The Washington times., 1936-05-21

threshold. Ricky's tuxedo was
laid out on the bed. A big, un'
calmly brass bed. His patent
leather evening shoes were freshly
shined. He was going out tonight
Some smart affair. He wasn't
grieving for Nell: wasn't even
missing her. He had some other
girl. A new, carefree, exciting
girl, The dark, exotic face Of
Vera Holmes flashed upon Nell's
mind, making her heavy and
stupid with pain.
Ricky caught her reflection in
the mirror. He stared at it fix.
edly. Then he grabbed a wet
towel and mopped the lather
from his face. With one bound
he was across the room, pulling
her in and slamming the door.
IT thought you were the kid
with clean towels" he said dis,
family, regarding her with startled
gaze. "How did you get here?"
She looked up with tears brim'
ming and tried unsuccessfully to
form words with her lips. They
stood there speeches., lost in
each others eyes. His were blue,
flashing javelins. They went into
her with fire and Joy. He held
her helpless in this Subtlest Of all
communicable embrace Of the
eyes.
Abruptly ne drew her to him
He pressed his damp, glistening
soapy face with a laugh hard
against hers. He kept on laugh
ing-shaky, uncertain, desperate
laughter: holding her tense in his
young, strong arms. She reached
a hand to his cheek, lingering it
with awe. She said, trembling:
"Ricky, kiss mel"
Ricky grinned back through a
blur of joy: "We're a pair of
fools"
"I'm glad!"
maybe you think I'm not!"
She made a vague gesture to
the tuxedo lying on the bed: But
you're going out. shouldn't have
come"
He answered quickly: II had a
date for tonight, but not now!
Here, take this magazine and wait
downstairs. I've got to get a
shower"
Ten minutes later Nell heard
him talking at the telephone in
the hall. He was having hard
time. He was repeating excuses.
He was growing impatient. Finally
he said a cold, hostile note: II
realize it's quite impossible for
you to understand anything in
the world but your own pleasure,
I'm sorry to disappoint you. But
this business is IMPORTANT! !
can't neglect it much as I'd like
to be dancing with you tonight"
There came a short pause. The
girl at the other end must have
Softened. She must have sued for
some proof of his regret for Ricky
answered: "Of course, I'll miss
you. I'll phone tomorrow. Good
night, have a good time!"
He came swinging into the room,
took Nell's arm and said bruSquely:
Lets get out!"
They walked rapidly along Fifty.
eighth toward the Hudson. Nell
felt his arm stiff against hers. She
saw the harsh, determined, almost
angry line of his profile and felt
chilled.
He said: "That was Vera Holmes
on the phone. We met her at Ken
Williams dance. Girl with the
black bangs and slinky. Remem-
ber?"
IT remember her. PERFECTLY"
"She'S asked me to a dozen
parties. I've gone to a few. Some
people in this town don't even
guess there's a depression. One
night in the Rainbow room there
were sight of us. Vera's birthday.
The bill was $75. All the good
things of life are free to Vera.
They better continue free or what
squawk from those pampered
darlingS!"
Nell couldn't resist the tempta-
ton to pit herself against this
lucky young princess. She said
in soft, winning tone: But it
must be fun going around like
that. You must have wanted to
go with her tonight. Surely!"
He halted in their rapid walk.
His eyes narrowed: do you want
to be out with Ned Hamilton to-
night? It must also be nice to
have orchids and candy dumped
daily in your lap!"
She flung a hurt, accusing
glance in his face: II haven't gone
out with Ned Hamilton! That is,
only went once with him. And
that was after weeks passed and
you didn't bother about me. You
never even nhnnedI T knnSx, fhara