Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-09-25


exit In the direction Of savory smelling
kitchen.
Judy concentrated swiftly and made search
- ing inspection of the room. Then she
poked speculative finger in the pottery vase
which held the table flowers. No water as far
as her finger could reach! Hastily, but
glass into the vase, giving the flowers therein
very stimulating but probably unappreciated
drink
Bert bree7ed back the table Finished
already?" he inquired in surprise Have
mo, thanks" Judy refused hastily; "Ive had
plenty Besides I'm getting awfully hungry"
"Dnner'n be right in" he assured her. I'm
getting hungry too. I had drink out in the
Kitchen" he confessed confidentially. Made
Mario buy me one on the house"
Judy was enjoying delicious and unfamiliar
rninestrone when the doorben pealed again
Customers. In very short time, all the tables
were filled. Mario buzzed around as busy as an
ant. Bert exchanged joyous greetings with
some Of the newcomers Sleek, dapper young
men with well oiled hair none Of them as
good looking as Bert, Judy decided critically;
young girls with beaded lashes and ready
laughter. At first, Judy felt intentionally
childish and strange among them but they
we're all SO pleasant and 50 gay that she forgot
to be shy
After everybody had finished dinner, much
coaxing was brought to bear on Mario and he
brought out q gay glittering accordion As
Judy assured Bert, she had never known that
you could get such jazsy music out Of an &C
Gordon They danced.
The cook, stin in his cap and apron. was now
serving as bartender and kept very busy.
Judy eyed the drinking In amazement and with
trepidation. However, to her surprise, none OF
them seemed to show any effects to speak Of.
Their laughter was q little louder, perhaps,
and their talk little gayer. And Bert
you'd never know he had a drink.
But Judy still eyed her glass obviously and
connived a stratagem. What with all the visit
ing around between tables. she found it was
very easy trick to set down her own full glass
and casually pick up somebody's empty glass.
Very simple and it worked perfectly; nobody
noticing he artful strategy.
Bert was divine dancer. OF course, as he
explained and she realized, he really couldn't
show of his real proves as dancer on such
q tiny space. But her steps fitted in perfectly
with his and she glided and whirled In beautiful
rhythm carried away with the intoxication OF
excitement; something different and slightly
forbidden
Twice he paused, leaned down and kissed her.
Gay with the stimulating revelry, flushed with
the daring of it ALL Judy was acquiescent.
why not? It was pleasant Perhaps on this
night Of nights. romance had finally entered
her life. 1t was all just like scene from
motion picture.
Gee, you certainly can hold your liquor"
Bert complimented her gratefully. Some OF
these dolls are fierce! See that one standing
near Mario? She'll be under the table before
the evenings over She always Is"
Judy,s lashes dropped coyly hiding her du-
plicity. Some else asked her for q dance.
She was making quite a hit with the others.
she discovered, and Bert magnanimously en-
joyed her popularity. However, II she danced
too long with any one, he always masterfully
delight.
When Judy finally peered at watch and
discovered the time. she had q frightened.
Cinderella midnight feeling. One O'Clock
Her mother would be worried If she happened TO
wake up and find that she was still out.
As Bert finished dance with one of the
beady dashed girls. she crossed over to him In
somewhat Of a panic and asked to be taken
home
Shank Of the evening"" Bert objected with
frown. Don't be that way!'
But Tve~got to get home" she insisted.
Its awfully late
Bert surveyed her thoughtfully. "Okay." he
finally agreed with knowing smile; come
on let's scram!'
A MID a fulsome ovation OF farewells they
made their exit. Judy was genuinely loathe
to leave the gay and friendly gathering; she
felt as If they had been her good friends for
ages Mario had begged her to come again.
Well perhaps, in the future, she would spend
gamorous evenings at Mario's. She hoped so.
Bert swung the down the hill, over to
the boulevard and turned west.
Judy frowned thoughtfully. Where are We
going?" she asked.
Home" he smiled inyitinely Isn't that
where you wanted to go?
But don't live in this direction" she
objected with cold, premonitory shiver.
But do" he answered softly.
Stark, unreasoning panic descended heavily
upon Judy She wanted to scream; she wanted
tn hmm blindlv ont of the car