The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1936-05-30

Die SGOOO GIlSIc . d W
abashed, indignant! He might
have managed better! Leaving
her suspended in space!
Ricky returned almost immedi-
ately: Sorry, dear. Carried away
before knew what it was all
about" They danced together.
He whispered. pleased; you're
the cuteSt trick here, and I do
feel good in the glad rags my baby
bought me-"
He was very exuberant. He fit
ted in with the careless, jaunty
mood; led her to the bar, mixing
light sweet drink with buoy
ant: Toss that off: let empires
fall where they will"
For the first time since their
marriage she couldn't rise to his
gaiety. Felt forlorn and made
quate. The crowd was so sophisti-
Gated. They were older than she
was: from easy comfortable
homes with the poise that money
brings. When Ricky danced a
third time with Vera, she had to
watch them. Vera rested her
head on his shoulder, face raised
wooingly. Unless man were a
wooden Indian, he'd be sure to
take the kiss she offered. Nell
closed her eyes. following her part
ner in stiff, unhappy silence.
CHAPTER XVII
The dance over, she stole to the
porch and watched a moon of gold
come up between the trees. It
made an avenue of ripping fire
across the lake. She wanted to be
down there lost in a young, i'm
petuous lovers arms. Six months
ago it was like this. Now he was
extremely content to be dancing
with others.
He found her sitting there in a
maze.
whats the matter, dear? Not
having a good time?"
1.-THE moon is so lovely-wanted
to look at it,"
And she waited, inwardly seeth-
ing, expecting him to wax roman
tic. AS women do-20 or 80 makes
no difference. He sat quite COM
Portable, an arm carelessly about
her.
Finally she couldn't bear it:
Mice to walk down there again,
Ricky."
"A bit chilly"
Furious now: II have a coat"
"Okay, let's trot."
They gaZed at the water. He
said, restless: seen enough, dear?"
She sprang from him rapidly,
her lips tight. He grabbed her arm,
looked down and saw her tears. At
last he guessed. He held her in
his arms roaring with laughter:
Haven't you any sense, Honey?"
She said uneVenly: I'm fool,
suppose"
"sure you are, dear. I love
FOOLS"
That was the bright peak of the
nights joy for Nell. She didn't
mind-that is not very much
when Vera led Ricky aside for a
very tender farewell. Everyone was
in exaggerated mood-joyous, sing
ing and the devil with care!
When they were in their own
room, Ricky, hanging up his suit,
said, musing: would be gay to go
up there to the CatSkillS on one
of Vera's parties. Enough snow in
another month. Always wanted to
ski. Let's take her up on it, Nell"
"Am invited? She'd be charmed
to have me along, I suppose"
Sure she would! Told her I
never went anywhere without my
little pepper-pot."
"Are you perhaps a bit tight,
Rick?"
What are you talking about? l
certainly am NOT"
X x
About two weeks later, Nell saw
an envelope with bold angular
handwriting on Ricky's chiffonier.
Envelope empty and torn across
but an address on it-Veras ad-
dress.
At dinner. Ricky suddenly
caught a glimpse of the envelope.
He TUNED red and said abruptly:
"Oh. by the way, Nell, I've been
hearing from Vera Holmes. She
phones. Wrote me a letter yester-
day. You know. her uncle is a
big power in the Ajax Motor in
dustry. She's going to speak for
me-"
Nell felt a quick jerk of alarm.
IF she knew you were married,
would she bother getting you
job?"
"Glad she doesn't know it, If
that would stop her. Listen here,
Nell-I'm not going on working
for the wages of cash girl much
longer. After five years in acol.
lege! I'm going to get going. I'm
not one damn bit particular who
helps me, on the way"