The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-12-21

v particularly good points and min imize your bad ones, If any. More. cool, amused voice broke in.
 What on earth are you two talking about so seriously? Hello Linda-haven't seen you before cot cigaret, Tom?"
 The beautiful Fleur, slim ano wlllowy, her hair exquisitelJ coiffed, her curiosly narrow eyei enhanced by soft blue shadows her eyebrows delicately arched her rather thin lips rouged into more gracious lines, drifted out into the central hall. As often Linda immediately felt crumpled and hot and awkward.
 Her guest, stepping down to ad. just a lock of hair by the aid oi a long, low mirror over the early empire sofa, had said nothing oi the cause of her hostess excus- able absence nor commented or her very apparent fatigue. An. noyance, acting as tonic stimu. lant. brought Linda to her feet with bright smile and her most guileless expression.
 Hello, Florrie! How's the game going?"
 By the faint hardening of hei features the other showed that the abhorred name had been heard.
 "All right. I'm dummy. Nh -OeVos is playing my hand" To Linda's keen ear an unconscious Iy possessive note had slipped into the studiedly indifferent voice Before she could answer Fleur went on with the same negligent air, only a little sharpened to wariness as she watched her host ess in the mirror.
 By the way, Linda, only wish had known you were having these people down"
 But you did, child. You were here to dinner Thursday and l fn- vited you some time ahead"
 "Oh, yes - I mean -" It was easy enough to see what she meant but she sought words to express indirectly her annoyance that Linda had given no intima- ton of the unusual attractNeness of one guest in particular. I'm sorry I had not happened to meet MT DeVos before. Pm taking a crowd out tomorrow to the White Horse Inn"
 "Someone backed out ?" Linda was all practical interest. Fleur's airs always tempted her to be IT, ritatingly literal.
 "Why-yes. I was wondering I understand your guests had to stay overnight but expect to go tomorrow. The trouble is, our house is full. Mostly mothers and fathers friends. Such a bore to we that sort for the Fourth of July week-end. l do need an- ether man, Linda darling-
 It was a habit of Fleur's when she wanted anything but did not want to be put in the position of asking for 1t to trail off in an in- determinate sentence. and to wait for the other person to make the actual suggestion. Linda had learned just how long she could leave the unfinished sentence sus- pend in the air between them. thus filling Fleur with vague alarm lest she might have to further her own scheme openly, or worse yet, see it ignored entirely. This time Linda did not indulge in her fav- o-ite bedevilmcnt. Fleur's calculat- ing little maneuver too aptly fitted in with her own cherished plan.
 "That is q shame. I know he'd love to move right over to the gorgeous place of yours. But. FIcur. don't worry. Wed be de- lighted to have him stay here. After all, it seems senseless for him to go back to town Sunday when he would enjoy another day outdoors and have one of your ex- citing parties for the grand climax. Because I m--out of things (she had an impulse to add politely ''Pcrhaps you heard of the death of my cousin?" but restrained i) doesn't mean MT DeVos can't simply stay Ut the house and do as he pleases on his own.'
 The slight cloud on Fleur's un- lined forehead cleared instantly away. Her desires usually ar- ranged themselves thus expedi- tiously.
 "That's too nice of you, Linda! Sure 1t won't be any trouble They must be waiting for me. '' she went on hastily. perhaps fear ling lest her question be taken lit- I erally. "I must go back. He plays a marvellous game of con tract, Linda. Too bad you can't | take a hand for while. MI Prat. plays very well, too" she added magnanimously.
 Then she turned with studied grace--in which Linda detected 3 shade of eagerness-to meet fig ure just emerging from the inner room. It was DeVos and in his beautifully tailored yet informal tropical pongee he had more thar a little of the distinction which had been 50. striking on the pre- vlous more formal evenings. His slight, courteous bow included both of them.
 At your convenience. Mis- Stoner,' he said. You will no join us, Mrs Averill? l should bt delighted to yield my place T your favor"
 With a hasty inner comment or his partners probable reaction tt the idea. Linda refused politely But SO tired was she that until sht saw that Fleur still fingered ant caught the flicker of impatlence 1T 1 the narrowed eyes she did not re, alize her opportunity.
 .4bb, MT DeVos!" She ex claimed. My husband and hav' been Aiking over the plans 10