The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-07-27
CHAPTER x

As John Lassiter had insisted, the annual Sunshine Club ball was the biggest party of the year. The whole town took part, but the affair waa staged by what were known as "ti1e older families"-ably and excitedly assisted by c goodly number oi families who hoped one day to be included in that category.
 The approach of the Sunshine Club ball heraided in Hendersons Department Store by an appreciable increase in volume in the gown shop and the "evening accessories" coun- ter. If any housewife had managed to persuade her husband that she needed new gown, 1t would prob- ably be at the annual ball that she would wear 1t for the first time.
 Helena had promised John Las- sitter that she would go to the dance with him, but as the date drew near she began to wonder as to the advisability of 1t. T notice that Leah Frazier and her mother are patronesses,' she told La6siter. Don't you think 1t would be better if I stayed away?"
 sAnd let them think they have you on the run?" said Lassiter Not on your lifei Your little stunt on the credit situation put Q crimp in their ideas of boycotting. The store is doing well and everyone says that the change fin employees has been remarkable since you've come. Nov they wait on people as though they enjoyed 1t. My mother was mentioning 1t only the other day"
 That may be, John. But it's one thing to run the store, and another to give the impression that you expect to be taken up socially by the town"
 Lassiter frowned. T honestly believe that the F,raziers and their friends have been able to impress you with their importance" He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. Look he7e for . whole month I've bean planning on having with me the belle of the ball. I won't be cheated out of the triumph"
 At last he persuaded her. Tn her little apartment Helena dressed for the party in ono of the simplest evening dresses she had been able to find at Henderson's. She discover ed that she was looking forward to the Sunshine Club affair. For more than 8 month she had been under 6 terrific strain. Even during the past 10 days, when she had begun to feel more certain of her ability to handle her problems, she had been working long hours. But more than sleep she felt the need of change, of music and gayety.
 The dance was to be held on huge open-air platform built especially for the occasion. When Lasiter and Helena parked near the pavilion she heard the rhyth- mic strains of Q poular tune drifting down to them. Beyond the car, countless lanterns flick cred through the trees. The two sat there moment, not moving, not thinking of leaving the car. Softly Helena began to han.
 You you're beginning to be happy again." Lassiter said softly.
 She did not answer directly, sTt's beautiful here, isn't it?"
 "Yes. You should see 1t in win- ter. It's like a picture then" He sighed. "It always reminds me of my kid days, because in the wln- ter used to trap rabbits in this wood. It was old Andrew Fra zier's farm then. Later he gave it Co the town"
 "Oh," said Helena in small voice. "I - suppose tfnt was Iseah's grandfather?"
 "Yes. He really was a g"and old guy. And Leah's fathers not so bad. It's the women who've run him into the hole. They" He stopped, suddenly remember ing that perhaps Helena would rather not hear of the Fraziers just then. He looked at her