The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-10-27
''It will be cool enough for a wrap" Barbara said carelessly.


 Joan though of her dark travel ing coat with a sense of mis- giving. We'll, what was the differ- ence? Her wkhole costume was wrong any way.
 All aboard, everybody" Carol said, entering the room. "Oh. you're dressed, Joan. Would you mind running down and runding up the bunch? must help this helpless infant dress. If don't we won't reach Rays until time for breakfast"
 Joan saw Carol glance sideways, taking in her appearance in one brief. apraising look. Then she lifted Barbara's frock. "Barbie!" she exclaimed "what a love!"
 Well, I won't let dress ruin the evening for me-" Joan thought. She started down the stairs and was half way down when door closed from the other side of the upstairs hall.
 A voice called, "wait a moment, Joan!"
 It was Jim. "Joan," he said, T hear the gangs going to a farm houSes WM you uAN0 Vus "AsAa me?"
 Joan hesitated. They were down stairs now. In the music room 8 radio was turned on and several couples were dancing. Others were playing bridge. She heard Barbara laugh and looked upward. Barbara was coming down the steps with Bob, her arm linked through his.
 "One of those two had a perfect sense of timing" Jim said. Joan said abruptly, "I'll be glad to go with you." She thought his eyes met hers with a flash of under standing.
 "Hurray!, he said. You really mean you'll drive over with me ?"
 why, of course" Joan tried to appear enthusiastic. "I'd love to-"
 She was thinking it had been fortunate that she had met Jim just then. At least she need not stand about miserably watching Bob shower attentions on Barbara. Pat was right. Joan decided she didn't know the least thing about men. How silly she had been to imagine Bob cared for her!
 He was coming toward her. "Joan, we're showing off," he said. Joan was suddenly tense. The sound of her name on his lips. the easy friendliness almost disarmed her.
 "Joan's coming with me-" Jim said slowly. Bob stopped and stared at Joan.
 ':Are you, Joan?"
 "Yes." ,e
 Darling" Barbara said lightly, "don't look so forlorn! I'd love to be second choice"
 Bob looked toward Joan again. She returned his grim look un- smiling.
 'Thatll be fine. Barbara" he said. Let's dash"
 Jim opened the car door and Joan got in. "All set?" he asked. She nodded and Jim's car shot ahead.
 Bob had been merely polite, Joan decided. Unless he cared for Bar bara why had they come in from the ride so much later than the others? Almost an hour! Why had they stayed alone all afternoon, never joining the rest of the crowd? And why did the others all assume that Bob and Barbara were in love?
 They drove in silence for a while and then Jim said suddenly; You're lovely, Joan. I'm afraid I'm going to fall hard for you. But you seem very troubled. Are you troubled?"
 "Yes," Joan answered honestly.
 "Why?"
 "I'd rather not answer. should mt have come to this house party, for one thing"
 "She's interested in Weston,'' Jim decided. And that dumb idiot has given her the gate for a gilt edged edition of 1888 sophistica- tion."
 An automobile flashed past them and Barbara waved. Jim grinned We'll, perhaps he had been wrong The Weston chap was driving like the very devil. People in love usually moved more slowly. .... .. Gro Be Continued) .. ....