High Pressure

CATHRYN SMITH Pauline regarded John fretfully. She thought: ,"He's so sensible. I don't believe he ever did or said anything crazy in his life. He's absolutely stodgy l" They rode along in silence for a while. John never drove fast, but there was enough wind to whip color into their faces, and Pauline's hair blew wildly. Feeling her gaze, John turned to her and smiled, undisturbed by her frown. The frown deepened. "Can't you say anthing?" she demanded. The smile left his face. His eyes looked hurt. He looked back at the road, his hands tightening, on the wheel while he spoke steadily as if what he said had been said many times before. . "I've told you how I feel. You've known me two years now, and for a year you've been trying to make up your mind. Jerry's a play-boy; I'm not. Jerry's been handing you a line since you were sixteen, and now you think maybe it's strong enough to hang on to forever. Well, you've known him longer than you've known me. Maybe he would make a good husband, but I can't believe you'd want a line all your life. "I love you, Pauline. I love you enough to want you to be happy. That's why I've kept on when I knew the competition was heavy. But it can't go on indefinitely. I may be wrong. After all, you ought to know what you're doing. "I'm no high-pressure man. 1 love you, and you know it, but I'd feel foolish trying to recite poetry about you. You're going to see Jerry tonight. When he talks to you,trytd picture yourself married to him. If you like the picture, don't call me tomorrow. If you decide you'd rather look at me across the breakfast table every morning, call me before twelve, and we can probably ari-atlH-e it." , ?;, Pauline looked puzzled. "Are you trying to tell me that if I don't make up my mind by tomorrow morning, I won't see you again?" John nodded, "Something like that." Pauline moved closer. "John, do you know how many times you've kissed me?" "Tw~ce." The reply came promptly. Pauline rested her head on the seat near his shoulder and' closed her eyes. The car stopped suddenly. "You're home." John spoke brusquely. He jumped out and opened the door for her. She refused his arm, looking at him wonderingly. At 'the door, he said goodbye hurriedly, almost gruffly, and walked swiftly back to the car.