The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1942-02-21
KINGS ROW
BY BElLANAkN sssuex NC

Paris asked when Drake told him
about 1t.
Drake looked a little forlorn
under a thin bravado.
Il guess they'll send me to live
at Mrs. Searcy's boarding house."
Haven't you got any kinfolks?"
Yes I guess SO. bet none
OF them would want me around
though. Say. 1t will feel pretty
funny not to have a home any
more. expect III like 1t though"
Paris couldn't think of any
thing to say. Today, faced with
the imminence OF new kind OF
| life. Drake looked much older
than Paris. The thick lashes
shadowing his dark gray eyes, his
overfull lips and his look of ex-
IRENE vitality still gave him an
air Of strength and sensuality al
most animal. But it was an at
tractive air. He seemed much
more open and straightforward
than Paris whose play of express
sion was subtler and more fleet
ing
Say, Paris, you and I are
mighty near in the same fix! Did
you ever think of that2
How do you mean?"
when your grandma dies you'll
be all by yourself in the world
too"
Paris head went down and he
slid his hands deeper into his
pockets.
Drake continued more cheerful
ly. IN have forty thousand dol
lars when I'm twenty-one."
will you, sure enough?"
II guess you'll have more'n that,
won't you, when your grandma
dies?"
Il don't know. I never thought
about it,"
Sure you will heard Uncle
Rhodes say your place out there
was worth lot Of money"
How did you know about it?"
ooh, I don't know. Everybody
knows everything about every
body's business in this town."
We'll, don't"
you're peculiar kind Of
kid, anyhow, Paris"
How, Drake? T wish you'd
tell me-
II don't know just peculiar. I
like you all right, though. You
know that" This was unusual
from Drake
'Soon's I get my money I think
I'll buy an interest in something
or other and work hard, and in a
couple of years get married"
Paris was stunned for
moment. Getting married was
something he never had thought
about. He looked respectfully at
Drake.
Sure enough, Drake?"
yep. Got the girl picked out,
too"
who? Cassie Tower2"
Lord, no. Her old man won't
let you get In mile OF her. I'll
tell you, but keep this to your
self"
"Of course"
Louise Gordoni"
"Oh,
whats the matter2 Don't you
like her?"
why, Of course, I guess I do.
I don't know her any more. Ever
since I dropped out Of school I
don't know many people"
That's so, guess. You do
kind of live to yourself, don't
you?'
ut isn't because want to-"
you're a fool sometimes, kid
Don't miss all the good times. You
go around with me, and I'll show
you something. I want to try
everything before I get married
and settle down. Say, how about
Cassie Tower? How did you hap
pen to mention her while ago?"
II just happened to think of
her"
you go there all the time, don't
you, to see her old man"
II never see her any more,
though-just once in while"
That's the prettiest girl around
here. Gee, wouldn't I like to take
her out some night"
II thought you said you were
In love with Louise"
ooh - guess I'll marry Louise.
That's different brakes tone
changed, and somehow forbade
further inquiry in that direction.
why don't you go for old Cass
yourself? think she used to
like you a whole lot"
II don't know"
you're a funny kid, Paris
Didn't you ever have girl
friend?"
Paris flushed. Renee
brakes dancing eyes turned
serious. You're all white around the
mouth. Sick?"
Paris shook his head. mo. I'm
all right, I guess. I've got to go
on home, though"
Paris tried to grin, tried TO be
offhand and easy. so long,
Drake"
"S'long, kid He turned and
went quickly back along the street,
whistling very loud.
A thick scurry of gray-blue clouds
was coming up, and strong wind
poured over the rim of the western
rise toward the prairies.