Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-07-15
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CHAPTER as

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night for her date with Gary and
with none of the pleasure she
usually felt in slipping into fatter-
ing evening clothes. Almost
mechanically she took her BATH
set a wave in her cleaning cop
perry locks. With her robe of
gold-toned bath toweling, she
looked like a tiny child as she
studied her face seriously in the
mirror. The deep blue eyes were
troubled, her creamy skin paler
than usual.
Marcia was feeling the impor-
lance of that date, for she realized
the months grace Gary had given
her expired that night. How like
him to plan a special celebration,
to mark his acceptance or his final
defeat! Marcia, full Of the real
ization that she must finally thrust
him out of her life, faced the
ordeal with real dread. She
thought it would have been far
more appropriate if Gary had
planned to take her driving in the
warm evening, when in the dark
ness she could try to soften the
blow Of her refusal. But In the
face of his ardent plea for din
ner at the impressive Trocadero,
she had given in.
Marcia, particularly want you
to come with me to the Trocadero
tonight" he had said when she
was working on the final illustra-
ton for the book. I've reserved
a table, and I want to celebrate
the completion of our job" He
would not tell her in words. that
he also hoped to celebrate another
and more important event.
She wriggled into the turquoise
blue dinner gown that sWirled
around her silver-shod feet, and
pinned Gary's extravagant corsage
at her bosom. AS she dressed, she
wondered why Sandy had called
her again, today of all times. She
hadn't seen Ellen or any of her
friends who might tell her how the
Paula affair was progressing. AL
most fearfully she picked up the
paper these days hoping she
wouldn't find the girls picture
printed as a charming bride of
the season..
Gary arrived just as she finished,
and stared in frank admiration at
the charming girl before him.
Marcia caught the spirit of almost
reverence, and laughed with en-
barrassment.
"You can touch me, Gary. 1
won't break" she insisted gaily,
and took his arm to make a grand
exit from the dim apartment. She
was hastily trying to get him
away from a possible tete-a-tete,
when his evening would be ruined
before it began. IF only l can
postpone his proposal until after
we leave the Trocadero," she
thought desperately. Once they
reached the cafe, on beautiful Sum
set boulevard and overlooking all
the lights of Hollywood, she felt
more secure.
Gary was lavish with his order
ing, including champagne cock
tail for two. Marcia tried to do
justice to the dinner, but she was
nervously ill-at-ease. On the
other hand, Gary seemed in his
most jovial mood as he toasted her
for the fine work she had COM
pleted on his new book.
ITO the futurew he proposed,
lifting his glass to salute hers.
ITO the future" she said ODE
diently, and wondered what it held
for both of them.
Unable to restrain himself, Gary
abruptly leaned over the tiny ia
BILE. Il can't wait any longer,
DEAR" he said almost breathlessly.
"Can you tell me now that you've
changed your mind in the last
month? Can you tell me you'll
change this business association to
a lifetime partnership? All, my
dear-can you?"
Marcia put hand on his coat
sleeve. Lets wait until we 20
home. I have so much to say"
she told him.
$50 much to say" he said
swiftly, "then you do love me!
Oh, my dearest"
The girl shook her head violent
ly when he mistook her meaning
then her eyes clouded with tears
as she saws his sudden reaction
"Oh, Gary, didn't want to tel
you here. before all these people
ITS just no use, my dear. I can't
I just can't. You mean more tt
me than any friend I have. but