The Washington times., 1937-09-10

4uN1tCu W 1NOSG DulIOA . Pdl ~
of men.
Naturally Rose Dalton didn't
expect him to come-as he did
in a business suit. Neither Eric
nor his suit would ever have
appeared again in select circles if
Johanna hadn't been a wallflower
at the Dalton party, too.
Johanna had short, straight
hair and a piquant nose. Hugh
Condor, home on vacation from
Yale, had practically belonged to
her since grammar school.
But Johanna'S dress cam from
the towns speciality shop. Rose
wore a Partisan frock. JohannaS
manner was comradely and frank,
still practically high school. Rose
was just back from year in
Paris-a woman of the world.
Five minutes after Hugh and
Johanna arrived, Hugh left
Johanna flat for the evening. AS
she watched him, collegiate and
tall, shouldering aside rivals, de-
manding and winning a dance
from Rose, Johanna felt the
humiliation of all deserted women,
publicly thwarted, publicly dis
graced.
TO THE RESCUE
Then Johanna saw Eric. his
wrong suit sentencing him to old
Mr.. Dalton's views on politics. Her
pity for herself was transferred to
him. Forgetting her own unpop-
ularity, she went to the rescue.
Her expectant, bright young
smile withered the discussion on
economic trends. Recalled to the
duties of a host, Mr.. Dalton sug'
gested that he didn't want to keep
them from dancing.
After two steps, Johanna knew
Eric hadn't been to Miss Mygatt's
dancing school. All evening she
showed him the latest numbers.
Tactfully she helped him under.
stand all the gangs private Jokes
and Royalties, tried to make him
one of them.
On the veranda he did not brag
about his debts or cutting classes.
He talked about his work. He was
ambitious to go into business for
himself. Already he had saved
$500.
AS the party broke up, Melisse
Kendle gushed to her hostess and
social rival, your party was such
fun, Rose, I'm going to give one
next Saturday. Everybody is in
vited."
Then she noticed Eric and grew
conscious that everybody. OF
course, did not include him.
NO CLOTHES
will you come too, Mr..
smith?" she asked ard added
pointedly, IT'S formal"
I'm afraid I can't" said Eric,
Il haven't formal clothes"
A shocked horror descended on
Great Meadows younger set. 10
hanna valiantly broke the silence.
But you'll come to my my
my >. masquerade the week after,
won't you?" she urged. You can
be guest of honor if you'll come"
After Eric left and Johanna
waited till Hugh could drag him
self away from Rose to escort her
home, the lingering inner gang
made a great joke of Johanna'S
introduction Eric Smith to society.
They ragged her about Eric
Smiths debut.
well, he may not have tux
or a car like you boys" she told
the young men-on-allowanceS, but
he's got $500 in the bank
Then why doesn't he buy him
self some decent clothes?" scoffed
Hugh.
Maybe he doesn't know
enough" Melissa giggled. They
probably don't dress for dinner in
a home above a grocery store"
POSTPONE PARTY
Championing Eric at bridge
parties and at gatherings of the
S1I1 " B z
Hugh's neglect for her. She post
poned her party and gave up the
date to Norma Halcon so that Eric
would be included in more festivi-
ties.
At informal affairs she insisted
the girls ask him as their escort.
It was sometimes difficult. because
after Johanna fought to get him
an invitation, he often had to work
and couldn't come. She Dragged
about his being self-made man
called his strong, homely features
interesting.
Then-horror upon horrors-he
came to her masquerade in the cos.
tune of chain-store grocery man.
Johanna was sick with pity for his
lack of judgment. She was fright
ened, terribly frightened for fear