Evening star., 1938-01-04

ducing his first successful play. Iris
finds his company enjoyable, too,
being able at least while with him
to keep her mind of Dana.
CHAPTER v.
-O OWARD the end of the first
month Iris purchased a small
car. It made life so much cas-
i ier. Now she was independent
and could 60 at her own convenience.
She drove it for a week before she
could decide whether to 60 back to
Marvllle for another unbearable week
end. The first one had been so hard
on her that it had taken q week to
regain her newly acquired gayety.
Too many things reminded her Of
Dana. Every room at the country
club seemed to shout his name, and
the big green lounging chair at home
seemed to bear the imprint Of his tall,
loosely built body. He was such a
big boy, Iris wondered If life with
Miriam made too many demands on
his casualness.
How many times would Miriam
let him appear in his old flannel
slacks and sport shirt? Not many,
il she knew Miriam. Not that Dana
was ever untidy-just casually COM
Portable A memory of Dana bum
died in an old plaid mackinaw and
corduroy riding breeches, with the
sharp sting Of the December wind
whipping his scarlet cheeks as they
tugged at Christmas tree for the
annual country club party, made the
contrast Of the type of clothes he
would be compelled to wear now all
the more ridiculous.
It was Friday before she finally
decided to go home the following aft
ernoon, and she knew that she was
forcing herself to go. But Aunt Prue's
felt that she owed it to her.
Roger called her just as she was
ready to leave her desk to go to
lunch on Friday. They had fallen
into the habit of meeting and going
to lunch together. She saw him al
most every day now, and Tony always
saved them their special table and
spoiled them with his solicitous care
A certain columnist had mentioned
their names three times within one
week, and that was enough Hotoriety
to merit the turning Of heads and the
whispers as they followed Tony to
their table.
Today Roger called to say he would
be a little late in meeting her, and
Iris worked on at her desk until 2
O'Clock. Patti looked in at her on her
way to meet Jim Hastings.
mot gone yet?"
Rogers a little late, Patti. He
called to see If would wait"
Worth waiting for, eh? Jim thinks
you two could make 60 Of It,"
Iris eyed her in amazement. why,
what ever made Jim think about such
q thing as that?"
Iris, don't tell me that you don't
know every one is speculating on how
long it will be until the announcement
Is made. I only hope it won't be
until after you've had chance to go
to Paris for me-"
"Paris!" Iris eyes widened in
amazement.
Perhaps and probably"
Iris head whirled. Paris. And
Dana there on his honeymoon. But
Patti, you surely don't mean it?"
But, Iris, do mean it! Thai. is
If you'd like to go for me. I have
too much to do here this winter to
take time to see the spring style
show"
Iris fairly flew across the room,
her blue eyes shining. "Oh, Patti,
I don't deserve it, but I'd love to
60. And I'd do anything possible
for you. I'll sit up night and day and
work."
Don't get so excited, little one. I
didn't know that you were 50 fond Of
Paris"
"Oh, Paris" Iris spread her hands
out disdainfully. 1T doesn't mean
very much"
But why"
"Oh, Of course it does! That's just
q pose." Iris hurriedly contradicted
herself. She had almost been on the
verge of saying, but Paris with Dana
there. Duly she remembered that
although he'd be there, in all proba-
bility she wouldn't have any right to
more than catch glimpse of him.
She went on, You know. Patti, be-
lieve I have new dress that you'll
like. It's q sort Of composite. I'll
show 1t to you this afternoon"
Patti crossed the room in rapid
strides. LET me see it now," she said.
mo, Patti, it isn't quite ready. It
would ruin it for you to see it un-
finished. Run on, now, and eat your
lunch"
But I want to see it now"
mo. Not now. Iris took her arm,
but Patti held back.
Patti, please don't insist" Iris
voice sounded tired suddenly.
"Oh, well, all right. But o'clock
and I'll be right here camping on
your desk. Be sure and have 1t
ready. Jim will be waiting for me,
and I know I'll never be able to do
anything but think about it If I didn't
~ It,"
"Yes, but the chances are that
yUuM not be able to think about any
thing else afterward but how it can
b changed. know you like book. '
"Shhh, Iris. You and Mary are the
only two living people who do know
me. It's terribly comforting to be
able to be natural with you"
"You mean that Jim doesn't know
your real self?"
7 don't dare let myself think Of
that Hes too good 4pr me As I am