The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-11
CHAPTER VIII

Joan had planned to leave the office early on Wednesday in order not to be late for SybilS tea. But at the last minute. sudden change in MT. Hendry's plans detained her. She regretted not having time to run home and change, because she needed the compoSure that fresh clothes might have lent.
 Sybil would be perfect and her friends would be perfect, and they would be quick to note any im- perfections in her. Their attitude, she felt sure, would be patroniz- ing. Society secure in their own superiority, they were bending down to her, a stenographer, and their eyes and ears would be critical
 She remembered what Bob had said about Sybil. Whatever so- cial success I've had, I owe it to her ." It had helped him in his business, too. That would be her job. from now on. She must be able to do as much for him as Sybil Hendry had. Be- cause of that. so much depended upon today. Upon her first meet ing with these women who would be her neighbors.
 Some of them she had met at the Spring Frolic. Because of their friendship for Bob, they had accepted her whole-heartedly. But today she would be alone. And she was not sure that Sybil'S friends would be the same warm hearted matrons whom Bob had presented. Today she would meet the smart young women, the we'll poised, Brilliant young sophisti- cateS.
 She was afraid of people like thst. She lacked the Self-confi- dence to meet them successfully. Parties still held certain terror for her, because she was never sure when she might meet another woman from San Francisco - someone who remembered. A girl does not gather social assurance during lifetime of hiding from society.
 Today she must not be afraid.
 She took one last personal inven- tory. The evening before she had had a shampoo and manicure. Her shoes were new, so were her stock ings. She was glad it had continued cold; she would not need galoshes.
 Her dress, which she had hoped to change, would do. It was 8 plain black silk, ideal for the of- flee, but glorified for the occasion by a crisp new collar and pair of good clips. Her hat was new and smart. Her plain black coat she had worn all through the win ter. but 1t was made of good mate rial even though it lacked an abundance of fur, and today it had been brushed within an inch of its life.
 As far as grooming went, she felt confident. There was no carelessness to warrant criticism.
 11eT lIdul dIElFcu III SIScIl I1lllo at 5:30. Sybil had suggested 5 o'clock, so she was not very late. She started to walk from the sta- ton, then suddenly catering to Sybil's sophistication, she decided on a taxi.
 Her decision proved wise one, because Sybil herself was well coming guests at the door when she drew up.
 Joan, my dear!" she greeted effusively. Its so nice to see you. Do run upstairs, will you? My maid will take your wraps. I shall be waiting here for you Jennings is mixing cocktails, and I must watch the door Oh, Marjorie! Gloria! I'm so glad you both could come ."
 loans feet sank into the deep pile of the carpeting as she walked up the stairs. At the landing, pert little maid met her and ushered her into boudoir at the left veritable stage setting of rose and silver. This must be Sybil's room, she thought, and she