The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-05-15

this-this ridiculous costume"
 He gave her a mocking bow, practiced eyes taking in every de- tail of her appearance. The lace had been adroitly cut to show every exquisite line of the girls figure.
 "Its a lovely dress" he told her. Monnie widened her eyes at his tone. There was something not quite cordial about 1t. Did he think she was fishing for compli- ments?
 She reddened to the rots of her hair and in that instant Charles Eustace regretted his dis courtesy. Used as he was to the finished wiles of more sophisti- cated women, he had carelessly bulked this young girl with the crowd.
 "Im sorry" he said awkward lly. T really mean it. It is a lovely dress-'
 "Of course, 1t Is old," Monnie faltered, hurt by she knew not what. Its party dress, too, and unsuitable-but I was so hot-I had nothing else so cool-I didn't expect anyone"
 she hated herself for it, but suddenly she was in tears.
 "Do forgive me. I'm an idiot but I seem to be all tired out and we were so busy to-day at the store"
 A big clean handkerchief was pressed into her hands. She strengthened herself mopping at the persistent tears, trying to smile again. But 1t had not been just that. Both she and the man knew that his tone was the lash which had cut her deeply. Charles Eustace said. slowly, Monica. you do know I'm your friend. don't your"
 She stared at him. q hope so. Of course"
 He licked at the bushes beside him with willow switch he had picked up.
 Its only-only that get into one of my bad moods now and again and say things I don mean. I did mean your frock was lovely. But some devil of sarcasm put that edge on my voice. 1 don't know why. Or yes, do. I'm used to the sort of woman who invites comment on her attire. thought. for an instant, that was what you were doing. l ask your par don"
 "But even if had." Monnie began, puzzled, tits no crime, surely, to want compliments?
 He laughed on an uncomforta- ble note.
 "Of course not. Monica you don't know anything about me. I've got Il wretched temper. I've been through some bad times. Some day perhaps I'll bore you by telling you about them,"
 Tt wouldn't bore me in the least" the girl told him demure- ly. Her tears had dried now. The heighten her color.
 Wait just minute. I'll get a scarf for my hair" she said, going back into the darkened house. She paused to scribble q line for her mother and in that instant the telephone rang stri- dently. Her instant thought, as al ways, waking and sleeping. was "Dan!" She put one hand to her breast with an unconscjously dra- matic gesture and called out to the man in the shadows, "Pll an- swer that. Hope you don't mind waiting"
 Lifting the receiver. she was conscious of an almost unbear- able feeling of tension. But 1t was not Dams deep voice that came to her over the wire.
 "Oh, Miss Anstice. Yes. How are you?"
 She put cordiality into her tone. Miss Anstice was an old family friend.
 Charles Eustace, lounging against the pillar outside, heard note of alarm in the quick, terse words that followed.
 "What? Yes - yes. Please tell me. Outside Miller's garage just five minutes ago? There must be some mistake. She's at Rissy s! Thank you. I know you won't. Yes. I'll do something about it. at once-good-by-
 All the color now drained from her cheeks. she returned tol Charles Eustace.
 Something terrible - don't know what to dol"
 He put out a brown, lean hand, hers. "Tell me. I'll help you"
 Eyes big and dark and unsee- ing, she stared at him.
 ''It's Kay. She's gone - with some man. Miss Anstice happened to see them. She's not gossip. She's n reals friend. They had bags. she said. The man WAS asking the best way to Waynes- boro."