Evening star., 1938-01-27


The long, lonesome evening dragged.
Chris read, seWed. listened to the
radio, and finally went to bed, She
lay awake living again the happenings
Of the last day or two, remembering
with burning face the dizzy, ecstatic
moment when she had been in Ernest
9oscombe's arms; only it had not been
he, but Phil. They were Phil's deep
eyes shining into hers and Phils cheek
that her hand brushed, slipping
around his neck. It had been very
confusing.
She was still awake when Babe came
home Something made her lie quietly
without speaking. The younger girl
listened a moment before she turned
on the low night lamp. Chris opened
one eye slightly and saw that Babes
face was flushed, her hair tumbled
more wildly than breezy fall evening
would warrant She was breathing
heavily, her whole body quivering,
and then Chris saw that the collar
10 her dress was torn slightly.
So. That was the way the wind
was blowing Chris wisely bided her
time, hoping that a chance would
come for her to prudently assert her
self on the subject of Vickie Stone,
and she dozed off.
For several weeks she waited, while
Babe spent more and more time with
Vickie. Babe was restive and irritable
and not prone to comments. There
was nothing Chris could do but wait.
ONE evening, because of some un-
expected business that came up,
she and Mr. Boscombe and the Sec
retary were forced to stay at the office
until quite late At last the secretary
left and Chris prepared to follow suit.
In the other Office she heard Ernest
lock his desk, close the door to his
closet, and turn out the light. He
was smiling as he came in, and his
smile broadened as he saw her yawn.
II have an idea that would wake
you up," he said. Let's forget We are
working folks tonight and 60 where
We can eat in style and comfort.
Those sandwiches the drug store sent
up served as good appetizers-1'm
starving"
The restaurant was only partially
full, and there was not chance IN
the world that Chris would miss see
Ing the party across the room. 1t
was a big group, and young and
noisy one. Even at that distance she
could recognize Johnnie and Minna,
and then. there was what she had been
seeking-Babes splurge of red hair
and slim man next to her Chris
sat very still. wondering what to do
next. That was solved for her before
long.
Dancing started, and 1t was only
q matter of minutes before Johnnie
spotted them, and he and Minna
danced up to the table.
Look who's here!' Johnnie shouted
and beckoned to the rest of the crowd.
Others of the group ran up. Introduce
tions were exchanged, then Babe was
coming across the floor, feet patting
the floor, head back, hair defiant
blaze. Her arm was looped through
that Of a tall, well-built man. His
mouth was smiling, but his eyes were
not, and they burned ice-blue under
q high forehead. His hair was tawny
and it curled here and there. Chris
looked at him, at the full lips. the
heavy brows, and knew before any one
had said word that this was Vickie
Stone.
They joined the other party and
after leisurely dinner Chris rose to
70. The atmosphere had not been too
comfortable. Mr. Boscombe's hand
was ready with her coat. when Vickie
stood up. mot before having a dance
with me. I hope" He put COM
nAnding arm about her waist and
swept her on before she could pro-
test. She looked at him, smelling
the tobacco fragrance Of his coat.
IT SEE distrust and distaste in your
L pretty eyes, Miss Sherman" and
the full mouth smiled again. And
b.ing a man, can fathom your
every thought. So We have gone
crusading for the soul of our little
sister. have we?" His tone changed
and his jaw was ugly. He left her
no opportunity for speaking. They
danced on, his arm as tight as steel
about her.
"You needn't deny it, for it's as
obvious as the cute little nose on
your face Surely you can't object
to harmless acquaintance with your
dster?"
She found words at last "A HARM
less acquaintance? No, indeed. But
that's enough, don't you think?"
The music finished just then with
crash that startled her and to
steady herself she frightened her hand
on his shoulder. vickie Stones mouth
eurled upward.
Now, now, Miss Sherman. Cru
saders shouldn't desert their princi-
PIES" She flounced of, speeches.
with frustrated anger.
There were sharp words between
the sisters that night. Babe stared
at the ceiling and sulked while Chris
had 1t out with her at last.
HE isn't the best sort for you to
Be running around with" she said.
"He's attractive, he's charming, and
clever. He talks well, he dances well,
he spends money well. But I don't
know how far you can trust him,
and I'd hate for you to make mis-
take"
Babes voice was hard when she
spoke, although it broke before she
finished. Il don't care. Like him.
He does more Tor me than any one
else. More than Phil does for you.
Vickie understands-he's ALL I
hAVnn