The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-05-15

display Matilda's art as a cook. Gypsy. as she got out the fine old silveware, told herself that she might be a failure as Jim's wife but she would show him she knew her duties as a hostess.
 She took Anne upstairs to the lit- tie jewel-box of guest bedroom and was pleased when the other girl praised it.
 You know, Anne,", she Said, T was thinking of you when we planned this room"
 "Oh, you did it over ?"
 .'The whole house. Of course, I didn't really do it myself. I found a decorator and we worked to- gether."
 You made a splendid job of 1t. I'm going to copy those curtains in my room at home. Does your decorator ever come to New York?"
 "I suppose so. l can find out"
 Tell her to come to see me the next time. I might give her com mission"
 Gypsy went to her own room to dress. It had been decided that after the dinner they would drive out to the Golf and Tenpis club where there was dancing on Thurs days. Jim was eager for his guests to see that here and there Forest City had a metropolitan touch.
 For some reason which the girl could not have explained it seemed terribly important tonight to Gypsy to look her best. It would be the last time she appeared with Jim. Of course they would dance to- gether. The thought of Jim's arms about her set her to trembling.
 Dressing became ceremony. She put on her daintiest, most fragile undergarments. The chiffon gown was still ruin. Gypsy had only one other that was suitable white crepe. She slipped it over her head. The white silk contrast ed with the ivory of her arms. She studied the effect in the mirror and added a necklace of scarlet beads. That was better. She touched the stopped of the perfume bottle to the nape of her neck, her lips and the palms of her hands. Having done all that she could to make herself desirable she turned and went down the stairs.
 She was alone in the living room when Jim entered. If he was im- pressed by her appearance he said nothing about it. Gypsy went over to him.
 q haven't, told them," she said in a low voice. Do you think we should ?"
 Jim shook his head. "Announc- ing a divorce is hardy subject to put guests at ease," he said coolly. q think the announcement can wait" He had never spoken in that icily formal tone before.
 They heard Anne and Phil com- ing down the stairs. There was no time to say anything further. Anne was in pink lace and seemed un- usually animated. Phil boasted of the. improvement in his golf game. Gratefully Gypsy let the others talk and sat back listening.
 A little later they went in to din- ner. Matilda had equaled the em- ergency. There was no evidence in the tasy dishes set before them that the meal was impromptu. It was better food than Gypsy had ever eat en at Anne Trowbridge's home. Again there was candle light and a gay floral centerpiece. How lovely Anne looked when she smiled!
 By George!' Phil Trowbridge spoke up, "You know I never real ized before how much Gypsy looks like Anne!'
 "Ive always thought they looked alike," Jim told him. except of course that Anne's taller and her eyes are blue"
 And Anne doesn't have curly hair" Anne herself reminded him. Aren't you simmer than you were, Gypsy?"
 was untrue. Gypsy knew that her face had become thinner within the last five days.
 "Well, I'll tell you one thing, Anne continued, turning to Jim. II had no idea when you married her that Gypsy was going to turn into such a perfect housewife. You two certainly must be comfortable!
 Jim's answer was sufficient if faintly eyasive. Whereas Gypsy was quite throughout the meal Jim did a great deal of talking. He re- peated facts and figures about For est City's growth and development until the girl was sure Phil and Anne must be bored. Coffee was served in the living room and at nine o'clock the quar- tet set out for the country club. They drove in Jim's roadster. With Gypsy and Phil tucked into the rumble seat behind. That was an agreeable arrangement because Phil took the conversation into ms own hands and an occasional yes or mo" was all that was necessary from Gypsy.
 The crowd was already dancing
 
 ored lanterns strung about the edge of the broad veranda and swaying couples circled the floor. A few others were dancing inside. Some of the men were in white flanRels.
 Jim led the way up the steps and the girls left their wraps in small side room. The two men were waiting when they reappeared. The orchestra was playing q mel ody that, for all it's compelling rhythm, held notes of plaintive en- treaty. It was the song of lover pleading with his sweetheart.
 They went out on the porch. Jim's arms circled Gypsy and they moved away together. Their steps matched perfectly. The girls head was just above Jim's shoulder. Her heart pounded so that she dared not glow of the lanterns. the night breeze touching her cheeks softly, all inspired mad. ecstatic longings. She felt Jim's arms pressing her more closely. Summoning all her courage Gypsy raised her head and met his eyes.
 "Jim!" she murmured softly.
 "I had letter today from Bruce, he told her curtly. "The man wrote to in Reno. It's all arranged If you want to leave Monday. V <U,<~ n,.. f,n,ss.l.shSsfll