The Washington times., 1938-07-11

flying to the front hall, and Ann
to the living room.
A minute later she was shaking
hands with the Crawfords, hoping
that the pounding of her heart
didn't reverberate in their ears as
it did in hers, as she looked up and
saw Ray on the stairs.
JOHNS SURPRISE
4 Just how they all got back into
the living room, Ann never quite
knew, but there they were, and
the moment on which everything
hung was at hand. Had her hunch
been right? And would Ray play
up to it?
She saw his amazed look at
Junior as he came in with the
cocktails, Nancy following with
the hors d'oeuvres. With q long
breath she took the plunge.
Junior and Nancy act as our
butler and maid. in these depreS-
sion times" she gaily introduced
them to the CraWfords. A wave
of pride IN the young faces,
flushed with excitement and
earneS concern to do their best,
Steadied her voice.
L thought we'd have a simple
dinner, with just ourselves, so
we'd have a chance to really
talk" she smiled up into John
Crawford's rugged face. II hope
you don't mind?"
Mind" John Crawford seized
AIMS hand and gave it a mighty
shake. You mean, we don't have
to go to the theater and a night
club?"
Ann shook her head.
And we can go home early?"
Ann laughed. LAS early as you
like"
Il can't do anything with him."
Mrs. Crawford protested, survey
ing her big husband with affec-
tionate dismay. "He will say
exactly what ne thinks!"
Nov, mother, you're as pleased
as am" John Crawford doomed.
If you knew the hours we've been
Keeping" he added to Ann.
And, believe me, it's a comfort to
hear someone admit there's a de-
preston. I got soaked myself. but
according to trese New York boys
I've been seeing, they were all
smart enough to come out ahead"
He gave Ray a hearty whack on
the back. Misery loves company,
eh?" he chuckled.
With a wave of pride, Ann saw
Ray brace himself and follow the
lead she had set.
THE REWARD
BY the time they sat down to
dinner, there wasn't any doubt Of
the success of the party. John
Crawford beamed on Nancy and
Junior, as they waited expertly on
the table; he beamed on Ann, he
beamed on his wife and Ray.
At the first taste of the corned
beef that Ann had so carefully
ordered and prepared, he waxed
positively lyric. why can't we
ever get corned beef like thiS?"
he ended.
Ann had to tell Mrs. Crawford
exactly the cut and the length of
time she had the butcher leave it
in the brine, and how she cooked
it. MY grandfather had a farm
in Ohio" she ended, she always
loved corned beef and had to have
it just So"
At half past 10, the Crawfords
were taking their leave with the
assurance that this was the best
evening they had spent in New
York.
ALSO the last" John Crawford
said. Il won't have to stick around
any longer, because I've made up
my mind about the Cincinnati of.
flee. I'll be seeing you in the morn
ing, Holcombe, to go over those
plans again."
There was no mistaking his
meaning. Mrs. Crawford smiled
understandingly and said she
often came on to Cincinnati and
would look forward to seeing them.
At last the door was shut. Ann
collapsed against it, looking into
Rays eyes for the first time that
evening.
"Darling!" It was all she could
get out before Ray swept her into
his arms. He held her close, his
cheek against her hair, a smile at
once exultant, sheepish, adoring,
on his lips and in his eyes.
Little woman lands the job!"
he murmured. bending to kiss her.
THE END