Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-16

intrusted her son. TAKE care of him. she
said, white-faced "Oh, you'll take good care
Of him? I have to go away-to work-for
little while" That little while was is years.
A T first she looked for fine man who had
money who would marry her and love
Roger his own. Everywhere she went she
looked for him. In cafes in dancing places.
Always her eyes strayed past and beyond her
companion of the moment, looking for him.
Later she looked for money. Simply that, and
all of it she could get.
When Roger was 3 he had mittens of fur,
and a puppy, and a silver mug for milk. When
he was he had a red automobile and Liberty
bond in the bank. He went to kindergarten
and was kept immaculate with soap that cost
80 cents q cake. His guardian, Mrs. Will
loughby boasted to the neighbors of his
mothers phenomenal success as a dressmaker
in New York City. You know she has shop
now. Yes, all her own Well, always knew
she was smart!"
Once a friend Of Mrs. Willoughby's on trip
to New York tried to find the shop and failed
This was duly reported, via MRS. Wiloughby
to Jenny Miller, who wrote at once OF new
triumphs. She had given up the shopl She
was designing now for a wholesale house in
the Thirties, at salary that is really big, and
will increase, I think
Apparently it did. Roger 10 years old, was
sent to a boarding school, the most expensive,
the most exclusive. In the Summer he was
sent to private camp. He grew. He acquired
muscles, a handsome tan, a smattering of
learning, circle of polished young friends
with tailored clothes and allowances that were
. large, but not larger than his. He became what
adults fondly call "a little gentleman" He
shot up, and the adjective had to be left out
But the noun remained.
His mother was proud proud. The briefest
thought of him could initiate her heart like a
sudden wind blown in. This she had created,
no matter how this perfection, this young
elegance. She was proud of his week ends at
great estates, of his easy use Of grand and
glittering names. On the rare occasions when,
dark clad and chary of speech, she visited
him at school, she was proud of his patent
popularity. AS time went on she sensed =
certain fastidiouSness in him, and she was in
sanely proud of that.
Somehow it seemed to balance things q
little.
March 10th.
Dear Mother:
Just line, as am writing in French class
and may be called at any moment. 1 had
your wire, and the fudge, which was marvellous.
/ am looking forward to the 18th, which is the
day I arrive. Vacation starts the oath as /
told you, but have to stay over here an extra
day on account of this play I'm supposed to be
in and will leave the 25th, getting there
the Goth, Sunday. Don't try to meet me- as
\
straight to the apartment when get In. I
certainly am wild to see you and thousand
things to tell you and ask you. What would
you think about my going to Europe for the
coming Summer with Randy Britton-hes the
English prof-and a bunch of the fellows? I've
never been, as you know. and it's high time.
Think 1T over, and we'll talk about it when
get there. Hastily,
r.
He was coming tomorrow. Tomorrow Not
Awn1 H.
now, but just overnight from nowl It was
song in the mind Of Jenny Miller, alias Mont
gomery. It was a warmth in her heart All
afternoon she had toiled at the little apart
ment on the side street, getting it in readiness.
Making it look lived in. Winding clocks, put
ting flowers and new magazines around Bak-
ing chocolate cake. a lemon pie, loaf Of
nut bread-for tomorrow!
She had not wanted to return here to the
roof bungalow 1t spoiled joyous anticipation
just little to return. But this was Saturday
night. big night and profitable: she really
ought to be here, since she could. After tonight
the place must get along without her for q
time. She would not come near 1t while Roger
stayed. She would tell him that the firm had
given her ten days of, and she would be
happy happy.
Purple velvet" she said to Eallie. The
one with the feathers on the hip. Here give
1t to me. You 60 see who's out there"
1t was seven O'Clock. The vanguard of the
thirsty had already arrived, heralded by q
long buzz Of the bell
Eulie left the room. Jenny Miller made Of
the purple dress a cipher of folds, and slipped
1t over her shoulders and pulled it down It
was skin tight and knee high, with tiny
tagging train. Against the background Of the
train her legs were gold chiffon, tapering
prettily TO gold shoes like miniature boats with
her sterns set on high gilt poles She donned
jewelry next. A pair of long gold earrings Two
fro11 hroN tf0I1k vr;Szo
cuffs. She took her time. From her dressing
room. through doors aiar she could hear Voices