The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-02-23
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY


 lunch with her.
 NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 CHAPTER XL
 Half an hour later Sheila was in the dressing room stepping out of the beautiful frock Henri had ere ated. She was about to don her own modest attire when there was a knock at the door.
 Gordon answered. From be- hind the screen that concealed the girls when they were dressing Sheila recognized Henri's voice. "Tell Miss Shayne," he said. that she's to lunch with you and me in my office. There are some things l want to talk to her about"
 Sheila's eyes filled with dismay. She heard Gordon answering, agreeing and then the door closed
 But I've a date." Sheila pro- tested. What shall I do?"
 Gordon's eyebrows rose. You want to keep your pOb, don't you? Then you'd better do as Henri gays
 Sheila said nothing more. She finished dressing and Gordon. bustling through the door carry ing a frock. cheerily assured Henri that Miss Shayne would be ready in a moment.
 'Come along with her" the de- signer said. "I want you there, too, to talk about the showing this afternoon"
 Tea hour on Friday was always an event at Henri's. Customers gathered to see the newest inn ports, as well as Henri's own de- signs. The mannequins understood that they were to look their best on. Fridays. The week was behind them, They might be weary but the next day was Saturday and no one shoppcd at Henrfs on Saturay. Tho fashionable women who bought their gowns there were to be found at their homes in Vest clieytcr or on Long Island or at any number of exclusive resorts. on Saturdays the mannequins appeared as usual at the shop but they were seldom asked to display frock.
 If Henri wants to see you about the tea hour another of the models told Sheila, "it means you've made hit win WY hm' You're in luck, my dear"
 Mrs Gordon interrupted. "All right. Sheila. That's your name, isn't it? Wed better go now. think Henri wants you to wear ono Of the bridal costumes this afternoon"
 Al the two moved down the cor ridor toward Henrfs private or flee Sheila saw Dorothy Trevor waiting.
 was your date with Miss Ire vor?" Gordon asked. "Glory be, Jenri'd be furious! You cant hobnob with the customers out side the shop. It's against the rules. Too much danger or spill ing trade secrets. 4oud bettcr send Miss Trevor note and tell her you are in conference
 Gordon reached into the pocket Inf her gray uniform and pro- duced q pencil and pad. Sheila wrote a few hurried words and dis patched the folded note by mes senger boy who returned with card on which Dorothy had in- scribcd a telephone number and the words, "Call me tonight
 Sheila decided that she would call. There could be no harm in that, surely. Dorothy was nice kid and friendly. Besides, she was Dicks cousin.
 As Gordon had surmised, Henri had plans for showing the new wedding gowns. They were all imports from Paris and Henri said the brides dress was exactly the type Sheila could wear better than any of the other girls. There was another gown for the maid ot lac h,.i, ,l ifI Henry had decided which of the inannequins should wear each dress.
 "But what am to do?" Shcila asked anxiously. "I don't know anything about modelling"
 Henri shrugged. You are an actress, are you not? DO as I tell you and you will be all right"
 Two women from the sewing room appeared carrying huge boxes which they placed on chairs and began to unpack with eXpres- Sionless faces. Out of one box came bridal robe of exquisite ivory satin. There was lace veil of daintiest fragility to be worn with it. There was even q bridal bouquet, just arrived from q Firth avenue florists shop. That would be put away to remain in perfect condition until it was needed.
 
 Moving about quickly, gesturing impatiently. Henry explained his ideas for the afternoons showing. The two mannequins in the pastel frocks should enter first. Then Sheila would appear alone so that nothing could distract attention from her lovely gown. The girls were to stop. to pose so and then move on. Henri gave instructions explicitly.