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

She perched on their table,
twanged a ukulele and sang to
him, throwing as she did, tender
smile to Nell. Hickey said with
naive candor, as they did dishes
one night: shes beyond words
attractive, isn't she?" Mamie was
Is; she looked 16.
Said Nell: You're romantic
about women, Ricky. If Mamie
were a, little hunch-backed man
you'd not be interested"
He considered this seriously: IF
she were homely, I'd not be in
trigued, either. It's her almost
heart-breaking combination-that
exquisite face and little gnome's
body. It's fantastic"
Little Wisp of a thing though
she was, Mamie was to play a
most singular and astonishing
role in Nell's life.
Mamie and EN- were almost
their only contacts. Ricky sought
none. He remained content with
Nell and worshiping. 1t was a
continual establishment to Nell:
bright hidden sweetness like
flower in her heart.
Toward the end of September
they were invited to a party at
Ken Williams on Long Island.
They we're excited about it.
Ricky had his new suit. He walked
before the mirror smoothing out
imaginary wrinkles and yanking
at the collar. He came over to
Nell with a glisten in his eyes:
Darling, if the brain trust knew
you were loose, they'd have you
managing the national income.
You look simply swell yourself"
She was happy but nervous.
New dress of organdie. Heavens
blue. Made her eyes soft. Little
collar, buttons down the front.
Cost $9.75.
EN- made her buy it. EN- said:
"The bills will be with you long
after your beauty is gone. Do I
know! Deck yourself out while
there's anything to deck!"
Guests whom they didn't know
Ethel StebbinS and Bert Magee
called for them in Ethel's car.
Ricky and Nell sat in the rumble
seat. The two in front quarreled.
Ethels voice rose stridently:
Don't tell me where to head in,
Bert Magee. I'm just fed up on
you!"
At a gas station, they stopped:
Bert climbed out: How many gal
Ions shall 1 get, Sugar PLUMP"
do your own figuring how
many gallons does it take for a
round trip of 100 miles?"
Darling, how many gallons do
you wish to pay for is what
meant to ask?"
go as far as you like but with
your own coin for a change! I'm
quits on paying your way"
Mr.. Magee stepped back into
the car, folded his arms with a
cool: "You know I'm out OF
funds"
Chronic condition, isn't it? But
I happened to see you put S. IN
your pocket"
you'll see it remain there. I'm
not throwing my last dollar away
on your car"
There they sat in raging silence.
Nell recalled 10 Reynolds. For
three years 10 staked Jock to
funds-paid for their dinners and
movies. practically supported
him." She confided in a wildly
bitter mood to Nell, land as soon
as he gets a job, I'm ditched and
he'll put on the big masculine act
with another girl. Give a man
your money: he'll give you the
gate!"
Presently Magee got out of the
car, came to the rumble seat and
said in a casual, almost insolent
way: EITHER of you bozos got any
cash on you? After all, it's only
fair you pay for some of the gas"
Ricky had So in his pocket. Nell
gave him a sharp dig with her
heel, AS a result he brought out
one instead of both bills. He said
in cold, measured tones: Guess
you're right, Magee; We'll pay
for some of the gaS!"
They arrived late at the party.
The guests were gathered about
the bar. They were in hilarious
fettle.
The first person Nell marked
was Vera Holmes. Seductive.
more than ever Cleopatra-like in
a dress of bright crimson net
which made her shoulders and
her whole body snaky and intrigu-
ing.
Vera reached out a long arm,
pulled Ricky to her and glided
off in the one-step, blaring from
the radio. Nell heard her ask:
'Is that the same red-head you
had here six months ago?" and
Ricky answered: Same one, cute,
don't yoW Think"