The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1943-12-02

packing. Stel1a's moving had GER
tainly been enough to depress
anyone. Jane had found it diff
cult to try to tell the older girl
that she was sure she'd be all
right. Even if she couldn't get
any work in her own line, there
must be something she could do.
If only instead she'd marry Rup-
ert Grant!
Tips was stopping the car be-
side Jane and not looking at her
at all kindly. She might have
been any Waaf walking back
from the railway station and not
one in whom he had any special
interest. "Thank you," said Jane
and as he opened the door got in
beside him.
They drove along for a few
moments in silence. Then Jane
said somewhat obviously, $50 you
got back safely?"
Eyes. And you've got back safe
ly too," he said, equally obvious
ly. Il hear there was an air raid
warning in town last night"
Eyes" She drew quick breath.
Il take it Mrs. Stanton told you
she saw me?"
"She did. Funny you should all
have met"
Very funny. Such a pleasant
encounter, too! 1t was a pity you
weren't there as well. We should
have been quite a jolly little par
ty."
Tips shot her a furious glance
from beneath lowered brow.
isn't two o'clock in the morning
an odd time to visit a man in his
apartment"
Jane turned in her seat and
glared at him. How dare you
adopt that tone to me? 1t is no
business Of yours.
He sent her a quick, almost
furtive glance, and miraculously
his expression seemed to change
completely. The anger vanished
from his eyes.
He slowed the car. She saw him
glance up and down the long
straight road. There was no one
in sight. He stopped the engine
and they sat there parked at the
side of the road. Then he turned
and looked at her. Were you
really enjoying yourself so much,
darling?" he asked gently.
She gave a light little laugh.
"Of course l was"
Still his expression didn't
change. He caught her hands
and held them tightly. 81 don't
believe YOU"
She met his eyes unflinching-
ly. NATURALLY you don't. That's
because you're SO conceited. You
can't believe that any woman, if
you're around, can find any other
man attractive. But that's where
you're mistaken. Give and I -
Go on" he said, his voice now
deadly quiet.
EDO need TOP" she asked
He let go her hands abruptly
Certainly not he said coldly.
you've made yourself perfectly
clear. I'm sorry I've been such a
fool over you. I, oh, what's the
good of talking :"
'Tips " The word was
spoken in a whisper because she
couldn't keep it back. Her hand
stayed out to his. But seemingly
he didn't hear the whisper, and
if he saw the hand he preferred
to ignore it. Then he started the
engine and with a roar they were
on their way once more.
Jane took tight hold of herself
Deep within her bitter tears were
flowing, more painful tears than
any that could have been seen.
Now the gates of the airdrome
were in sight.
Tips, after dropping Jane and
garaging his car, went to his bill
let. He was furiously angry. Why
hadn't Jane given him the chance
to say that when he had seen Iris
at lunch today he'd had the most
Internal row with her because OF
her attempt to disparge Jane?
He hadn't had any hesitation
then in avowing his belief in
James innocence. The upshot OF
it was that he'd told her he
wasn't in love with her, that he
never had been, that-what was
more important-he had never
said he was, and that it was time