The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-07-30

heath Mona's feet. She became sharply conscious of her gown-not her own gown but the one Steve had paid for. Women in Barry Townsend's world did not accept such gifts from men. Men in Bar. ry's world did not offer them to wo. men they respected.
 The orchestra was playing. The whirling, dancing throng floated past and for moment Mona wal terrified by the thought that she was going to faint. What would Barry think of her? She had de. clined an invitation to dine witt him in a quiet, exclusive restau rant. Now he found her here in { night club, clothed as he mus l know she could not afford to bs clothed. Wearing Imported chiffor and ermine. She was here witt Lottie, who was frankly noisy. And with Steve, once taxi driver. the son of Third avenue roustabout grandson of the coal and ice dealer!
 It was all very well for Steve and Barry to be on such good terms. Men could associate-in bus. iness-with anyone they chose Doubtless Steve's ability had ir some way made that association worth while.
 Mona thought again of her dress She knew how men talked.
 Great little girl-some locker but poor. Have to dress her up fl you want to step out with her."
 Man could imagine the, furtive wink accompanying such conver- sation.
 Why had she come to this place without asking Steve first who was to be included in the party? Why had the fates sent Lottie-of all people-to this particular place on this particular night?
 Lottie was explaining to Barry that she and Steve were eager "to go places and do things" Steve nodded in agreement with a cer- tain cool politeness. As a matter of fact Steve was not particularly pleased over Lottie's intrusion but his glance, travelling from Mona to Barry and back again, did not re- veal this. Steve's eyes seemed to say "At last I've brought you two together!"
 He rose to move off in the dance
 
 sank into the chair beside Mona.
 Well" he said. grinning, may order for you? I knew I was go. ing to win out but didn't expect il would be as soon as this!"
 His look of appreciation warmed Mona's chilling sense. Why didn't you tell Steve we had met before ? she asked.
 
 Barry opened his eyes wide And let him down? Why, old .Steve's been promising me thi: treat ever since I've known him.
 "As long as that?"
 "And howl"
 Steve must have talked about me a lot. He never wrote. Steve just-well, disappeared. Until thi: morning I hadn't seen or heard oi him for three years"
 Barry's eyes were serious now She was pleased to read defense o1 Steve in those brown eyes.
 "You mustn't blame old Steve for that" he said. "He wanted to ac- complish something before he wrote you. Then he decided il would be better to come without writing. Letters are disappointing sometimes. Steve"
 Has he accomplished anything ?" Mona asked drily.
 Barry drew a long breath. "fll say he has!"
 The girl withdrew her steady gaze and let it travel across the room. The jazz band was blaring noisily. No dreamy waltz now. Hal cyon Club patrons preferred not to dream. The drummer, standing and wearing an odd little hat top- pied on one side of his head. was shouting the words of song.
 "Teil me about you and Steve" Mona urged.
 "steve?" Barrys tone was gentle and deliberate. Mona waited for a slight tinge of patronage but It did not come.
 Barry knitted his brows as fl wondering just how to begin. Well before l sailed for South America met Steve. He had done . couple of good turns for me. Just before ---R few hours before--f boarded the boat 1 ran Into him. Suddenly. We thouEht--I mean I thought I'd Iike Co have him como along. ft looked like good thing Co have Steve along. So he came. ft was lucky. too, lie took tb--weli, my businefs--iT c way 1 never could have dons. Like d duck Co water. I'd never have amounted Co anys thins without Hfovfl'
 n wns niavesn #oTt practically.