Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1942-06-12

light or to stop a draft. 1t was more
to her, Of course; it was a symbol,
dividing line. She stood clutching
her negligee and looking at it. Sup
pose she went in now, went in and
told him? Disturbed that smugness
of his-for it would disturb him. Not
vet. she thought. 1t was a weapon
against him, she might need it later;
especially if Beverly
When Martha came in she was en-
tirely calm.
Downstairs in the long drawing
room Chris was being anything but
calm, confronting a lovely young
woman in arose taffeta dress, who
greeted him politely but without I'M
due warmth.
WELL" she said "And is this the
way you usually come to dinner par
ties, Doctor?"
"Frightfully sorry again." he said.
"I've already apologized to your
father. If you say the word, I'll go
out and apologize to the servants, too.
I'd apologize to the dog if he were
around. That's the state Pm I'M"
She inspected him then, saw the
tie, the dust, and even small fleck
of red on his shirt bosom. Saw more
than that, for he was swaying slight
ly on his feet.
do you mind sitting DOWN." he
said suddenly. give had hard day.
Sorry all over again"
He was still smiling, but she put
him quickly into a chair and rang
for some brandy. When she came
back to him, he tried to get up, but
she held him down.
"Sit still and don't talk" she said.
You'll be all right in minute. I'm
the one to apologize"
He sat still, her hand on his Shout
der, until the brandy came. Some
day he would probably be ashamed,
but, now, it was enough that she
stood over him, her eyes anxious and
certainly friendly. Oh, certainly
friendly.
Feel like a fool" he muttered.
Game up the hill too fast. But don't
move, please! I'll faint on your hands
if you do. That's a threat!"
That was how Holmes found them,
coming in with the brandy. Being
Holmes, however, he remained i'm
passive under the strain, and when
the brandy had revived him. Chris
told the story of the evening. Beverly
sat very still listening, but when he
came to Katie, she stiffened.
"She only said that you were busy"
she put in.
"She was excited, poor kid. l gave
her the devil, of course"
"But she's not a child"
The brandy on an empty stomach
was having its effect, however. Chris
felt extremely comfortable and re-
Taxed. Lets forget her." he said
drowsily. Its Christmas Eve, and
you're there, and Pm here. What
mortal man could ask any more?"
He leaned back and closed his eyes.
The fire was warm, and he felt very
tired. He yawned and apologized.
1--WE gone little short on sleep late
ly," he said. "I'll be going on in a
minute and let you go to bed"
But he did not move, and Beverly,
sitting across from him, was inspect
ing him closely. Thus relaxed he had
changed, she thought. He looked
older and not too happy, as though
some of the relish had gone out of
life for him. She felt sudden tight
ening of the throat. Something had
happened to him. Not only the acct
dent that evening, but perhaps
months of hard work and, she sus-
pected, bad food as well.
Suddenly Beverly sat upright.
Listen, Doctor, did you have any din
ner tonight?"
u forget. ] don't believe l did"
"You idiot! Why didn't you tell
me?"
She disappeared land he put his
head back and closed his eyes.
When she came back, he was sound
asleep in his chair. She sat down
quietly and waited for him to rouse,
watching hi mand protecting him, as
women always protect their sleeping
men. But there was nothing of that
in her face when, at two o'clock in the
morning, he opened his eyes and sat
upright in his chair.
Great Scott! How long have l