The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-04
CHAPTER VII

NhAkIEM VIII
 T don't know what I'm supposed to represent" she said in her thoughts. '"The point is, how am I going to attract Don's attention? That's the important thing" She was putting on cobweb hose, high seeled silver sandals with glittering rhinestone heels. The dress was misty white over silver, tight little basque dropped from her smooth white shoulders. The full skirt bil- lowed like a frothy cloud, heavy rhinestone girdle circled her slender waist. On her head she wore a jeweled snood, shining curls crept through the meshes and framed her vivid sparkling face. Oh, it was won- derful to be lovely gain-wonderful. But would Don think her lovely? Again that was the important thing.
 In the club dressing room Pats dropped her cape and took one last look in the mirror. Her eyes were deeply, mysteriously blue behind the white satin mask. She threaded her way through the lounge, where crin- oline and velvet clad ladies flirted with wigged gentlemen and court testers, and reached the ballroom with its varicolored lights, tantaliz- ing music, and gliding couples. Im- mediately she located Don. He stood at the edge of the dance floor in conversation with an armored gentleman. Passing him, Pats smiled and nodded. He bowed po- litely but made no other response to the invitation in her eyes.
 A little dashed she walked on. How did one go about it to attract a man who was definitely immune to feminine charms? Suddenly she felt a rude hand on her arm and swung about to face a stout and perspiring buccaneer, a robber of the high seas. He mutt tered something in a voice thick from too frequent visits to the bar. Pats pulled away Somehow she hadn't counted on ruthless bandits. With a quick movement the man imprisoned her against him. He laughed exultantly as she struggled
 It was dance or make a scene, so Pats danced. She knew Don observed the incident and she threw an imploring glance straight into his eyes. Around the huge ballroom they went, the mans arm holding her unnecessarily close, his cheek brushing hers in spite of her effort to hold stiffly away. As they passed Don again she extIicated herself with a quick side movement. She knew Don watched her, knew too that it was through no sense of attrac- tion, merely his inborn kindlinesS . in the face of distress.
 She tried to leave the floor but the swarthy pirate again caught her roughly. This time her blue eyes sought Don with a frank plea for help He abruptly left his companion and zig-zagged across the floor in pursuit. The groeS, half-drunken viking had turned the trick for Pats. Quietly, but with determination, Don cut III. WlLllOuI ClILLluOldCil LlC PuV AAAo arm around her slim waist and they were dancing Pats feet scarcely touched the floor; she was like sunlit sea foam.
 Thank you," she said, softly, breathlessly.
 Tt was pleasure.
 T don't know that I care for masked balls" she remarked after silent rhythmic moment. They allow so many privileges"
 "One is supposed to be among friends" he returned.
 Pats mind darted about in an effort to find some way of catch ing Don's attention. He was being kindly courteous, that was all.
 Perhaps you and are friends" she said, but have feeling that I never saw you before" If Don felt safe behind his mask he might relax his vigilance. And yet I may have talked to you to- day, who knows?"