The Washington times., 1937-11-22

G1lo WOIlO OuG 10 QlIluCE. OOt1 y
worry. I'll take care of father"
Karen's mother had bought her
a new gold frock a few days be.
fore. Lucy got it out. There was
a full-length cloth-of-gold coat
which buttoned up to her chin.
Karen hardly commented while
Lucy dressed her. Lucy slipped
some topaz bracelets on Doth Of
her wrists. When she was dressed,
Lucy sat back on her heels to
admire. Karen had never looked
lovelier. The new thinnesS of her
face gave her an added beauty
which was arresting. But the girl
did not even glance at herself In
the mirror.
Jay stopped in just as Lucy was
putting on the finishing touches.
He stood still a moment and
looked at his sister. He did not
tell her she looked lovely, but he
put her hand to his lips.
When they were driving over for
the dinner party Jay still kept
her hand in his. II don't want
you to worry, Karen. I'll see
father the moment we get to the
reception. What time do the
morning papers come out?"
Karen was not sure. The taxi
driver was consulted.
We'll have time to break the
news. Keep a stiff upper lip.
You're taking the whole thing too
seriously"
But you don't understand it
ALL"
IT will, but I can't now or I'd
cry"
Nov, now!" Jay shook his
head. He never could understand
the women Of his family. When
they made their entrance into the
McLeod's drawing room there was
a sudden silence.
SERGE AGAIN
They'd been talking about me-"
Karen thought. Then to her
horror she saw Serge was one Of
the guests. But certainly nobody
would put her beside him. She
forced a smile to her lips. It was
a defiant smile. And Serge, aS
he bent over her hand, murmured
a compliment which was really
sincere. Karen had never looked
more beautiful In her life. The
golden sheath Of her gown fitted
her slim figure and swirled in o
small train below her golden
slippers. Her eyes were mysteri.
Gus. She was completely deSirs
able. Serge told her so.
Dinner seemed interminable.
and Karen never could remember
what she talked about to her din.
ner partners. At times Jay caught
her eye and signaled a comforting
smile. She saw with relief that
he was drinking very little.
Later they went on to the recep.
ton at Pierre's. Jay had agreed
not to stay long, so Karen felt she
could stand 1t for a little while.
AS they went in the newsboys
were hawking the first editions.
Find dad the first thing" she
begged.
Jay went off to hunt his father.
and Karen was surrounded by a
lot Of young men. She danced
because she did not have to talk
when she did. It kept her away
from the people in the big recep.
ton hall. She knew from the
effusive way people were rushing
up to her that some of them had
seen the news.
Later, Jay came back. He had
not found her father, but he went
off again to search.
CHAPTER xxv
Williams took Karen out on the
dance floor again. AS the music
stopped Karen found herself
standing next to Ping. She had
not seen him for a long time.
I'm cutting in, Lew" Ping said.
AS the two moved off together,
Ping laughed a little. 80, you've
been working!"
80 the papers say"
II saw them"
Your mother must still be con.
graduating herself"
"She is" Then he added: AREN'T
the cats buzzing here because I'm
dancing with you!"
1T doesn't matter. I'm used to
that"
If they only knew what I
know" Ping continued to chuckle.
Are you drunk, Ping?"
"Just pleasantly"
He laughed again. 1--WE been
waiting for this day for . long,
long time"
Karen was puzzled. She could
not understand Pings mirth. Sure
ly the story of her job was not the
reason for all this glee. OF course,
he must be glad she was in trouble
again.
But it's respectable trouble. I"
Karen thought defiantly.
Eyes, oh hum! I'm happy boy
tonight. I'm going to get roaring,
screaming drunk.
Enough of this, Ping. I'm not
dancing any more. This is all too
silly"
II was just about to ask you to
come out into the foyer with me.
I've got something I want to show
you myself, in perSon!"
Karen followed him, her curl
osity aroused. Ping found seat
back of some palms. "Here, sit
down. young lady. We won't be