The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-08

THE STORY. Alone on the ter. race, Brock breeds over the loss of his leg and what tt means to
 Thayer. He tOrtures himself with doubts. Moya, his childhood
 sweetheart, breaks in on his rev- OFie. She Is determined to win him
 back from Thayer, feels that her
 chance has come.
 CHAPTER VIII MoYA laid her hand over Brooks. ~'A Its like old times knowing you're here. It's as if all my little world were right again. Is 1t wrong to tell you that. Brock2"
 How could 1t be wrong, MoyaP'
 Would Thayer be angry2 hope not. I've known you so long, so well. Always, really, And l was lonely while you were gone, Brock"
 Better If I'd never come back"
 "Brockl, When 1t means So much to-so many people"
 How many people?"
 She sensed the outreaching of his spirit to her comforting. A warm glow spread through her. "All of us who knew you best, the real you Not the you keyed to that terrible pitch of a year ago. That Brock was Q stranger; I-I was afraid of him." She made a little gesture. T never could have lived up to him"
 Was keyed up, Moyap Was 1t a sort of-glorified jag of patri- otism?" He asked 1t eagerly. Wasn't that me? What is me, anyhow"
 'crhis," she told him softly. Pun ny and cranky and crazy and dear Remember all the goofy things we used to do9" Her voice related an old escapade.
 That was kid stun" But he was grinning.
 She smiled. Maybe, but who wants to be old? hope I shall never be old and serious-and de- manding, Or expect anything of another person except to be him. self, and let me be that way too"
 He said slowly at last, There are those in our lives who have the right to make demands. AS we have the right to meet them. If we fail ."
 Moya rose. T can't see 1t that way Ahe said lightly, but then I've never cared about changing the people I love-"
 ssVOU don't have to go, Moya."
 | He took her hand to pull her back and as she sank down he still held 1t and she made no motion of withdrawal.
 He had been at home three weeks now and he and Thayer were no closer together. Every time he looked at her he burned with the knowledge of how lovely she was. And I'm a cripple. An illness he could have fought, but an incomplete body, main1ed
 He did not admit that Moya helped him to forget Thayer and the uncertainty that possessed him in her presence.
 So he sat listening to the girls low voice, hs fingers still Inter- laced with hers. Thus Thayer found them when she came home some moments later.
 Their hands fell apart but Brock knew that she had seen. Moya rose unhurriedly, Hello, Thayer. I haven't seen you in ages"
 Thayer said, "Our hours seldom overlap like this, do they7"
 "Wowl" thought Brock uncon- sclously as Moya colored. Thayer was angry. The knowledge sent a little wave of excitement through him.
 Before he could speak Moya said, "Nice they did, so we could say hello' She smiled sweetly. T thought I did see you this after noon, though. I was coming out Of the Blood Bank ." way. I had the afternoon of"
 Moyas smile faded. Well, l must be going. Be - seeing you"
 "Thayer." Brock said when Moya left, you can't work and give blood, too"
 She looked at him. Its never hurt me. feel fine"
 You mean you've done 1t be- she flushed. why, everyone does who can, Brock; it's little enough"
 But you never told me-
 Well, gosh -- you don't go around talking about t." Suddenly he felt closer to her than he had at any time since his homecoming. "Thayer - LIS mother appeared in the door AA way. Dinner" she announced brightly. You're late, Thayer. Oh, ! has Moya goneT I was going to ask her to stay"
 The moment was spoiled. Brock felt Q niomentary impotence, then was shamed by the sweetness of his mothers smile. He rose and went on his crutcheS Into dinner I'm thoroughly annoyed" Mrs Kittridge announced later, and at the words T'hayer pricked her ears. "Hildredth phoned. It's that bridge club of hers and someone has dis- appointed her. She simply demands ! All in." Her gaze rested on Brock. "I don't care to be away from home.'
 Thayer hid a smile. Good Aunt HiidrAdkh.