trembling on the threshold of something much, much deep-

er.

Pat was waiting in the hotel lobby, as usual, when she got off work at seven. Falling naturally into perfect stride as they walked towards the apartment, Hazel told the big girl of her plans to join Jim. She touched Pat's arm as she finished. "I'll write to you, and...and I want very much to hear from you, too."

Pat paused to light a cigarette, and Hazel noticed, dismayed, that her friend's hands were shaking. But when she spoke, her voice was level and flat, as if every emotion had been forcibly ejected from it.

"Of course, Hazel.

But...but you won't be gone long?"

Hesitating over her words, she answered, "I...I don't know. M..m..maybe not."

Without speaking again, they resumed their walk, but, miserably, Hazel could feel the tight control that Pat was holding over herself. How could she hurt this wonderful girl who meant so much to her? But she had to. Her duty was to Jim, and he wanted her to join him. aybe this time it really would be different. Maybe he'd made up his mind to make a success of their marriage after all. To love, honor and cherish her, as their wedding vows had said.

"I'll see you up

"Here we are," Pat broke into her reverie. to your door, then I'll be on my way," she said crisply. "You've got your packing to do." But her eyes when they met Hazel's were lost and forsaken.

"Thank you, Pat," Hazel murmured, as they started up the stairs, "I'll...I'll phone you tomorrow before I leave."

But there was a yellow envelope slipped half-way under the lock. ed door when they reached her apartment.

"Just a minute, Pat, don't go yet." Hazel touched her arm lightly and she stayed, her eyes watching warily as Hazel read the contents of the telegram.

It was from Jim, of course.

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