away, a train passed; a pinpoint of sound. Yet, despite the outside noises, Jan heard the small tick of the clock on the mantle: the high-heel click of it, putting the propinquity of their home strangely into focus. But her body was not juxtaposed to this focus. The clocks in the ticking mechanism that were herself were not geared to this security. And, instead of the quiet soothing, it seemed a complete antithesis to her feelings and an outburst loomed imminent.

"To invite Phyllis is the only solution." The idea seemed a rationalizing tho, like the alcoholic perhaps who feels the first drink will calm him and knows it will not. With this thought scarcely more than a feeling, cold sparks of sweat burst out on her face, indicative of an inner fire. Lifting the phone from between her crossed legs, Jan placed it with a clatter it with a clatter to her side. Without the support of hands she sprang to her feet; began pacing the square room. The idea of not telling Dellie crossed her mind while the idea of telling her crossed it again, forming a confusion of cancellations. Both ideas when considered each by itself seemed so positive and right. It was a matter of, one. . .I will-and-two . . . I won't. During this dilemma

Jan did not for a moment concede that here she was entertaining betrayal of her relationship to Dellie. The guilt and the desire shared an intimacy which was, she could not think to admit, a devastating union. While eyeing the phone like another accomplice, Dellie came in.

"Can hardly take those stairs anymore," she said.

Jan jumped as tho she'd been caught stealing. "Why didn't you take the elevator?" she said quickly.

"Goes too slow," Dellie smiled. "Besides I knew you'd be home early from rehearsals and. She slipped off her coat, letting it fall to the sofa.

"You' re home early too. How come?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you. It's our anniversary and I closed shop early to get home. Get dressed, Jan, we're having dinner out for once." Dellie flipped through the mail. "What's this? A letter from Phyllis? To you, Jan. Why didn't you open it?"

"Let

"Give it here," Jan said. me see that." Jan split open one end of the envelope quickly when it was handed her, and drew out the letter. "Come Then, slower, here, Dellie, I want you to read this with me."

"Jan, my darling," Jan read aloud when Dellie was seated beside her. She turned to Dellie and faced her with a look of surprise that made her frown comical. Then she leaned over closer to Dellie so that reading aloud was not necessary. "I've been wondering when you were going to come to your senses," the letter read. "I don't want us to be cruel to Dellie, you understand that... but I just knew from the beginning that you were for me. Now I'm sure you know that too. God knows I've done everything in order to convince you. Will be waiting for your call, dearest. With all of my love, Your Love." She left no signature.

"Well, what do you think of that, Jan said, the words cushioned softly in the tone of disbelief.

"Didn't you know what she was up to?" Dellie said.

"Well I. . Frankly, no. I.

. I almost fell for it, Dellie,

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