The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-29
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tended her. Besides --- her objec- tions had been a pretense. The truth was that she did not want to call on Marcia Phillips.
 Presently 1t occurred to Gypsy that she could right the situation. She ran to bathe her eyes with cold der puff. touch of lipstfck and she hurried down stairs.
 "Jim," she called eagerly. "Jim-"
 He was not in the living room. She glanced into the library. No one tiiere. A quick search showed the house was deserted except for Matilda and Cora in the kitchen.
 Gypsy returned to the living room. She remembered that Jim's hat had been on the table near the door. Now the hat was gone.
 She heard Pats little feet batter terrier appeared and at sight of of her his tail bobbed cheerfully. Gypsy paid no attention.
 Pat swaggered up to her. Pres ently a cool nose was nuzzling against her fingers. The girl moved to make room for him and the ter rier jumped up beside her. He pressed his small head against her, looking up anxiously. Gypsy stroked his chin but did not speak.
 
 It was nearly six when Jim re- turned. Gypsy was waiting for him. Before they went into dinner she tried to apologize for the earlier scene. Jim interrupted.
 Forget about it." he said quickly. "I was to blame. Please don't think about it any more."
 But I'll go with you, Jim. I should have when you asked me first. I--I want to go."
 Wallace shook his head. Best to forget the whole thing" he said. No importance anyhow. By the way. ordered some shirts that should be sent out tomorrow. They're from Kent's."
 The conversation, once turned, did not return to the disagreement. Gypsy felt certain Jim had called at his aunt home but he did not mention the fact and she could not ask. At the dinner table and later Jim was, as usual, scrupulously con- siderate. Occasionally the girl thought he seemed preoccupied but a moment later he would turn to her with a bit of news from the of- flee or to ask how sam was pro- gressing with the new flagstone path. He left her at S:30 to with draw to his desk in the library.
 All the rest of the week Gypsy watched for danger signals. On Fri day Jim announced casually that Marcia Phillips wanted his advice on some financial problems and that r. l%o fA IrNr tv fr, her the following afternoon. Gypsy glanced up quickly There was no suggestion that she should accom- pany him. The girl said nothing.
 When she was alone Gypsy could never get Marcia Phillips from her mind. She began to wonder what the girl looked like. Had she real ly come to Forest City because she wanted quiet? Gypsy remembered the photograph she had seen in the newspaper and wondered if Marcia were really so beautiful. Most inn portant of all-how did Jim feel about Marcia? How did she feel about him?
 There were no answers to any of these questions. Gypsy kept her speculations to herself.
 Abbie Manley telephoned one morning and told Gypsy she had tickets for the hospital benefit gar den party at the Willises the next afternoon. Its going to be love- ly." Abbie predicted, "Madge Well lington's on the committee and she's told me all about 1t. Can you be ready about 3:3O if stop for you?"
 Gypsy was delighted with the in- vitation. The garden fete was sponsored by Forest City's most conservative social leaders. The proceeds were to supply linen for the new Union Memorial hospital. The Willis home was show place famous rose gardens.
 She put on new frock for the affair-a white crepe with touches of tomato red embroidery and a white kid belt. She wore white shoes and Q white straw hat with q brim that lifted in front. Abbie praised the costume.
 When they arrived already a large crowd of men and women had gathered about the stands where girls in bright frocks were selling flowers. Others were having cool refreshments in the shade of enor- nous beach umbrellas.
 Look" Abbie Manley exclaimed. "There's Madge's booth where they're selling those lovely Italian flower baskets. I must have one! Let's go over before they're gone"
 Gypsy had been watching small boy trying to operate a mechanical toy donkey. She turned. As she did so the profile of a young wom- an not 10 feet away caught her att tention. Gypsy knew her instantly.
 (TO he COntinucd.)