The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-01-09
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"You're all kinds Of a brick. I've been hearing and reading about the things you are doing. I'm proud or you"
 'Tt's really been fun-given me happiness to help out. Particularly the work with the children" You've helped me, too," Peter said.
 "Id love to go out sometimes with you and see what this deco. rator does with the place. May IT"
 Haven't you volunteered your services? This decorator will be wanting woman's ideas" Peter was sill holding her hands. Now he released them. You're the first one to give me real hope-about Ann. Strange, isn't it?"
 "I'm glad" said Valeria. She drove home fin a glow of happiness. How transparent men were, how pliable and ready to be molded into any shape under woman's clever handling.
 Falling into Peters mood was the way. Pretending to, believe Ann would return to him, making him feel conlforted and confident. Naturally, he would come back for more of the same medicine. She had given him plausible reason for her desire to be with him. Im- agine doing house for Ann. She laughed aloud suddenly. For Ann! MORE
 It would be a terrible day for her If Ann returned. But then Ann wouldn't. The girl had her silly pride. She. would stay away until 1t was too late, until Peter had be- gun divorce proceedings. The chances were that she wouldn't ap- pear on tho scene at all. Not until it was all over and Valeria was married to Peter-safely establish cd in Il beautiful home, furnished according to her own ideas. Be- cause, of course she could manage this decorator with subtle sugges- tions. conveying the impression that she was the one to be pleased.
 This had been splendid days effort One of the best In her life. Peter had noticed her good works" The last six weeks had been trying. She had worked her self to death. denied herself all fun. It had been boring being little Pollyanna, playing Lady Bountiful. It really wasn't her role. But 1t had been q great idea to adopt it. She must keep 1t up though the summer anyway.
 There would be compensations. She would be driving with Peter through the fragrant countrywide to the home. They would dine at little, out-of- the way places. Day f.., dn, |, .nf hxf- and understanding. she would be be- coming more essential to Peter.
 Millicent said, when Peter broke the news to her, Its the silliest thing I have ever heard of--fur- nishing the house for Ann when she may never come back to you"
 Petcr's face whitened. Don't"
 Well, it's true. And if she does, what then? Women like to select their own things. It's part of the fun of getting Into your own place. I'm sure I wouldn't want another woman selecting the patterns for my china and silver. It would be like living in q house 6 first wife had furnished"
 "Valeria won't have q thing to do with the decorating and furn- ishing, If that's what you object to. I saw the decorator this afternoon and he wouldn't take the job un- less he can do 1t his own way"
 Well, that's something to be thankful for" Millicent said. II hope he does have a mind of his own. If he doesn't the place will be terrible. 1 can't imagine Ann living in q house Valcria had fur nished."
 "she won't furnish it," Peter in- sisted.
 MillIcent smiled, but widely de- cided to say nothing more. She was treading thin ice, she knew. and was smart enough to know when to stop.
 The next moment she forgot her resolution because Peter said, You haven't noticed how changed Vale ria is. have you?"
 "No, haven't. I've seen some gestures. Peter. be careful. Don't forget the leopard's spots"
 You never have seen any good In Valeria."
 Millicent stared. So Peter was taking up arms in defense of Vale- ria. This was something new! Gro Be COntInucd)