The Washington times., 1935-11-23


have to wait. They were admit
ted Immediately. Hello, Mac, old
scout! How's tr dep" Nan
winked at the doorman, impu.
IDENTIFY.
The little foyer was so dinly lit
that for a moment Vernon could
see nothing.
Nan, however, was throwing
greetings right and left into the
intriguing gloom. Gradually the
figures of very smartly attired
young women shaped themselves.
They're waiting for tables, or for
men. Place full up as usual"
whispered Nan, Importantly.
She knew her way about. She
piloted her cousin through heavy
swing doors into the quaintest
barroom. It was crowded.
People were lined three deep in
front of a long counter. Behind it
were three men in long white
coats, like surgeons. Their hands
flashed with lightning speed as
they jerked the ice into long
glasses. Cocktails were shaken
nimbly in big metal containers. A
splash from one bottle, a dash
from another-then soda, slice
of orange, of lemon, of pineapple,
a couple of cherries.
Around two sides of the room,
which was not large, were set lit
tie tables for two, covered with
cloths in red and white checker.
More than twice as many people
as there was space for, crowded
there. Smart, befurred young girls,
and young men whose appearance
suggested there wasn't a care in
the world. Many Of them greeted
Nan, but their eyes curiously ap.
praised the newcomer, Vernon.
you're making a hit. old dear"
vouchsafed Nan, boldly thrusting
her way through the phalanX by
the bar, and ordering a couple of
dry Martins. "Three-quarters Of
the gang are upstairs. We're a bit
late for lunch"
As she spoke, her eyes were on
the door. She was evidently ex-
pecting somebody.
Vernon made a pretense Of sip
ping the bitter potion in her small
glass. Was this what handsome
Terry Shannon had meant on the
train yesterday when he had
slammed the ways Of Park Ave
nue.?
But she wasn't going to be a
prude. She was quite enjoying this
new experience. The beauty that
Monsieur Bonaire'S operators had
bequeathed her this morning was
augmenting the thrill.
Who was that long, 1.-the, aristo-
cratic-looking man who had just
entered? He wore faultlessly-fitting
English tweeds, and had sleepy
black eyes, which widened in a
kind of surprised pleasure as they
lighted on Vernon.
They were bold, handsome eyes.
They Semed to say: "Hello1 Who
are you? You're beautiful"
Nan swung around following
Vernon'S glance. She darted for
ward, giving a little squeal Of ex-
citement. Hello, Sugar darling!
Just in the nick Of time! Have
spot with uS!"
The man with the bold black
eyes and the smart English tweeds
contrived to give Vernon a second
meaning look as he shook hands
with her at Mans introduction.
His name was Sarrail. He had
soft white hands. His head was too
small for his height. Vernon had
the impression there was some
thing a little furtive about him.
But he was well-bred, and
despite the weakness of his chin
-good-looking. Oh! not in Terry
Shannon's class-not forceful or
magnetic-but Nan seemed to
like him.
You'll lunch with us, of course?
Didn't we have divine time last
night? Wasn't it gorgeous, Sugar."
Enthusiastic child" He turned
to Vernon. His eyes, incredibly
sleepy as they were, careSsed her.
II knew Texas grew bellies, but
nothing as flowerlike as this"
Nan frowned, then giggled.
Sugars a great kidder." She
drained her cocktail, then Or
dered another. "Weu go up
stairs in a minute. I've ordered
a table"
"She's a masterful child. We
all obey her." said Sugar lazily:
He ordered an "old-fashioned"
for himself. stabbing for the
cherry in the bottom Of the glass.
Like fishing for truth in the
bottom of the well. Not that
there's much of that commodity
to be found in this old town"
he said as he embedded the
~herry in a tiny wooden stick
and popped it between Mans lips.