The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-15

CHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XIV Es A EYER all, Brock does have
 ~ something to say" Moya countered coolly.
 Which Brock?" asked Thayer tersely.
 ''Thayer :" Brock said.
 Let me flnish,' Thayer stated hatly. Her dark eyes were clear and burning upon Moya. "1 do not want you here,' she said. T want you to leave this house now and not come in 1t again while I am here"
 You take a great deal upon yourself, Thayer." Mrs. Kittridge came through the door, her mouth set, her cheeks red with anger.
 T take nothing upon myself that is not my right" said Thayer f1ercely.
 This is my house, Thayer."
 "At your insistence am living in 1t, Mrs. Kittridge. As Brooks wife have certain rights in the house; one of them is to forbid the coming. here of the girl who frankly admits she wants my hus- band"
 "Very dramaticr said Mrs. Kit fridge scathingly. You are the intruder here"
 Not within the law, I think" Thayer answered. She looked un- dinchingly into the eyes of her mother-in-law. T wouldn't hesi- tate to call on It."
 "Moya, I'm sorry you've been drawn into this--this ."
 Was brawl the word you want ed?" Thayer asked. You see, being Kittridge only by mar rtage I have no pride about cov- ering up what might better be brought into the open"
 Look, here, Thayer," Brock in Eerrupted, his face flushing darkly.
 "Oh ." cried Moya snatching up her purse. Brock, will you or will you not take me homeP"
 "She handles car admirably" said Thayer, but you'd better take her home, Brock. And now. Because - really am capable ot losing my temper
 She did not actually look at them as they went out. Some thing had fingers at her throat something was choking the very life out of her, but something else was holding her erect and proud and angry.
 SS A ND just what demanded Mrs
 A Kittridge almost softly when they were alone, do you think you are doing; Thayer?'
 T am trying" Thayer said, to save my marriage.
 Indeed, A marriage that has no reality. Clinging to the letter Of thing when the spirit of 1t is dead. Hurting others because you are too stubborn to admit defeat; that It Is, as I told you long ago, tragic mistake"
 It is you, Mrs. Kittridge, who is determined 1t shall be mistake"
 T am determined that my son shall have his chance for happi- ness"
 This Is all ridiculous, Thayer and most distasteful to me-
 NO, its not ridiculous. You want Moya to have Brock. You know why? Because Moya is pli- ant in your hands; because through her you can have your way with Brock He'll be your boy: he'll never be the man who is your son. In his confusion you've taught him to lean, to evade facing things. Because you're happier that way; 1t makes you feel needed and important. But l won't let you do this to him. There is one thing he shan't turn away from fac- ing ."
 ''Thayer, speak plainly you have never been welcome in this house"
 When I leave this house Brock will leave with me-"
 The older woman smiled. He roics, my dear, will not get you far. It was with Moya that Brock left just now. He made his choice, think. This house held happiness until you came" she said with dignity and turning walked indoors.
 
 THAYER found herself by her II car, struggling for breath as If she had been running. She got in, began automatically to drive. It was force of habit that led her to Drumhead Hill. She came out here often after work to stand where she and Brock had once stood.
 She stumbled from the car now and made her way to the spot where she always came. But found nothing of comfort. She fnlk sink all nvar and stranrnlv