The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-06-08
a baby" Beryl confided, establish ing a bond between them.

ing a bond between them.
 This bond had developed until Beryl felt that Prentiss must be be- coming seriously interested in her.
 He had asked several times for a date and had always been re- fused until tonight. Some friends of his were giving party in cot tage on the South Shore and he wanted her to go. Beryl had said no and he had begged her to re- consider.
 She had telephoned him that afternoon accepting the invitation. This was after she'd heard that Tommy was coming to dinner. It came over her in a flash that she couldn't endure things as they were much longer. It wasn't enough to stay away from Tommy. She would have to stay away from home, too, when he came to the house. More than that, she'd have to make a fight to interest herself in someone else who would put Tommy out of her mind. Her popularity with the public hadn't done it. Her new clothes hadn't done it. Prentiss hadn't done 1t so far but she had not given him fair chance.
 Tonight she would be different. She would not laugh at him if he became sentimental nor would she hold him at arms length if he grew tender.
 But even as she put the finishing touches to her toilet and tried to harden her mind with worldly thoughts she was thinking about Tommy. She remained in her room
 
 Her relief at his arrival was so evident that both Tommy and Irene thought she must be growing fond of Prentiss.
 Irene had opened the door for Prentiss and held him in conversa- ton a few moments before she ran up to tell Beryl that her escort had arrived. Beryl knew this. She had seen the car at the curb and was putting on her jaunty little sumner evening jacket when Irene opened the door.
 ''Who is he?" Irene asked breath lessly.
 ''Prentiss Gaylord"
 The answer was unsatisfactory to Irene. "Yes, I know his name is Gaylord she said excitedly. But who is hep
 Beryl smiled at her. "You mean" she replied, what relation is he, if any, to Gaylord. the big bubble and father man from Oakdale."
 Irene was offended. "Oh well, of course, if you must be sarcastic when you're asked civil question ." She began but Beryl cut her off.
 "Prentiss is the little bubble and lather man." she explained. He's his fathers son. But let's go down stairs. suppose you introduced yourself?"
 "of course I did! had to be po- lite, didn't IF"
 "Yes, I suppose you had to be" Beryl answered her dreamily.
 Irene flounced out of the room, muttering to herself. Beryl fol- lowed a few minutes later. She had delayed to open a bottle of new per- fume that MT Gaylord, senior, had sent her. He had said he might name it for her.
 Prentiss was talking with Irene when Beryl joined them. Tommy was looking on with a scowl.
 Beryl went up to Prentiss and put out her hands in greeting. Laughingly she said, You're little late. Don't you know you mustn't keep an important person waiting? ?"
 "Be yourself, young lady," he re- torted. Your boss held me up."
 Beryl expected that he would pay her the usual compliment, And are you pretty!" She wished he would, for Tommy's benefit. But he appeared to have nothing of the kind in mind. Although he grinned at her she saw that he was look ing over her shoulder at Irene. In his eyes was a light that she had never seen kindled there before.
 (TO Be Continued)