The Wilmington morning star., 1947-04-09

you overwhelm me. Besides, two
against one isn't fair. And I can
see you and Sherry are of the
same opinion. I think my view
point is far more general - but
let's not argue. :"
They didn't argue after that.
The next hour Or SO passed pleas
antly enough. The foreign food
was delicious, the background Of
gypsy music gay and sparkling.
A semblance of friendliness
wrapped the three Of them about.
And yet, Sherry thought, Kay was
not really friendly with her. It
was as though she looked out, her
dark glance coolly appraising
from behind some barrier that
shut them apart. And Sherry had
the impression that Kay had rails
ed the barrier deliberately, that
she had agreed to come with Lex
tonight to meet her, not with any
idea that. they might like each
other, simply as a strategic meas
ure.
Sherry thought to herself, it's as
though she wanted to get to know
me personally, so she could judge
whether / vas any threat against
Lexis feeling for her. Well, I'm
not. Surely she can see that. So
now that she's found out, why
does she still stay there, distrust-
fully, on the other side of her
wall?
Sherry asked, trying to get
through to her, "You and Lex
have known each other a long
time. haven't your"
"Oh, for ages" Kay said. "We
met at Cassie Clyde's debut party.
Four years ago, vas it, Lex?"
"Just about"
Their eyes met in a long, re-
menbering look. And Sherry felt
shut out, superfluous. But she had
brought it on herself.
We'd just had time to get well
acquainted" Kay went on, the
little dimple showing in her
cheek, when Lex enlisted and
was sent of to Texas"
Deep in tn heart of - -"
Lex grinned. That's . where I
spent the next few months" He
added then, his eyes warm on
Kay's face. We got engaged on
my last leave"
Darling - all these. PERSONAL
ties!" Kay murmured reproach-
fully. Were boring poor Sherry
to death"
"No, you're not. Sherry de-
nied. I'm interested, really"
She thought, You're not boring
me-but it hurts. Still, that's my
own foolish fault. Before tonight,
before I knew Kay as a real per-
son, there was a sort of unreality
about Lexis love for her, about
their being engaged. 1t was-like
something I'd read, Or heard
about, but didn't quite believe. /
wouldn't let myself believe it.
But now I know 80.
Hearing their "reminiscences,
Sherry couldn't help seeing them
together at the various times and
places they mentioned. Kay and
LEX, dancing In each others
arms, sitting in. theaters, looking
deep into each others eyes across
little restaurant tables. Kay, kiss
ing Lex goodbye at the station
and standing alone, watching him
stride off. Kay, waiting to meet
him when he came home again
three long years later.
But they're still apart. Sherry
thought. A d Lex was unhappy.
She supposed K was, too. 1t
seemed so foolish, such a waste
Of something precious and ire
placeable. . But it was none Of
her business, S h e reminded her
self. 1t was up to them to work
out. She sat there, keeping the in
terested smile on her face SO long
her muscles ached with it. u
not so badly as her heart ached.
Finally dinner was over and
their last cigarettes smoked. In
the street outside. with the cold
raw wind from the lake whipping
about them. Lex suggested a little
drive.
But Sherry said, Not for me,
if you don't mind. I was up aw-
fully late last night. I'm tired"
The excuse sounded lame in her
own ears, but the others accepted
it readily enough. They dropped
her off at her apartment.
It's been a lovely evening""
Sherry s a i d, and thanked Lex.
She added then, looking at Kay,
II enjoyed meeting you. l hope
we'll see each other again"
You will" Lex said heartily.
I'll attend 10 it."
Kay murmured politely, Ten
Logged meeting you, too"
2ood,hyes were saie A>A SsA~"