The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-11
CHAPTER TX

Jackie was glad now that she had lovely new dress, purchased 50 re- luctantly among her "trouBseau- clothes" for the dinncr-dance.
 It was dream of a dress, really; sky-blue tulle, yards and yards of it, glinting with silver She wore silver sandals on her feet and coronet of tiny, glitter ing silver stars behind her hair back from her eager, flushed young face. For once she looked AS feminine and allurlng as even Evelyn could have wished. For once Jackie was willing to look that way.
 Of course the fact that Beryl Melrose would be there had noth- ing to do with it!
 Evelyn had seen to 1t that the setting for this evening should be as romantic as possible. Gay Japanese lanterns had been hung around the vclvety lawns and ter races, near the outdoor swimming pool platform for dancing had been erected and just in case there would not be any moon. an arti- ficial one had been supplied. There were fioodlight3, as well, that would shine first gold, then rose, then lav- cnder, thick back drops of shrubs and masses of fragrant roses. As though the night itself had wanted to lend cnchantment the air was as tender as a Sercnade.
 Dear me" Evelyn whispered in an agidc to Jackie, as they received the long line of guests. what do you suppose is keeping Roger?" He should have been here ages ago. I can't understand it."
 Jackie the golden fiecks in her eyes too bright, her lovely face flushed, her fair head held high, could not understand 1t, either. Surely Roger would not let her dawn on this important night. He hnd promised to come. He had promise to help her carry this crazy trial flight engagement through, no matter what hap pcned.
 She had scarcely seen anything at all of Roger since that day at t'ae field. That new silver ship had been the one in which he would make his flight. He had been taking 1t up every day, cx- perimenting with what 1t would do. And Jackie knew that Bery Mclrosc had been staying at q small hotel near the field SO that she could watch his progress.
 Perhaps he had to go after Mrs. Melrose," Jackie answered her mo- ther. He will want to see that she gets here"
 T still cannot understand why you felt you must invite her tO your party" Evelyn rcproved. Re member what told you! If I were you I would keep Roger away from such fascinating creature, rather than deliberately throwing them to- gcther, my dear"
 I'm not throwing them to- gcther" Jackie flarcd. Oh. why didn't Roger come? There was simply no excu8c
 "Ah, there he Is now and with Mrs. Melrosc, just as you thought!
 Not only Jackie, but everyone in the room, watched the entrance that Bcryl MclroSc made then She was the sort of woman whose coming into q room would be termed an entrance.
 She was easily the most beautiful woman present. She Was all in white tonight, even to the long string of pearls about her beautiful throat Her big eyes looked larger and dark CT than ever. her skin more gar dcnia like.
 Its all my fault that Roger ia latc," she said in her sclf-a88urcd, gracious manner, that made Jackie feel go gauchc. We were making some very important tests today and got 50 interested l do hope you'll forgive him!"
 "It doesn't matter in the least, Jackie murmurcd cooly. She felt that Roger should do hiB own apologizing She knew in8tinctiye- Iy that Beryl MelroBe had pur- posely seen to it that they should be late.
 Im terribly sorry" Roger did offer additions, apology of hif own, az his strong arm circlcd Jackic'g slim waist for the first dance. Tt wasn't Beryl'g fault Jackie. IL was mine. But yoL knew I'd manage to get here didn't you my loVc?"
 q have told you before that am not your love" Jackie gave him stern look. She had had tc pretencd before the world that 8hc and Roger were Il pair Of turtle doves when the announcement oi their engagement had been made at the dinner table, but they could drop all that nCnBcnBc now.
 You look 20 sweet tonight. with thobc stars in your hair -- and in your eyes that almost wish you were" he told her. with his -