The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-12-06

Ann thought the diamond wa ever dwelt on.
 while the clerk beamed in sym pathy.
 The diamond was small and square, set chastely in platinum. Ann thought it was the loveliest thing her eyes had ever dwelt on. She moved to another counter to examine Christmas gifts for men while Tony had his conference.
 ''I'll be back before Christmas" Tony told the clerk. By Christ mas Eve anyway"
 Ann was so happy she could scarcely wait to tell Sarah.
 'It's silly the way I feel about it," she said. They were lying awake in the darkness, sharing the condolences, the dreams of coming happiness that girls have shared imm emorially.
 "I felt terribly when Tony first talked about getting a ring. l didn't want him to spend all that money when could do without 1t. But the ring has come to. be a symbol nova symbol of Tony's ability to make good his promises and sacrifice if necessary"
 And save" Sarah said. "It's awful the way Tony wastes mon ey."
 The earnestness in Anns voice hurt Sarah. When Ann talked like that she felt violent toward Tony for not really recognizing what a grand kid, what a thoroughbred Ann was.
 Don't worry about Tony spend- | ing money on your ring" Sarah | said grimly. If he doesn't spend | it that way, he will some other way. Believe me, when Mac and 1 are married I'll encourage him to think of me. Men love women lots more if they're not too easy on them"
 Ann suspected there was logic behind Sarah's reasoning. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to be hard on Tony, increasingly easy to forgive him for his faults and weaknesses. Tony was himself, that was all.
 The days went by and suddenly the shops were filming out gala signals everywhere. The streets were as bright at night as in day. ligt. Christmas wreaths and gar lands met the eye at every turn. It was fun to be part of the gay crowds, surging through the streets. problems forgotten during this joyous season.
 What to give Tony? The ques- ton was in Ann's mind and heart and on her lips.
 "You'll be the death of me-" Sarah said. "Give him scarf pin with the Kohinoor in it. Buy him a house and lot. The way you carry on, anyone would think Tony was the Prince of Wales instead of an ordinary commercial artist"
 Not ordinary" said Ann. Tony, ordinary? But of course Sarah knew that he wasn't.
 Before Christmas Eve Sarah was completely worn down. With Macs present-hand-rolle handkerchiefs made by Sarah, supplemented by handsome silk scarf = attractively boxed and wrapped and tied. they were still searching for Tony's gift.
 The whole city was spilling over with Christmas presents yet Ann couldn't find anything good enough for Tony!
 In the end she dug deeply into her slender savings and purchased a luxurious maroon-colored robe. Then came the business of wrap ping the big box in silver paper, tying 1t with bright ribbons and in- serting bits of holly and mistletoe a-. n. v fn~ntratinn Ann carried the box into the bed- room and placed 1t on top of the chiffonier. It looked gorgeous. She could picture Tony's pleasure when he united 1t Christmas day. She could picture him wearing the robe. It was just the right shade | for Tony's dark hair and eyes. She flew to the kitchen then to I help Sarah. Tony and Mac were l coming and the girls had spread l themselves for this dinner. Broiled I chicken, sweet potatoes with can- died sauce and marshmallows, spaghetti Ga concession to Macs love of ''hot" dishes), English peas, a delicious fruit salad and plum pudding for dessert.
 eff Mac expects me to serve this sort of food as regular rare. ne II be badly disappointed" Sarah said, lifting her flushed face from the oven where beaten biscuits from the corner grocer were heating.
 Irony won't. Food doesn't make much difference to him. He'd lots rather dash out for a bite at a restaurant than bother with cook ing" ,.
 He doesn't like trouble" Sarah said
 ''No, he doesn't" Ann said 1t quite happily. No slightly dispar- aging remark of Sarah's could take the edge off the evening for her. She flew to answer the doorbeil.
 Mac was there, promptness itself. Tony would be the last one.
 "Hello." said Mac. Do l smell Christmas?
 "You smell Christmas Eve, which is better," Ann replied.
 '"The kid still believes in satna Claus" Mac was smiling. Ho came over to Sarah and. q little awk- wnrdly, put his arms about her.
 Ann thouRht. smiling, how diff |ferent Tony's frank demonstration of affection were from Macs Iabashed approaches.
 She left the two alone. dellber-