The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-09-04
CHAPTER III

When Ruth reached nome she found her cousins, the Lawrence young people, en- gagged in one of their major battles. Lefty was trying, to wrest from her brother 9 dol, lar bill which he had found on their mothers desk. Being large and well-developed for her IS years, the girl was more than a match for the slim 16-year-old youth who was holding out against her.
 "Help, Ruth!" Cecil yelled, Dit ing at his sisters exposed arm. They were struggling on an antique Jennie Lind laybed and it gave signs of falling apart at any mo- ment.
 Ruth looked at them helplessly. "I don't know who's right she yelled back above the tumult.
 Well, you know who's getting beateny' Cecil retorted between gasps.
 Lefty said, "If she comes near, I'll slap both your faces, and l mean it. Give me the dollar, pig! You got the last one we found You know how I need stockings! With a final twist she pried open her brothers hand, snatched the damp, crumpled bill and fled with it to her. bedroom.
 Cecil lay grooming and rubbing his chest, where. his sisters knee had pressed. Ruth said. "If you wouldn't smoke so many cigarets, Cecil, you might beat her now and then" She had no admiration and very little liking for this high school junior who took his mothers hard earned money as his just due and pampered himself extrava- gantly.
 Lefty came back into the room with her hair smoothed and her face carefully made up. She had a round, pretty face with wide' sky-blue eyes, fringed with dark lashes, and light brown hair. She looked much like Christmas doll. In fact, she had once played that role in a school play, standing against the wall in huge box, clothed in & crisp, knee-length dress, and holding out her arms invitingly while she smiled blank, dimpled smile. Ruth knew, however, that Lefty was not as blank and forceless as she ap- peared.
 Once when Cousin Bessie, Letty's mother, was bemoaning the fact that the girl could not go to col lege, Ruth had said to her, II don't think Lefty would like college, Cousin Bessie. She's not a book worm like you at all. think Lefty ought to marry young" It was true. She was a voluptuous rose bud that had formed early and needed to blossom early. Marriage would be the perfect blossoming.
 Lefty sat down and crossed her pretty legs. Any luck in town to- day, Ruth?"
 Ruth answered, "No, Letty," and wished that she might never hear that question again. "Can I help you with dinner?"
 Its almost ready" Lefty re- piled, brightening. She genuinely loved to plan and cook a meal. "On account of its being Mothers birth day I've cooked chicken. There's rice to go with it, and head lettuce , salad and homemade rolls. I've made a cake, too. Cecil - :" she ! exclaimed, turning to her lolling brother, Ego clean. yourself up be- fore Mother gets home"
 Cecil sat up, yawning, "All right. If the doorbell rings while I'm washing" he said, it'll be Jack Willer. Let him in. He wants some radio books I've got"
 I'll let him in, of course," Lefty said. She was looking intentiy at her finger nails. She got up and went into the kitchen and put on ruffled organdie apron.
 Ruth followed her. What can ' do, Letty?" she asked earnestly, wanting to help. "Or had you rather I stayed out of your way now and washed the dishes after ward?"
 "Yes." answered Betty. that would be better" She got out four salad plates and then thoughtfully went and got another. I'll ask Jack to stay" she said. He's fun" She turned her back and began to hum.
 Ruth went to the coat closet and hung up her hat and coat. She thought, "Letty doesn't want me around. She disllkes me more all the time." It was problem that Ruth had tried a thousand times to solve. She was dependent on the Lawrences until she could