to bed. But not 10 sleep. Why had she lied to Bill? Why?
 Paul was delighted when she asked him to drive her to the camp. She had known he would be. Now you won't have to leave on Satur- day, to make it." he said. Sunday morning at about 2 will put us there plenty early"
 They reached camp soon after 10, and again Bill was waiting. He shook hands with Paul and said pityingly, You look pale,