The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-06-22

CHAPTER "
 The orchestra was playing Q song and Marcia began to talk gaily. There would be so many times that the orchestra would play old songs and she would have Co talk so she wouldn't think. She had been in SO many such places with Bob-rooms where the lights were low, the music soft, and there was the tinkle of ice in glasses, bowls of buttered popcorn and other bowls of small pretzels, and walters passing trays of canapes. It was dusk outside, cool and blue. Night would bring synthetic brilliance any moment. Nights were meant to, be gay when one was young, in Paris-but Bob wasn't here.
 What are you doing tonlghti" Camilla asked. "We're having din- ner ct the Ritz and wasting time here, there and wonder. Why don't you join usl Count Won Wormstedt will be along"
 Phil was urging Marcia to come along, too. She smiled mistily be- cause they were being kind and she was lonesome. After all, if there was to be another in the party she wouldn't be intruding - she who had never in all her life been without Q waiting staglinel
 "You've saved my life," she ar,- swered. "Of course I'll come. What time?
 She glanced up, straight into the eyes of Q young man waiter was ushering to their table.
 "Bobl" she cried, and a dimple at the corner of her lips flashed provocatively. To conceal the ttmult within she spoke lightly, "lmagine seeing you in Parisl"
 As casually as though he had said good night Q few hours before, Bob greeted Marcia, met Camilla and Phil joined them, and talked of the crowded boat train, the smooth crossing. As naturally as though he had been expected, he accepted an invitation to join the party for the evening. Marcia, watching curiously, realized that she wasn't surprised. Somehow she had been expecting hiti.
 This should have been their first night in Paris together. They were in Paris--that was all.
 When Phil and Camilla left them alone for . little while, Bob smiled quietly. He seemed older, or maybe he was merely tired. Why did you do 1t, Marcia, honey?" he asked.
 "scatterings weren't enough, Bob"
 T love you" He smiled, and when he smiled his face was warm and bright, and Marcia felt her heart stir restlessly. She wanted to believe him again, and she mustn't want to. These three words were o sesame he had used many times to many girls, of coursel He had said, T love you Marcia and 6 half 6 dozen other girls" She had put an ocean between them and he could not span 1t with three small words.
 T was c darned fool, Marcia" Bobs low, melodious voice plead- ed. Speaking that rot about Q job. l don't blame you bit. Only you might have warned me. You were within your rights to walk out when I made @ jackaSs of rny- telf."
 Let's skip it," his former fian- cee answered. We might pre- tend we aren't engaged and it's fun to be together. AS for any, thing else, Bob-I don't knowl"
 But she wanted to say: If you want me, prove your love, Bobl Prove 1t as the knights who gath cred golden apples or climbed glass hills to get their princessesl" But this was the twentieth century when men talked of economic pressure and the short duration of both war and ecstacy. Love was sweet and light and brittle. So she put her slim hand on Bob's arm and said, "I'll see you at din- uer at T."
 T won't rush you, Marcia. Mar ry me when you get ready. But please get ready" His smile was rueful and imploring. Mind If I stick around, though? You seem to matter Q lot"
 He did not mention the confu- sion that had followed the canceled wedding and Marcia was grateful that he didn't.
 
 Now, half an hour later, Marcia was dressing with unusual care. Her evening frock was of blue taffeta and large white flowers gave the impression of having been blown against 1t in a madcap wind. The epaulet shoulders and haring skirt emphasized the sliinness of the waist that was girded in dark blue velvet. Her slippers were of the same dark velvet and there was a little silver cape to match the dress. When three orchids arrived without @ card Marcia pinned them on her