The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-09-29

him some choice in the matter. Now, she realized. he would be fortunate to get work on any terms.
 It was an ordeal to reach the office promptly on those late sum- mer mornings and 1t was an ordeal to endure the long hours at the store. Often when, with frayed nerves and aching heart, Eve tried to finish her copy so that she could meet Dick promptly at clos- ing time, she thought of other wives she know--wives like Esther who could, if they choose, take q nap in cool, shaded room or spend the afternoon on an airy porch or lawn. And she thought enviously of women like Mir Blk bys wife and daughters at nfSun- tain or seaside resorts with noth- ing more arduous to do than to change from one charming cos- tune to another.
 She told herself that when her stock market investments mate- rialized she, too, would have a pleasant, easy life.
 Another thing that vexed Eve was her inability to take advantage of the many bargains that heaped Bixby's counters as the summer waned. All of her salary except the small sum necessary for lunches and incidentals went into Atlas Coupler. And of course she could not ask Dick for money from his savings without explain ing why she had none of her own.
 This was especially hard to en- dure because Arlene and Mona. whose wages were much smaller than hers, were buying liberaliy.
 Mona gleefuliy exhibited some new bit of finery after every pay day. T doubt if she ever had $50 salted away in her life," Eve told Arlene after Mona had left the office one evening, wearing new hat. DO you suppose she ever looks ahead at all - ever thinks investing for the future?'
 "She was looking to the future when she bought that come-hither hat. A good investment, too! She looks so sweet and innocent in 1t that I'm almost deceived about her myself. If she could hold that pose long enough believe she could marry some one really worth while. But the mistake she makes is in going out with any man who in- vites her. She thinks 1t makes her seem popular to have 0 date for every evening. Well, it's just reck- less for her to be seen with some of the men who take her about Sam and I are always meeting her and Sam knows about some of the men she goes with. None of them are much good. One is married and another Is an out-and-out racke- teer. Sam thinks ought to do something about it-be an uplift- ing influence in her young life and see that she meets some decent men,"
 Did you tell him how she edged her way into Freda's party and how she repaid me for the invita- tion to mine ?" Eve asked.
 Heavens, no! He'd just think me catty and he might even decide to rescue her himself.
 Do you know" Arlene went on thoughtfully. i've sometimes won- dered why she doesn't try to vamp Barnes. The fact that he's mar ried wouldn't make any difference to her. She's the kind of dumb Dora who'd believe any man even MT Bixby himself - could be vamped if she went about it in the right way.
 "I'll always be glad for my .busi- ness experience" Arlene continued. If I marry I'll never be jealous of the girls in my husbands office I'll know the average man has about all he can do when he SUD- ports a wife, a couple of kids, a fiivver and radio set and that probably he hates the way his stenographer wears her hair, be- grudges the time she spends pow dering her nose and wishes she knew how to spell and punctuate correctly"
 This was a long speech for Arlene. Somehow 1t comforted Eve. In the present state of his finances Dick was in no position to philander. even if he were so in- clined.
 Eve tried to put aside her re- sentiment at the fact that her hus- band did not seem to worry over his unemployment. She did. how svar. re@art his refusal several