Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-11-17

time, giving II a p~retentlouS ap-
~pearance.
The lovely old trees around il,
elms and oaks. we're wired with
electric lights like Christmas trees
and all around the house were arc
lights Is bright as street lights in
the city.
Enormous marigolds made out Of
yellow crepe paper covered every
iIch Of ceiling and walls and great
bouquets Of the natural flower orna-
mented the tables. Little silken
marigold powder cases marked the
seats for the ladies.
Amt il just too sweet for any
thing' Tiny's high accents were
already thrilling TO the unusual occa-
sion. just as the management in
tended. II didn't think Mr.. Mari
gold was so original"
THE landlords an Italian guf-
faXed Fred. doubled up al Tiny's
naivette. "He has a restaurant down
town. too. His ame's Spoldi.'
They walked out on the wide
~verandas. where they had the op-
%pOrtunity TO mix their drinks. Fred
had reserved a table in the center
Of the room. He always believed in
being IN the very center Of things.
The central space had been left
free for dancing, and at the further
end the orchestra was seated. They
danced between courses.
Byrd had the first dance with
Larry, but he was silent during the
entire dance. only making perfume
tory answers 10 her attempt % start
a conversation.
Byrd was so unhappy that she
spent most Of the time during the
first few dances in the dressing
room. dabbling AZ her eyes. which
persisted. IN spite Of all the cold
water she dashed al them, in staying
red.
When she returned she discovered
that the party had grown very
hilarious. The orchestra had in
creased the tempo ~ that couples
were whirling around faster and
lastet. The gaiety was mounting.
Byrd threaded her way through
the cavorting couples. men reaching
out their arms as she passed. or flir'-
ing gayly with her. She was seated
entirely alone at the table. the others
we're all dancing. She wondered III
she was really as queer as she
thought she must be.
She didn't like to drink. She
didn't like to smoke. She didn't like
running outdoors every little while
n sit in some dark corner and be
kissed. She would have liked 10 have
had a few intimate friends who
would have run in informally and
spent the evening discussing ideas
not clothes or liquor or road
houses.
She would have liked = tinv house
with fat pillars like Margy's. and
nerhaps one or two babies like
Margy's. And Just Larry 10 make
her completely happy.
a waiter tapped her on the. shout
der and inquired il Mrs. Duncan was
IN her party. She was wanted on
the telephone. Byrd found Marcy
dancing with Fred. and went II the
telerhone with her.
"The baby's sick" she said 20
Byrd. coming out Of the telephone
booth. "Tell Jack I've taken a taxi
and one home. I'll call him il its
anything serious"
Byrd delivered Marry's message n
Jack. who hardly seemed worried.
He told Byrd he'd telephone home
in . little while.
Then Jack asked Byrd 70 dsnce.
He held her so close that Byrd
writhed in his arms. She looked to-
ward their table. but il was empty.
She had a choice If submitting 10
I2ck's idea Of dancing or sitting ~
the table alone. He really was a
beautiful dancer. and Byrd was Just
beginning 20 dance very we'll. too.
They danced on without a word.
"You dance we'll" said Jack. fin
ally. why don't we do this
~oftener?"
Just then her eve caught Larry
end India. dancing together beauti-
fully. gracefully. as IL they were
folded into n swaving FIGURE.
II wish We might" said Byrd.
Then she could have bitten out her
tongue. She knew she had wanted
70 dance with Jack Just 70 make
Larry jealous. but she also knew she
would never 20 out with him alone.
eve- T. dance.
well, WHY don't We" continued
Jack persistentlv.
Because 7 don't make engage
ments with men," said Byrd. quietly.