Evening star., 1934-04-08
Stranger at the Feast

ARKIN TRACY decided that he was in
- the wrong district Things weren't SO
difficult when the housewife herself
came to the door. Then, at least, you
received a yes no. the latter being
the more popular. But young Mr..
Tracy found himself in a section addicted to
formal shrubbery brass knockers and parlor
maids. Moreover, he feared that at any no
ment he might encounter butler. a hazard
which alone would shatter sales aplomb f1r-
ever.
But even while he took steps, very weary
steps, to remove his activities to another area,
Mr.. Tracy remained on the. dogged alert Tor =
likely looking domicile. 1t nearly 5:3e,
and If he did not make another sale very soon
he would this night be forced to choose between
- modest dinner and a bed. From habit which
adversely had failed to break young MI. Tracy
much preferred both. Yet night was falling
and doors do not open readily to strangers
after dark.
He traversed several blocks, the homes grew
ing more impressive as he went on. At last
however, he saw in the failing light q white
house set far back from the walk. 1t was an
imposing house, but a very friendly house. too.
large and square with green shutters folded
back snugly against its whiteness. This was
precisely the kind of house Lardn Tracy
always had wanted to own for himself He
could not resist it.
> Following the stone flags which meandered
toward an inviting Colonial door, Mr. Tracy
SWore to himself that If he drew another parlor
maid he'd make her the butt of his sales talk.
Not yet had he descended to parlor maids or
children, but 1t was now practically dark, ana
Mr.. Tracy was beginning to feel he would need
both the dinner and bed.
Mr.. TRAcY's difadent ring brought imme-
'V' diate response, and with an almost audible
sigh he discerned that the person before him
wore neither apron nor cap. In that trembling
moment before he began his speech, he dis
covered something else, too.
y, The person was young, small and entirely fe-
male She had very saucy nose and red lips
and wide blue eyes. There was something SO
delightfully."- debutante about her that young Mr..
Tracy became conscious of dim nostalgia for
days so recently vanished from his ken.
Good evening"" said Mr.. Tracy, removing
his hat. II am one Of the unemployed. To
avoid becoming public charge I am selling
tickets which are good for admissions to any
of the Carvex chain Of theaters-
Sne was showing splendid interest, Mr.. Tracy
noted. tremendous amount of interest. end
that was a stunning, a perfectly marvellous.
adaptation of her grandmother's best gown
when grandmother had been (Mr. Tracy was
ce-tain) the belle of the town.
- These theaters," went on Mr.. Tracy au-
tomatically, "are the Bijou. the Byzantium, the
Fifth Avenue and a number of neighborhood
theaters. The tickets good for any per-
Torrance at any time am selling them in
sets of four at the special rate of ST."
How much" he was asked, do you get out
of that dollar?"
my commission" said Mr.. Tracy, "is 10 per
cent"
"Oh-" There was the merest suggestion
Of frown as she computed 10 per cent Of 81.
This gave way Immediately to astonishment as
the result became available under that pert
bob. Then, astonishingly, she said, land is
. that all you're doing tonight?"
Mr.. Tracy concealed his amazement admir-
ably. This will be my final call today" he
said.
"Then you're free for tonight?"
'Why-that is yes
tI wonder" said the girl (A1r. Tracy no
longer regarded her as prospective customer
for the Carvex theaters), II wonder if you'd
like to come to dinner?"
y. Tracy drew himself up That's very
k Of you. Still I'd rather not
i, but it isn't that she said hastily.
-" Beautiful confusion appeared sud-
o----y in wide blue eyes. "Please come in and
YOU what mean
acy came in.
y 90 your hat and coat there"
obediently did as he was told.
.,nent he found himself in q charming
rC--. With sturdy floor of wide pine boards,
real hickory Windsors, huge fireplace and
pair of botany prints which warmed him no
less than the hearth itself.
''You see," explained the girl, "Im giving a
little dinner tonight, and at the last moment
not r1io 1ol cofI