The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-03-03
You go now" Anna said

quietly.
 The week after Madame von Ems funeral, Paris made necessary ar engagements with Colonel Skeff1ngton and Patterson Lawes of the Burton County Bank about his funds, the sale of the property. Tom Carr and Benny Singer he took care of out of his own expense account. Then, leaving Anna in charge of the sale, he moved in with Drake McHugh.
 T couldn't go back out there" he told LaweS and Skefhngton.
 "A gentleman, Colonel" observed Patterson Lawes when Paris had left
 The Colonel did not answer. He was making great ado with his handkerchief.
 Amazing to see a youngster take the death of an old woman so hard"
 Paris was sorting and packing books. He sat back on his heels and wiped his face on his sleeve.
 Its been awfully good of you, Drake, to take me in-just now"
 "Aw-"
 I haven't been - guess I can't be any fun to be with"
 T wanted you to stay here I wish you wouldn't go away at all ]" T half wish so, too, Drake. Or that you'd come along"
 Nope. Guess my place is round here"
 Drake"
 yep"
 You haven't said anything about Louise"
 .Ain't seen her-to talk to her - since that day you came along"
 You're not fair to her"
 How do you figure that out?"
 well, she can't follow you around and try to see you"
 Paris reached for pillow and put it under his head. Gee, I'm too tired to get up from here"
 You've had pretty big day, kid. Take it easy Listen! Whats that?"
 What's what?"
 I hear someone running up the drive"
 Paris sat up. There was rush of steps on the long side porch, then a quick knock at the door. Drake opened it, and Cas- sandra Tower came into the room. She was out of breath and a little diSheveled. Paris struggled awk- wardly to his feet.
 'TCaSSIeT WhUT'S up i've got to talk to you min- ute"
 Drake wheeled a chair forward, Sit down, Cassie"
 She looked at him and nodded but remained standing.
 Paris stared curiouSly at Cas- sandra. She had that look he had seen few times before-desper- ate a sort of shocked despera- tion
 Sit down, Cassie. Whats the matter?"
 Her eyes seemed to come slowly to focus, almost as If she had dif- f1culty in seeing.
 Paris - you remember the other night?"
 >"of course!" His voice was sud- denly hoarse.
 You said - when - when you came back would l marry you"
 "Yes, Cassie. meant it. I'll say it again.
 "Parris!"
 "You look scared"
 You you did mean what you said?"
 of course I did"
 "Then let me go with you - now"
 Now"
 "Yes, now. I've got to. I'll run away somewhere - let me go with you. I-I can take care of you
 But Cassie, I don't understand you. I why. I can't get married now. I've got to get through - all that study first. Why He stopped. It seemed an unbeliev- ably absurd proposal. Why - he almost wanted to say he wasn't grown up yet. Q
 Suddenly, every vestige of ex- pression left her features. Her face seemed to go dead.
 Never mind.' Her voice, too, seemed utterly lifeless. She turned to go.
 Paris was beside her instantly. wait minute, Cassie. Sit down, and and tell me what's hap pened."
 She looked as if she didn't hear. Nothing, Paris. Nothing at all. IT must go,'
 Here. I'll take you home"
 No, no! No. you can't. You mustn't. I'm all right, now"
 Drake picked up his hat. You'd better let me walk part of the way with you anyhow, Cassie"
 Thank you, Drake. No. Good night"
 And before either of them could say another word she had gone. They heard her running again, go- ing back the same way she had come.
 Paris stood in the middle of the room, unable to think or to move. He looked up, a little fearful that Drake would laugh. Whatever might be the matter, he knew that Cassie was in earnest, and that she