The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-09-12

- busy, Boots told herself hotly and proudly. She was just imagining 1 things. What did she expect, after all? He'd been kind to her as one is kind to the lame or the halt and that ought to be enough for her.
 It was nothing to Boots that Kay Chillingford had Denis whole att tention for a solid quarter of an hour.. Boots had no earthly claim on Denis. Just the same she felt sick and shabby and a bit chilled. She wished with all her heart that she might creep away from this we'll dressed, chattering group. She didn't belong here
 A voice at her elbow. Denis deep, soft voice. Enjoying your self?'
 Instantly she was at attention, lying bravely, gallantly as woman must.
 "It's lovely party"
 I haven't" Denis told her &C., cusingly, had a word with you all afternoon. What do you think of the place:"
 | He was at her feet now, on the hassock lately vacated by the amia- ble Edward. Boots glanced around at the dark balcony, the paneled walls, the deep chairs in antiqued white fabrics.
 "It's beautiful room."
 '.I think so., Comfortable, too. Look" he disgfessed, you haven't met Kay, have you? An, but you must. She's such darling" The slim English girl with her soft, controlled voice. her air of being adequate to any situation was brought over and presented. There was nothing about her manner to indicate that she had ever heard of Boots before. She was perfection itself, cordial in the most polite fashion, interested. sweet. And yet Boots was conscious of the slightest strain of antagonism between them.
 "Why?" she wondered. What on earth can she find to dislike in me? I'm so-so utterly harmless" The afternoon wore on. Early dusk had long since closed in. Hong, dapper and smiling in his starched white coat, had drawn the string-colored dull silk curtains, shutting out the wintry blue twi- light and the reflected street lights. More food had been brought in, more drinks served. People drifted | in, drifted away. More than once Boots had stirred to go but Denis had detained her.
 At last only five remained-the host, Edward, Kay, Boots and a small spectac1ed man addressed simply as Griff.
 How about driving some place up on the Hudson for dinner?" Ed ward demanded robustly. I've got | my car downstairs ."
 "Oh, dinner!" exclaimed the Eng fish girl. How could anyone even consider more food?"
 Griff informed them that he was hungry. He could "do with a steak" Denis said he thought 1t a good idea, only not up in the country. Wasn't the Claremont far enough? It was Edwards party. The Claremont was decided upon and presently the two girls were left alone in the charming red and white dressing roosn to repair what ravages the party had stamped upon their frocks and complexion.
 Boots was fascinated by the other girls suave loveliness. There was not a hair out of place in her shining brown wave. Her skin had a creamy elegance. pointed up by the deliberate scarlet of her small beautifully formed mouth. Boots own pale-goid coloring seemed utl terly eclipsed by this other girls more definite tints.
 Denis Is such darling" mur- mured Kay, negligently brushing an imaginary trace of powder from a perfectly groomed and arched eyebrow.
 Boots agreed. She had the feeling the other girl was abnormally curi- ous about her. wanted to know all about her friendship with Denis obviously Boots didn't belong in this well-dressed group. Her frock was too shabby, her manner too shy. English girl pursued. powderine her small. elegant nose.
 Mot yery!" Boots was wary eve met in Larchneck-my home
 Hast summer. He was visiting his
 "Ah!" The others glance mel hers in the mirror with frankel interest. .'Larchneck? Reallyl"
 Edward shouted from below that he was starving. Would they be pleased to hurry bit?
 In an undertone Boots murmur. ed to Denis as they wandered dowr the hall in search of an elevator that she really ought to go home
 Nonsense He was merely being polite and friendly. still Il was nice to be wanted.
 Edward held her back as Denis helped Kay into the car. You sil with me. little golden one. Let Ka, have her own young man."
 Unaccoun ably Boots hear plunged. It was none of her busi ness, she reminded herself sternly If Denis belonged to Kay.
 ! fTo ,se Continneda