The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-10
CHAPTER XI

Judith nodded and spoke to Marta who had so patently come to the couturier's to guard against any privacy that she might possibly share with Phil at lunchtime, She realized that Marta was not subtle, not diplomatic. She thrust herself on Phil at times when her absence would have pleaded her case far more eloquently.
 The attendants were hurrying with new designs, new models, and Judith surrendered herself to their allurements, She ordered recklessly, lavishly
 She had enough money In her own private account to care for the bill. After all, clothes must be her medium of earning her liV- ing now. She knew though, that 1t was desire to finish the fashion parade, If finish 1t she must, in 0 burst of glory that prompted the shopping expedition, Her innate honesty would not let her be de- ceived.
 When the measuring and check ing of materials had ended she de- cided to call Mark Price and tell him of her return. To her sur prise, Mark Prices warm, welcom- ing voice made no mention of her status in the fashion world. He made an appointment with her, welcomed her back and told of the progress Of his work. Hardly had she hung up when an at- tendant rapped on the door, In response to JudIth's Come in," she opened it to admit Q tall figure in gray tweeds
 "Phil" Judith said, It was iel- otic for her heart to bounce like a rubber ball, She tried Co quiet it by saying, namely You're looking we'll"
 He wasn't looking well, Ills face was thinner tired, and his eyes were baffed.
 "You're-gorgeousI" he said He did not look at the dress though, "oh, Judy, It's good to have you back" For Q moment he had tor- gotten that their meetings now, were only transient affairs Judith realized, "Ready2" He smiled down at her, Where shall we luneh9"
 Judith named a favorIte luncheon place, one where they had gone many times in the past. She won- dored how Phil had evnded Marta, Perhaps he had begun to realize the futility of any lasting happiness with Marta. Ills next words banish- cd the entire idea
 Mind If Marta goes, toop I asked her last night, She's outside"
 ''Marta7 No, not ct all"
 So Phil, rather than escaping, was so deeply enmeshod in his devotion or love or infatuation that he would commit on act, clearly of bad taste, to please Marta Judith decided to have soup and coffee and escape quickly. She kept the conversa- ton moving swiftly in light vein, She realized that Marta had been defeated In some purpose which she sought.
 The next days were crowded, and finally came tho night of the style show. Mark Price had not mentioned her Identity to Judith, though she was sure that he must know who she was. Judith had been present at private dress rehearsal, asking that she be per- siiitted to miss the general one, No one but Mark Price and his filters knew that she was appear ing.
 Her first ensemble was c blue dinner gown, sVelte and closo- fitting, made of hundreds Of plaitS that were sharp and definite. Now, at the verge Of the stage, her cour- age left her. How could sho have accepted such a role2 What imp had possessed her to do this7 The music repeated It's cue. She must 90 oni
 She knew that the silence, at first, was . tribute to the creation. It lasted c little too long. Amusement threaded it. Somebody gaSped. A sound like breeze in c field stirred the audience. Then there was ap-
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