The Wilmington morning star., 1947-05-21
CHAPTER NINETEEN

Diane was in the kitcnenette
when she heard Bill come in. She
did not 60 into the living room to
meet him. She took up a pan and
emptied the peas she had shelled
irto it. Her hands shook and the
peas made a sharp rafting sound
against the pan and some spilled
over onto the table. She did not
know how Bill would act in his
triumph. If he'd lost-Rufus had
said-But he'd won.
e. Bill appeared in the door. Hell
10! 1 didn't think you were home!"
He put his arm over her shoulder,
kissed her. 1t was no different
from other homecomings.
early, isn't it?" Diane busted
herself with gathering up the
spilled peas.
Eyes. The trials yer Staples
is cleared" There was satisfac-
ton in his voice, but he kept it
controlled. Gas if it were only his,
alone, to feel" Diane thought,
swiftly.
Bill turned toward the bedroom.
Don't start any dinner. Mother
wants us to go over there. Sort OF
4 celebration, l suppose"
They'd celebrate-there!
Diane put the pan of peas in
the icebox, shut the door with a
1:lI1- .1ax, ssEor,a1oo
Heavens, no. She only thought
q it two hours ago. Go as you
are"
Two hours ago Bills. mother,
like Page, had bought a news
paper. Or perhaps Bill had tele-
phoned to her! Diane stood still,
considering that, urging On her an
ger, for strangely she welcomed
if. It was better than feeling moth
ing.
She vas at the dressing table,
lining red along her lips, when
Bill came in from his shower. She
could see him through the mirror,
see that the strained look was en-
t;rely gone from his face; he was
whistling a tune as he dug into a
bureau drawer for clean clothes.
But he was keeping his rejoicing
to himself! Well, what if she kept
to herself that she was going to
have a baby?
He Strengthened and met her
glance. came over to her, his
socks in one hand, a shirt in the
other, and kissed the top Of her
head. whats on your mind, Di?
We'd better hurry"
She put down her lipstick. II
was wondering if your mother'd
have anyone else there. Maybe I
ought to change. After all" her
eyes challenged his through the
glass, "it's a rather special occa-
sion, isn't it,"
But Bill was slipping his arms
Into his shirt. "You look all right"
Diane sprang 10 her feet. "Ill
mix a cocktail while you're finish
ing" She went past him and out
into the kitchenette.
She had the shaker and two
glasses on a tray il the living
room when Bill came. in, dressed.
She filled the glasses, lifted hers.
ITO Dean, Meadows and Arden"
Bill shook his head. with a little
laugh. Better hold that, Di, till it
happens"
Mrs. Arden met them at the
door. She took Bills face between
her hands and kissed him. can
other moment for her to remem-
ber," thought Diane. Bills father,
behind Mrs. Arden, advanced to
shake Bills hand, his face ami
mated for the moment. Fine
work, SOM"
From the sunporch came the
Matthewsons, Page and her father
and mother. II asked in the ones
closest to u.s." Mrs. Arden ex-
planned smilingly to Bill.
They gathered around PIl with
eongratulatory we r S. Allithea
Matthewson kissed him. "Ill dare
now! I can't when you're any
more famous." Mrs. Winston
kissed him. II have the right, I
guess! I bathed you once when
your mother was sick!"
This must be a happy hour for
you" Oliver Matthewson said to
Diane.
She assured him brightly that it
was. With her anger growing. for
over his shoulder she saw Page
kissing Bill, as the older women
had done, but with her face il1um-
ined. And Bill, looking as if he
liked it!
At Mrs. Arden's summons, they
went on into the dining room. Mrs.
Arden indicated to Diane to take
the chair at the right Of Bills
lsther; Bill sat down next 10 her