Screenland (May-Oct 1931)

32 SCREENLAND him again, but Stephany pushed him gently away. "There's plenty of time for that, Charles. Go now, dear." "It's heaven, darling. I'll see you tomorrow." STEPHANY gave up her job because Charles insisted. She was so busy going everywhere with Charles that she never saw Nicky any more. As for Meyer — he came again just once and displayed so much curiosity about Stephany 's sweetheart, that she had to be brutally frank. "I would thank you to leave me and my friends alone," she told him. She was sorry afterwards when she looked at his face and saw how hurt he was. She made a weak attempt to smooth everything over, but Meyer understood too well — and left. One evening when she was staying at home to rest, Nicky came in. She was genuinely glad to talk to him again. "It's months since I've seen you, Nicky. Sit down and tell me everything." "Steph, there's something I want to tell you. I've had a raise. And my book is going beautifully. I'm almost sure to sell it." "Wonderful — " "Will you take a chance and marry me, Steph?" Stephany turned her left hand — enough so that he should see the diamond. "That chap — Carter?" he asked, certain that it was. "Yes." "And now you have everything you want. Money and position. You're happy?" "Yes," quietly. "I think I'll go now, Steph. I feel as if the bottom had tumbled out of everything." "Kiss me, Nicky," Stephany said quickly. "A sort of good-bye kiss. After this we're only casual playfellows." Nicky put his hands lightly on her shoulders and placed his lips on her forehead. Suddenly she threw her head back and sank into his arms. His lips touched hers and clung to them for long sweet seconds. "Good-bye, Steph." She tried to answer him, but her voice caught and she could only hold up her hand in farewell. Nicky hurried away. A DELIGHTFUL week at Mrs. Barry's. It was almost over now, but soon her whole life would be just like that. Stephany and Charles were sitting under the oak a short distance from the house. "Away from the crowd at last—" Charles breathed. "I want to be with you alone — and hold this sweet hand of yours." "It is nice here. It makes you feel that everybody in the world is thousands of miles away. And down there the water. Isn't it lovely, Charles?" "You are lovelier." His lips brushed the back of her neck. "Where for our honevmoon, darling?" "Florida?" "Bermuda! That's it." Charles seemed suddenly inspired. "Think how wonderful it will be there!" "Delicious." "It's something like Bermuda here tonight, dearest. I can almost imagine we're there now." Stephany was still looking out at the water when she answered. ■ "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were?" He took her quickly in his arms and said low: "Suppose we pretend we're in Bermuda. Kiss me!" His lips sought hers hungrily. "There's your ring, Charles," said Stephany. " You'd be crazy to ditch me!" he answered. "Think of all I can do for you.'" Stephany stood at the window of her room looking out into the blackness of the night. "Sweet !" he whispered. T do love you," she said. "I can imagine we're there now in the garden of a little hotel I know overlooking the sea. In a little while you'll leave me alone, and I'll wait here and drink a night cap and smoke a cigarette. Then I'll follow you. Shall I?" Stephany moved away, a rather frightened look in her face. She felt strangely hurt — baffled.