The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-12-19

upon her, Mrs Wainwright felt she almost hated her for her ar- rogance and selfishness. But blood was thicker than water, after all. the older woman had been indig- nant when the newspapers had printed the startling news of Peters sudden marriage, limiting that announcement of his engage ffient to . prominent society girl had been expected.
 Valeria,s distress had been gen. uine enough. She had always ex- pected to be Mrs Peter Kendall. Greedily she had wanted to eat her cake and have it too; unwilling to give up some of her exciting con- quests until she was on the eve of marriage. As far as she was cap able of loving anyone, she did love Peter. He attracted her. And he was very rich.
 "So you think I won't marry a millionaire" Valeria said, smil- ing into the mirror as she touched her lips with rouge. Don't give up hope so soon. I still have my hair, eyes and complexion"
 
 much except invitations to 8 few drinking parties"
 "They got me Peter"
 What good did that do when you let him slip through your fin- bers?"
 Valeria whirled, her eyes blaz- ing. Isn't that little word divorce in your vocabulary, dar- ling? And haven't you ever heard of a place called Reno?"
 "So that's your game"
 You didn't think I would sit back and let that girl keep him! She won't get away with marrying him while he was tight"
 "You'll only make yourself ridiculous circulating such a
 .'She took him away when he was so upset he wasn't respon- sible,'' valeria said, ignoring her aunt's words. "I know he has re- gretted 1t a thousand times all ready and want to be rid of her"
 "Well, don't know" Mrs Wainwright said doubtfully. "The picture in the paper was beauti- full"
 "You certainly are comfort suppose you think she has brains, too. Well, she will need them!"
 Valeria wore no jewelry, Peters big diamond was in her jewel case. She had not returned t Some day she confidently expected it would be slipped back on her finger. Peter had ordered magnificent stone in an exquisite mounting foi Ann, who was now wearing only a slender wedding circlet of plati. mum and diamonds. Carol had this from Millicent, whom Petel had consulted in making the se I lection.
 This news was an added blow tt | Vaieria. carol had known that She had rather enjoyed tho | thought. Carol had never caret l for Valeria, who Haunted her pop l ularity. At the same time. Caro- was completely indifferent to Ann She agreed with her mother tha Ann had probably caught Peter 1T a weak moment and hurried hin l off to a minister. She was no l particularly interested in the out | come, feeling that Peter, who Wa really a dear, would be getting bad bargain either way. Ann was wearing white. A lovel, | frock of lace with close-httini bodice and hip line. A frock tha swirled out below the knees il | yards, with a spread of lace on thu shoulders. like wings.
 Peter was waiting for Ann fl their small sitting room. H' | turned as she came in. stared l Ann had never looked so Iot ely A smile parted her lips, rouged to | a delicate coral. Her bronze hail was in soft, natural waves ant secured in a small soft coil at tho back of her head.
 "Ann-" Peter's voice wal startled. He did not finish tho sentence, but she had seen a lighi leap into his eyes"
 "Do you like me-" Peter?" "Very much" he said quietly Something in his tone satisfied
 Peter was digging into his pocket. He brought out a small fiat package, wrapped in tissue He removed the wrappings ant handed the velvet jewel cnsc ts | her.
 "For me?" Ann was staring a a string of small. lustrous. per fectly matched pearls.
 Who else?" Peter smiled. "Pp not in the habit of buying pearli for other women"
 'Fasten thom for me-" Anf whispered. 'I can't Peter 70 cured the platinum catch and Am flew 10 the mirror above q console table for inspection.
 "Peter. l can never tell you
 She came t0 him. catching botl Ihls hands. lifting her shining eye to hlH.
 Potter was staring down R Ann'n lips. Ills hands tlghtcne' on her. "l'm glad you like them