The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-11-16
o101gOtten SWEETHEART

1 The saleswoman lifted a negligee from a hanger.
 This is one of the prettiest we have," she said. It was an ex- quisite shade of blue artfully cut with lines that were demure, yet with a touch of capitalization. | Soft, creamy lace added richness to the satin.
 Hike it, Pat?" asked Joan. Its a dream" The saleswoman held the negli- gee up against Pats shoulders. It makes your blue eyes bluer," she smiled. "This shade would not be quite so good for you" she said to Joan, "because your eyes are darker"
 "But it's for Joan!" exclaimed Pat.
 "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were" the saleswoman broke off in confusion. Joan smiled. The woman thought Pat was selecting her own rousseau. No wonder! Joan knew that her own expression was far from bride-like.
 I'll take it." Joan said.
 But Joan!" Pat protested. Tt isn't your color"
 Ut will do well enough" Joan said.
 well" said Pat, "when it comes to clothes, you hold the record for enthusiasm"
 It was that way with everything. Whatever Pat admired Joan pur- chased. Anyone would think we were buying my trousseau," Pat said on the way home.
 A number of packages had ar rived before they reached the apartment and were neatly stacked on the floor of the living room, mute evidence of the busy after noon. Joan gathered them up and carried them into the bedroom, dropping them on the window seat.
 Aren't you going to unwrap them?"
 "Not tonight" said Joan.
 Pat thought Joan looked tired and Joan, meeting Pats wonder ing eyes, thought her sister looked weary. It really was much too soon after Pats illness for her to be on her feet all afternoon.
 "1'll'finish the shopping tomor- row." Joan said. I'm afraid this afternoon was too much for you. There's not much more to get. I'll need another evening dress and a travelling outfit"
 "Oh," said Pat, you'll be going away?"
 "Of course" said Joan, smiling. Barney hasn't said anything about it recently but he used to be talk ing all the time about the cruise we were to take. Some place in the tropics. It's a cruise he thinks is just perfect"
 Oh" said Pat. Her voice held a hollow note.
 Pat" began Joan wonderingly.
 "It's just that I'll be lonely while you and Barney are gone," said Pat from the dressing table, behind a big powder puff.
 "Six weeks will be gone before you realize it." Joan assured her. Pat, dear, why don't you go home for visit. while we're away"
 "No," said Pat brightly. "Fd rather not. Don't worry about me! You know I'll find plenty of ways to amuse myself here" Evidently Pat was herslef again.
 The doorbell rang "It's probably Barney" said Joan and turned from the window.
 Let me-" said Pat, and was off like a flash. Joan heard her open the door and after moment Barney's voice, Well, what's hap pened here?"
 we've been shopping for Joan"
 "For Joan?" Buying her things, Barney. I thought you understood why l wanted the afternoon off,"
 Joan did not hear Barney's re- ply but when they were alone to- gether later she said, Barney, can you imagine Pat being upset be- cause we'll be leaving her?"
 Leaving her?" queried Barney.
 "On our trip," said Joan, won- dering why she needed to explain. Maybe we'll have to take Pat along with us."
 'No!" said Barney. Joan looked at him, surprised. She had never heard his voice so vehement. She had been teasing him, of course. It was strange he had not under stood that. Something had cer- tainly gone wrong with Barney's nerves.
 It was then that Joan made her decision. Barney" she said, let's get married soon."
 (TO Be Continued)