probably could do a whole lot better."

Marion's laughter rang out merrily. "My dear little Connie, you make me sound like a siren!"

"Well, you could be just that...to the right person."

Marion laughed again, but Connie's blonde brows wero drawn together thoughtfully.

"You never met the right person at the right time," Connie maid. "Perhaps before this it was too soon, I grant you that; but now is the perfect time, and you're running away...to be an old granny."

Marion sighed. "Perhaps it is the right time for me to be an 'old granny,' as you put it. I've been living alone for many years, Connie. My husband died a long time ago, and I've never met anyone else. I'm...I'm what you might called 'tired,' I suppose.

of watching other couples.

Tired of being alone, of waiting, Being an old granny won't be

half as difficult. I'll have John, and Gloria, and tho children. Perhaps I won't be ecstatically happy, but I'll be content."

"...and old!" Connie replied.

"

"Well," Marion said, "I'm afraid I can't beßome young again.' There was a soft glow in her dark eyes as she studied the face of the younger woman. She liked Connie, liked her spirit, her determination, her vital bubbling courage.

After a short silence Connie asked, "What's your son's place like, anyway; Marion?"

The older woman brightened. "Oh, it's just charming, Connie. It's a small cottage in the suburbs, surrounded by a lovely garden, with trees, and flowers, and fresh air that's not contaminated by city soot."

"Sounds okay. Do you have your own room when you go there?"

"Oh, yes," Marion replied.

"I have my own private little room, with three big windows opening right off the rose

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