The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-06-19
CHAPTER X

The third week of their honey moon vacation, Bart received a long telegraphic night letter from Brit ton, the new man managing the shop during his absence. It was the thing he had dreaded all along, ful- ly expected. The budget customers were defaulting payments. During his absence, they were neglecting their contract obligations.
 Bart wired Britton to send the usual formal reminders, out, with polite warnings that defaults must be made up promptly.
 Warnings, forms and delin- quent notices all sent first week. Wire instructions at once. Bank notes due. Signed Britton."
 They went home at once, though Iris protested tearfully. They were having such fun, they'd never had such fun before, had they? And they might not have any vacation at all next year! Why did they have to go home a whole week early?
 Its only four days early, dear. Business. I have to get back at once." And he thought, "if default that bank payment, therell be fines. can't even make the interest If they don't make up the back pay- ments.' And his disgust over credit, ets abuses and misuses mounted.
 It was beautifully cool for September, and Iris decided to give dinner party to celebrate their homecoming. She didn't have to report back for work un- til Monday morning, and it was only Friday. They had been home ever since late the afternoon be- fore. And Bart had stayed at the shop going over things with Brit ton and Stevens until after mid- night. He was going to work every night this week. He was, that is, until Iris sprung the dinner party without warning, Saturday night.
 Hurry, dear," she urged nerv- ously, we've company coming and you'll have to change"
 Change? What for? Who ever comes here who'll mind my every day duds?"
 'The Negleys and Hammonds and Trents. We're going on to the Yacht Club after dinner. So do make yourself gorgeous, darling"
 Bart turned to the bathroom, rebellion warning all over his seri- ous young face. He had ten days overtime on the books and ac- counts, week of hard work get- ting out special letters and cor- respondence on the delinquent &C., counts. He was tired, irritable, nervous. And of all people he knew, he cared least to see that night, the Negleys, Hammonds, and Trents. Marcia Trent was a scatterbrained, jitterbug apology for a wife, and the Hammonds were always quarreling publicly over their financial woes. Yolan- da and Ho were frankly beyond the stage of worrying over their prccarious financial condition, and taken altogether, they were headache to Bart on the serenest of occasions. On top of his present worries and a deskful of work de- manding his attention, they were anticlimax.
 Iris, have you any money at all saved?" Bart asked, com- ing in to tie his tie while Iris com pleted last minute touches to her toilet. She had on 8 new powder blue chiffon gown purchased that very afternoon, and he grinned a little. watching her preen.
 Where would I get two dimes to save, Bart? You know have mt. Why?"
 I'm in a bad jam; need some ready cash in hurry, dear, that's all" He looked at the new dress then. realized he hadn't seen it before.
 New dress, Iris?"
 She shook her head quickly. Put her mirror down hastily, but not in time to cover the little shop tag his quick eye detected.
 Not new" Bart said slowly. Picking up the mirror, staring at the price-tag; $1950. marked down from $25.
 "Of course it's new, Bart. I didn't want to tel you because you make such a scene every time