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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1944-03-23, Page 7I » the TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 23, 1944 I NEW SERIAL STORY ..... ut AFiV RT7rT'T'l? JL/x>,jLJ X Jtxxb X X xL by JOHN CAPITOE Hjgaaam They heard the hoarse sputter of a motor, and saw a launch leave the dock. It curved out over the ' lake, leaving a creamy ribbon of foam in its wake, Bob’s voice was grim, “My sainted sister/' he jeered, “and her hapless victim, Mr. Michael Kane—” “Please, Bob! You mustn’t talk like that, We have no right to criti­ cize others, not you and I!” That afternoon Michael walked with his mother and Clare down to the dock and watched Bette and Bob, Stella and Verne in the water, Clare had decided that the water was still too cold, both for herself and for Michael, though he been rather sulky about it. They saw Bette and Bob themselves kup onto a moored out in the water, and Michael’s were drawn to the girl’s figure as _ she stood poised to dive.1 Even in a • twenty feet from the raft and the day of abbreviated bathing suits n<j<1 water foamed as they made swiftly costume was,somthing to catch the*for shore. eye. Of honey beige, it was a mere' breath of color against her golden skin. Arms and legs were naked to the caress of sun and wind ana Michael’s eyes were rather dazed as he watched her. “The child has a lovely figure, his mother murmured, and he agreed with her silently, heartedly. I“. laugh. I Rather daring, don’t you think?” she said maliciously. Michael started to speak, then shrugged wearily. What was the use? He had known that Clare was der waist and he pulled her close. had puli raft eyes catty, that she hated this, lovely girl who had come to live in her home. From the very first she had been coldly critical Bette, “I don’t see anything wrong with her costume/’ “It was designed for swimming and I tnihk She is lovely in it.” Michael’s er’s face in “I’ll race any wager Bob challenged. Bette smiled at him. “I’ve been swimming all my life,” she warned, “And so have I,” he boasted, “Let’s make it a pair o'f silk stock­ ings against—well, a kiss,” “On the cheek,” Bette amended, “However, you haven’t a chance.” “It’s a bet,” he said. He got to his feet and they dived together. They came to the surface when speaking ol' Mrs. Katie protested. eyes went to .gratitude, you to shore, you carp to I Jiig moth’ Bette, for mention,” Bette saw Michael watching them from the dock and was racing. She Michael wasn’t in then she guessed at forgot that she wondered why swimming and the reason—no doubt Clare had decided otherwise. She beard Michael shout, glanced swiftly around, and saw that whole- was ahead of her. She made a Bob des- He heard Clare’s brittle,perate effort to catch up with him, shebut it was too late. When waded onto the beach, near the dock, , Bob was waiting for her, grinning wetly. Bob’s arm went around her slen- THRIFTY SwtOWittf to sairi MONET Even in war-time, when saving is the stern order of the day, borrowing may also be in order. There -may be opportunities to make or save money by having cash obtained through a personal loan. There may be emer­ gencies when ready money will prevent avoidable loss. If you need money for thrifty purposes, do not hesi­ tate to talk over your needs in’ confidence with the manager of our branch in your own locality. Every day we are making personal loans to wage- eaxners, salaried men and women, business and pro­ fessional people, executives and other persons having a steady Income. Our rates are low, our terms are fair: The cost is $3.65 for each $100— repayable in 12 monthly payments. BANK OF MOTREAL FOUNDED IN 1817 A. Million Depositors Enjoy Our Banking Service Exeter Branch: W. J. FLOYD, Manager iz-i and call- Bob and She felt his lips on her cheek and her eyes went past him to the group standing on the dock. Mrs, ICane was smiling at them. Clare’s face was relaxed in sullen, contemptuous lines. Bette’s eyes were drawn to Michael’s face, It seemed to hex* that it was pale and rather grim. Staring down at Bette and Bob, Michael was conscious of anger ,.resentment and jealousy—and edt himself a fool. He hated’’ Parker because of that kiss, part of his anger was directed at himself. He heard Clare laugh, and shuddered involuntarily. She said coldly, “Love’s young dream. How touching!” And then her cynical laugh raked him again, He felt a furious desire to turn on her, to blurt out the bitter things that were in his heart, to shout aloud his anger and resentment, to tell her that he no longer loved her, that something like hatred for her was forming in his heart. He felt his mother’s hand on his arm and sighed. It wouldn’t do to hurt her. There was nothing to do but to keep his word and were front carry on. it began Bob and with Clare seated near by, sullenly through a rain­ window. Stella was taking Michael had disappeared. was assailed by a sudden get away from them all for while. The walls of the There she could be a while, away from con- eyes. She slipped iKane looked through at her. the up in engine, wiping big He his eyes. They held a question had nothing to-do with the which came from his lips. said abruptly, “I’ve been on the platform, her. His hand her, then with- I CHAPTER X Later that afternoon raining. Samuel Parker, Verne Mallory were talking business in front of the fire in the living room, staring washed a nap; Bette need to a little room seemed to be pressing in on her; she was conscious of Clare’s presence, of her eyes stabbing her occasionally with contempt. She had walked fifty feet toward the lake before she fully realized that it was raining. She saw the boathouse at her right, and headed swiftly for it. alone for temptuous the door. Michael startled. He was seated launch, working on the stared at her silently, hands on a bit of waste. ; Bette felt a panicstricken urge to turn and leave. Michael’s voice halted her: “Wait, Bette i” His eyes went over'her. “You’re soaking. You should have stayed in the house.” Bette was troubled by the look in his which words He wanting to talk to you, Bette. I’ve come to the conclusion that I am very stupid. There are so many things I can’t understand- He clambered up and stood facing went out to touch drew quickly. “What is it that you don’t under­ stand?” she asked, and saw that he had forgotten the question as soon as he had spoken it. His smile stabbed her painfully. “If I rendered a complete list of the things I don’t understand, !it would be—-very long.” Bette shook her head. “Perhaps there are questions to which there is no answer,” she said dully. His eyes were on hei’ face again, sharply probing. “What’s wrong between you and Clare?” “Nothing,” Bette Except, she thought, the same man— His next question thoughts: “Why-are Bob Parker?” , Resentment stirred He had no right to ask such a ques tion. “Has it occurred to yoti that we might be in love with each other?” she stormed suddenly. She turned toward the door. “Bette I” She turned to face him again. He took a step forward, then stopped* and the misery on his face was a knife in her heart. “Answer my question, Bette,” he urged huskily; “I—-I feel that I must know1?’ “Bob and I arc to be married. Michael/’ she said steadily. “I think that is all the answer ; tion deserves.” Michael’s face looked i she slipped through the ing it softly behind her, Verne Mallory cornered that- night. The evening had replica of the previous one; had been a jolly affair, followed by dancing. Bette had been pleased to note that Clare had danced but onco with Verne. She was wonder* ing if she had been too quiclc tO suspect something that had nd said .quietly, that we want stopped her you marrying in her heart. your ques- stunned as door, clos- Bdttd been a dinner a pale, untelling mask, lying, it didn’t show door opened; Michael in ed of to i Hensail Institute Meeting Mrs. G. M< Drysdala was hostess for the March meeting of the lien- sail Institute on Wednesday even* a Hospitality Hess was co- Luker, presi- the meeting ing when they held Meeting. Mrs. Geo. hostess. Miss Gladys dent, presided and opened by singing “The Ode” and “The Maple Leaf Forever/’ The minutes were read and adopted, the work sheet passed and collection taken. The roll call was answered by “What Characteristic in Man Makes a Happy Marriage/’ Twenty­ seven members answered the roll call and fourteen visitors were pres­ ent. April home 12 th, basis in fact. It was altogether possible that the sentimental scene she had witnessed at the Parkers' dance had not had the significance she had given It. The young lawyer's lips were curved in a. friendly smile as, he seated himself on the sofa beside her. “Having a good time?” he queried. “Splendid,” she told him, smiling, “I like the country so much better than the city. I suppose I'm hope* lessly rural.” Her gaze wandered over the big jiving room, which was deserted save for themselves. Michael and Clare had gone for a walk; Stella had gone to bed, pleading a head­ ache; Bob was in his father’s room talking business. “I feel that Clare and I owe you our thanks,” Verne Mallory said. “What you saw at the Parker’s dance might very well have given you an erroneous impression of things.” Bette looked at him curiously. His voice Was quietly emphatic, as though he were telling the truth His face wag If he there. The and Clare entered, and went to;vard the hallway which led to the bed­ rooms. They called a cheery good­ night. Bette’s faintly troubled gaze followed them as they disappeared. She sighed. “I’m sorry if I was hateful that night,” she told him. “Naturally, I was shocked. I thought—” “You couldn’t be blamed,” he interrupted, smiling. “You had no way of knowing the truth. Clare and I are nothing more than friends.” “I’m glad,” she assured him simply. . He got to his fee. “Think I’ll take a little walk before I turn in.” She watched him as he went through the front door, and her eyes were^ clouded. She was feeling moody and restless, confused vaguely resentful. “Have I been a silly fool?” wondered. “Have I wrongly pected Clare, simply because I don’t like her and because I care for the man she is engaged to marry?” She closed her eyes and it seemed to her that she could see Michael’s face staring at her reproachfully. He had been silent and distrait at dinner tonight, and she had won­ dered why. She thought of Clare and her face hardened. Innocent or guilty, she couldn’t manage to like Clare. - Bette got‘'to her feet, thinking of a book in her bedroom, a book she had planned to read during the week. She decided to get it, hoping to lose herself in the story. As she turned into the corridor which led between bedrooms to the rear of the house, she saw some­ one at- the back door. The corridor was dimly lit, and, as the door swung open and shut, she could only see that the figure was femin­ ine.. Her eyes were puzzled as she went on down the hallway to her own bedroom. As she opened her bedroom door, she could hear Stella’s calm un­ hurried breathing, and realized that the girl was asleep. Without turn­ ing on the light she crossed the room and found the book she had wanted lying on the dressing table. She tiptoed back to the door closed it softly, planning to in the living room. As she left the corridor turned into the living room, heard a door shut far behind in the corridor, then approaching footsteps. She paused, /feeling strangely uneasy, and turned to see Michael Kane enter the room. His eyes met hers fleetingly, and then he was looking at a folded note in his hand. Bett.e stodd silent, watching his puzzled face as he stared down at the note. He seemed to be torn by indecision. She saw him scowl suddenly, then the note was spread open in his hands, watched his face as he read, made a sound between a laugh a snarl, then his eyes went to front door. “What’s the matter, Michael?’ she asked quietly, and crossed to him. She put her hand on his arm, impellingly. The boy-man whom she loved better than life Was angry, hurt. Her mind worked feverishly, trying to guess at the thing which Was hurting him, trying to fit to- gather the parts of the puzzle. She recalled her talk with Verne Mallory; he had said that he was , going for a walk before retiring. She thought, of the feminine figure stealing thorugh the back door. Her heart began beating faster. Hatt Verne Mallory been lying? Had he , gone out to meet Clare? She was caught by a deseprate i need to help this man whom she , loved, to save him from hurt. She took the note from his trembling fingers and held it in her own cold hand, His sparkling, angry eyes met , hers suddenly. “I found that in the haltway,” he , sneered, “it’s great to find that your fiancee is cheating on you. Oh/ it’s , great-—” (To Be Continued) The business followed, The meeting will be held at the Of Mrs, Wm. Smale on April with Mrs. E. L, Mickle, co­ hostess. A nominating (committee namely, Mrs. Roy MacLaren (con­ venor), Mrs. 0. Cook and Mrs. Orr, were appointed to bring in the new slate of officers for 1944-45. Short talks were given as follows: “Would One Ever be a Guest Without First Being Invited,” Mrs, Albert Shirray; “How to be a Good Guest,” Mrs. Robert Cameron; “How to Leave a Pleasant Feeling on Departure,” Mrs. Claude Blowes; “Family Life and Plans,” Mrs. R, MacLaren. Sgt, Eddie Norminton, who hag just re­ turned from overseas, gave an in­ teresting and descriptive address on his trip from England to Algiers, Africa, etc. Parts of the address were rather pathetic but Mr, Nor­ minton’s sense of humor • made it most interesting as well, Mrs, Basil Edwards gave a splendid ad­ dress on Hospitality and Miss Ellis her usual pleasing manner, fayor- with a humorous reading. A vote thanks was moved by Mrs. Orr the hostess, co-hostess and all taking part. The meeting closed by singing the National Anthem, after which a social hour was enjoyed with contests, refreshments and read Little Fella I Yes, babies have git of war just are «*. been the Their bm rt°uble h ^b^ diaper shortage.,■*. ir pothers, cult for them an busy because our mom mdi- making hundreds o beginning tary Items. But w r bo ?ome to switch gradoany diapcr civitian producuon,our p£ ™ XoN UXTILE COMPAQ UMTT» io® ^nn’t happen rill the wax's that won t napp , to temeni- & importations. ppiypicturewBi available.