Evening star., 1937-07-18
THIS WEEK

making holy show of me. | should have
known that it would turn out that you wouldn't
have money to pay for the coCktails!'
1T just slipped my mind" Cuffy told her
airily, that never have any money!"
Isn't that nice! Particularly for the people
you know!"
Oh they don't mind! Why should they?
They got pockets full of it. Like Ranny.
Soon as he comes we can pay the bill and stop
drinking"
Haven't you any pride?" Claire inquired
acidy and picked up her handbag.
Cufy raised his hand Cant let you pay
it! That would make me gigolo. Give me ten
on the cuff and III pay it,
''On the cuff" Claire repeated. And to
think your nickname puzzled me for time
Keeping firm grip upon her handbag. she
gave him smile that chilled the blood and
rose from the table just as the waiter appeared
with two more Martins.
Claire forced herself to walk with unhurried
composure from the Cocktail Terrace. but by
the time she reached the corridor leading to her
room she was running and laughing under her
breath, without mirth, Historically.
She continued to laugh until she came face
to face with herself in the mirror of her dressing
table 1t was even so much worse than she had
expected -.
Wasn't this fine and fitting climax to the
whole mess! At least she had been having
quiet, respectable vacation proper to the proud
old name of Wetherby - but now! "A brazen
<h,t'c hiatt thov, would bo ~o11inu hov
Oh how could she show her face again! And.
above all, how could she face him again! But
how could she avoid him? -.
Two hours later Claire sat on her bed and felt
both much better and much worse.
She felt much better because she no longer
looked like something washed up by the sea.
She felt much better because she had on an
attractive negligee and could sit on the edge of
her bed sullenly and kick her heels against the
floor.
She felt much better because she had solved
the problem of how to avoid the obnoxious,
the impossible, the detestable Cuffy. She'd run
no risk of seeing him. She wouldn't go down to
dinner :. They were going now. those laughing
voices in the corridor. Oh, damn all young and
happy people! And in love as like as not the
lucky saps!
There was sudden rapping on the door.
"Hey!" called voice outside. How much
longer are you going to keep me waiting?"
We'll have two Sazaracs," Cuffy told the
bartender He turned to Claire. Know why?
Because absinthe makes the heart grow fonder."
Claire wrinkled her nose 81 never intended
to see you again."
He shook his finger in her face. DO you
know" his voice trembled do you know how
many of those Martins had to drink before
Ranny rescued me? Not one. Not two Not
three. Not =" He broke off as large hand
grasped his finger.
Ranny Churchill and Phyllis Smythe had
come up behind them.
Nov, now!' Ranny Chided in soothing
tone. What are you quarreling about now,
dear children"
Nothing We both believe in large families"
Cuffy replied tartly But now that you re here
you can lend me the keys to the car"
well -" hemmed Ranny doubtfully, with
a glance at Phyllis.
Thanks, old boy! You can use the car all day
tomorrow"
But we've got to go on to Westbury to-
morrow! | must try out those new ponies - y
Cuffy had turned to Phyllis. Don't be
offended He wouldn't really rather pat a
horses withers than dance with YOU. He's lust