The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-03
coPYRiGHT. HEA SERVICE. INC.

Grand Tour right after school
 Before the war. It must have been wonderful"
 The cloud passed.
 T did have a lot of fun," he ad- mitted.
 ELLEN. went upstairs with the i doctors tray and presently Nancy left the room, with Jim beside her. He put his hand on her arm, in the hall. He said,
 You did him good. You would, you know"
 "Why?" she asked, I'm no earth ly use in sick room :"
 Neither are flowers
 T bet you tell that to all the girls she said tritely. She was pleased as well as amused. It was not a new thing for her to hear, nor was it a new look she had seen in his eyes. She had heard pleasant things, she had seen that look It always interested and excited her There had been a time when it had done more than that. She must not, she told herself think about Drew Warner. I'll never get over it, she thought, go- ing down the stairs with Jim be- side her, never. But I must.
 The last trip with Aunt Martha. The trip on which Aunt Martha had met Christopher and had therefore left Nancy more free than she'd ever been. And Drew walking beside her on the golf course, his dark head shining in the sunlight, his lean sardonic face, expressionless. Drew, astride the beautiful russet mare, riding beside her along leaf-dappled paths. Drew, impeccably attired, leading her into faultless tango while South American band throbbed its heart out. Once Aunt Martha had reused herself from her own roseate dream to warn her niece, You'd best be careful, Nancy, he hasn't a cent, he's been married and divorced he's not young :"
 LIE told her that himself, hold LII ing her in his arms, kissing her with sort of angry despera- tion.
 T don't love you, do you hear me? I'm not capable of loving any woman, and I'm too old for you I'm past 40 If it's any satis- faction to you I want you even enough to marry you, you crazy kid, if I could. But I can't. I've enough to keep me, in comfort, enough with which to amuse my self - but not enough for the things you'd want, a settled mar riaeg, home, children. I don't want those. I tried settled mar riage once. It didn't work. loathe staying in one place. I'm not much good, tell you, Nancy. Maybe I'll enlist in the Navy one Of these days if they'll have me-"
 With revulsion, she recalled her arms about his neck, her voice pledging, T wouldn't tie you down, I wouldn't mind being poor"
 That's what you think. I mar ried a rich woman, Nancy, thought wanted that. liked it for a time. Then ] got fed up. She made a settlement on me, to get rid of me. A settlement, you understand? I'm the kind of man who takes settlements from wo- men. Look, you're leaving tomorrow and don't want to see you again, ever. I'll forget you. And you'll forget me. Or won't you? Have I hurt you enough to make you forget me 2"
 She stumbled, remembering and Jim caught her. For moment he held her pliant body in his arms and was aware of his accelerated pulse.
 Stupid of me-" she apologized.
 They went down, and into the drawing room, Nancy apologetic and explanatory.
 Frank, didn't mean to leave you so long I'm sorry
 Skip it," he said cheerfully. I've been perfectly happy" He grinned, And I've actually suc- ceeded in getting Emily to promise to come to the club with me Sat- urday night"
 You're a miracle man." said Nancy, ''I'v- coaxed and coaxed. But no result"
 Emily's eyes looked across the room into the eyes so like her own. She asked. anxiously, You don't mind, do you?" and Nancy's ans- wer, Don't be a goof,' said as plainly as words, why should F"
 Belligerently Ellen struck the gong for supper.
 (To Be Continued).