The Washington times., 1936-12-14

tinuously, and had Snatched a
kiss from her behind a screen OF
ferns. She hadn't exactly thought
she was in love with him, but she
had enjoyed a little heart flutter.
She finished her salad and tea,
and rose. What matter if Gordon
looked disappointed at the brevity
of their meeting? Hadn't she
more important things to see to?
The words of Paul Bradley rang
in her ears: ITO get ahead one
must be hard-boiled."
Gordon walked with her to the
elevator. The red-haired Renita
Parrish, by an apparent coinci-
dence, was lettering there. She
looked pale and rather tense, for
it was an understood thing in de-
psrtment store ethics Cor etiquette,
more aptly) that taking a girl
to lunch was the commencement
of Romance with a capital r. 80.
ooh, hello, Gordon" Renita said
now, with forced casualneSs, don't
forget the conference at 2:30 in
Mr.. Bradley's office for the big
Sunday ad." She looked directly
at Ann, as though expecting an in
PRODUCTION, which Gordon effected
with none too good a grace.
He had wanted to date Ann for
tonight. Now the mot bad egg
in her way" as he had gracefully
referred to Renita, was bawling
things up. Confound the woman!
The elevator gates swung open.
Ann stepped inside. He had to go
back and finish his lunch and settle
the check. 1--WE 5 minutes to
spare. I'll go back with you,"
Renita suggested.
Gordon was annoyed.
Why on earth had he permitted
Renita to play up to him these
past few weeks, and even cook
tasty little dinners for him in her
apartment?
Just because he had practically
broken with the old crowd through
SenSitiveneSs over his fathers sui
eide and his own changed circum-
stances, and was lonely, didn't
mean that he had my real zest in
STOPPING to conquer!
Women of Rentals type were so
poSSesSiVe!
They lacked, thought he, the
Well-bred reticence that was a
charm in girls like Ann. It was
impossible for them to hide their
emotions. Blazon them around,
they would, knowing full well that
a department. store was nothing
but a Soundingboard for gossip!
Renita was a house-organ when
1t came to spreading news. He
should never have introduced her
to Ann, he thought snobbishly, an
noyed at himself.
CHAPTER VII
Meanwhile, Ann had buoyantlv
proceeded to the Gift Shop on the
main floor, intent on putting over
her two purchases.
Brenda Sell was there. Her
manner was not propitious.
Don't you think this fitted
pouch-bag is simply the last word
for anybody going on a winter
cruise" Ann snapped it open with
enthusiasm, displaying its innum-
cradle little gadgets. And it
isn't really bit heavy to carry"
Brenda looked down her some
what prominent nose.
HIN. The depreSsion's still on,
young lady. People aren't going
on cruises this winter"
"Oh, yes, they are" exclaimed
Ann. II know dozens and dozens
of people who have already
booked passages on the Mediter-
ranean, and for California by the
Canal route, and the West Indies,
and Cuba. Look, Miss Sell, at !
this cunning pocket for a pass
port"
Brenda's lips curled into a wry
smile.
And you really think I should |
commit myself to an order on the |
off-chance Of a few friends Of
yours buying these?"
why, the public would love
them, Miss SELF. I know what |
women like"
A dark flush rose beneath the
olive skin of the Gift Shop buyer |
as she said, with studied sarcasm:
Doubtless you have more expert
ence than someone who has only
spent IA years in the buying and
selling buSineSS!"
Ann was nonpulSed.
please don't think I'm stupidity |
conceited or that I would ever |
dream of setting up my opinion |
against yours. But this bags so |
cheap at the price-so useful for |
any woman, even though she !
never goes further than Brook
lyn-"