The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-08-27

sofa, or perhaps she might be on
the chaise-lounge and he would
come and sit beside her. TOMS
thoughts had wings!
zephrine watched her curiouSly.,
She was lank, lean, hard-faced
woman. She had her own ideas
about women who sang in night
clubs and received men in their
apartments. Doubtless there would
be plenty to tell Monsieur NiklaS
during his daily telephone COM
munication with her.
Zephrine decided she would
make false departure after din
ner. She would slam the door Of
the apartment from the inside! .,
It was half past six. The lovely
French clock on the mantelpiece
gave single silvery chime.
EVERYTHING READY
Cocktails were mixed, and in the
shaker. In is minutes she would
add the ice cubes. Guy was COM
ing at seven.
In her black velvet gown that
was so becoming to her, Toni
crossed the salon and took a look
at herself in the mirror.
For the first time she felt she
really liked her blond hair. It was
honey-colored, and tonight she had
piled the curls on top of her small
head, in Marie Antoinette man.
ner.
The doorbell rang. Color flooded
her face.
She heard zephrine open the
kitchen door and go through the
foyer.
Quick, to the chaise-loungeI
Don't seem too eager! o.
Sound of a door being closed,
approaching feet; Zephrine, her
eyes bright with curiosity, her
mouth twisted a little, announc-
ing, not Guy, but Meester Mil
bank! --
Hello there, Toni" he said
jauntily. Thought I'd drop in to
wish you a Merry ChristmaS!"
The old nonchalance, the AFRO
gance! Brock acting as though
they were on the old familiar
footing!
II think" he said, that at this
festive season, a kiss is in order!"
She had CLINE Of Zephrine's
face-sarcastic, grim-before the
maid retreated.
Hello" said Toni fatty, her
face blank.
Always, at the most inopportun0
moment, Brock bobbed up!
Say, you look beautiful! A
party, huh?"
st am expecting-friends."
obviously. Am I not In
cluded?"
He was insufferable!
He made as though to kiss her.
She drew back. 49,
so that's the way you feel, il
it? Well, anyway, can have q
cocktail, can't I? And take this"
SMALL PARCEL
He thrust at her, grinning inn
pudently, a small tissue wrapped
parcel from which emerged the
tight.packed faces of sweetheart
roses with encircling violets.
"A Victorian poSey for just an
old-fashioned girl! Violets for
thoughts. These are sweetheart
roseS!" -.
Toni saw red.
II suppose that this is a tribute
to our past?"
Precisely. Why not? Wasn't
it sweet while it lasted?"
She flung them into the blazing
fire. :,
He redeemed, visibly annoyed.
''I was only kidding, Toni" He
made a dash to rescue the little
posey, but it's paper lace frill had
already burst into flame.
He tried to carry it off with an:
"Ungrateful little witch"
ION the contrary" Toni told
him hotely, I'm ever so grateful to
you-for my escaped"
"Oh, come. come. I'm not as
bad as all that" He picked up the
cocktail shaker. Where's the old
dragon? The chaperon, rather
Can't she bring some ice?"
Toni touched button no the
wall. The maid appeared.
Some ice, Zephrine.
But she would not drink with
Brock. She would not spoil the
promise of a lovely evening by q
bad beginning.
BAD POLICY
And yet, she knew that it would
be bad policy to antagonize this
man who had thrust himself into
her new life for hi; own ends.
That he planned to use her as q
tool was evident. She must use
subtle weapons to fight him.
Give him a cocktail. Get him
away quickly
You are dining somewhere"
He bowed. with Harriet Brew
ster. She is giving a small party
at her home. An aunt. An uncle.
Cousins. You see, already I'm ale
most a member of the familyI
Quick work, Toni"
What a cad he was she
thought.
ITO Be Continued)
CcopyriEht. 1887. BY King Features