New Britain herald., 1930-07-17
THREE SPARkLERS

Mary Lou was to begin in Jay's gown shop at salary of two pounds a week. Out of that. one pound would go to Jay for food and lo15- lrg. and another would be set aside as a sinking fund 10 pay for 1Ae dresses she already had taken from the shop, and for others she was sure to need soon.
 The ten shlllings her father al- lowed her would help for such mIs- ceIaneous current expenses as silk stockings.
 Tn never be able to thank you enough, Jay" Mary Lou told her at breakfast. If you only kn-v what q load IS lifted of my mird by nor having to go back 10 Frin- wood"
 T can well imagine it." Jay chuckled. The delights of the country are not to my taste. either Come down to the shop when VOL teel like It and I'll have Miss Fletcher explain some Of the rou- r.ne work 10 you"
 When Tony called a while later. Mary Lou broke the news 10 him.
 Jays offered me a Job in her shop" she told him excitedly. Isn't that wonderful? That means never need to go back to Erin wood again, except for visits. Isn't # darling Of her?"
 Great" rejoined Tony He was distinctly relieved to hear her ani- mated voice over the phone, He had been a bit hesitant about calling her, for the moment Of the night before. when he had held her ln his arms and kissed her. fingered dis turbingly in his mind.
 And - are you happy other v1se?"
 Oh, yes" Mary Lou replied vitn- out hesitation. Isn't Il lark, I've been chuckllng over it ail morning. We'll have great fun. Tony"
 Tony was glad Of her reasslr- ance- They arranged to meet that afternoon, when he was to give her the ring
 Three sparklers." he told her. Lets go to the tea dance at JAe Berkeley Then I'll slip it on your finger in grand old style"
 Fine laughed Mary Lou.
 Her animation vanished IS soon as she replaced the receiver. She sat there for time. her elbows on her knees, her chin cupped in her hands
 Was t right to accept ring from Tony when he had no lnten- ton whatever Of marrying hcc- Was it quite right to play this game ot make-beIiave? Mary Lou won- dered what her father would say when he learned of it.
 Yet she had agreed 10 play the game with Tony and there was nothing else to do. Nevertheless she thought. was 1t quite fair of him to demand so much Wasn't { bit selfish?
 Look here, Mary Lou" she finally told herself, you've got to eanish the blues. This cake may he stale at the bottom, but there toffee on top. And you'd better eat up that totfee as fast as YOU can" A few minutes later she was in Jays sIop, receiving her first les scn ir salesmanshlp from Nj Fletcher,
 She had taken Mary Lou 10 the u2stairs alteration room, and they nere inspecting | rack of new gowns which had just arrived
 Never assure q customer that 3 certain dress looks well on her when 1t doesn't" Miss Fletcher 1c- marked with emphasis
 That's maxim No 1." said Mary Lou. but supposing the customer wants 10 be convinced ?"
 That is one of our greatest difficulties" Miss Fletcher agreed You must persuade her, tactfulIy that some other dress would be much better. Tell her that another dress shows off her figure 10 much more advantage. that she'll really look more smart In the other dress hat you've decided to sell her Show her some gown that will loo6 well on her, and tell her it's the smartest thing in the house" ~' Wonderful" Mary Lou smiled