The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-22

nlQnC. DO many pcUplC SkiC Wathgcu to impress would be at the Dove.
 The Van zants' cocktail party had been 8 great success. The head of a new cosmetics company had been there and she had nearly agreed to promote his business as nearly as she could - until she was sure what to ask him for her efforts. Meanwhile he'd promised to come to the Dove that night.
 "A big spender," shed tell Duke Martin. "A big spender."
 But he wouldn't be grateful. He never was.
 Maybe she'd give up being a hostess in his night club and throw her lot in with beauty after all. With skin like hers, why shouldn't she? The time was ripe. If she was ever to endorse a cos- metics company, she must come to a decision. She'd soon be too old. Anxiously she glanced in her mir TOT. No, not line yet.
 From beauty, her mind jumped | to the Italian Count. Though she was wholly unacquainted with Italian, 1t gratified her to have him murmur compliments in that lan- guage. At least she hoped they were compliments. Heavens! Sup pose he had proposed and shed accepted! Those Italians never had any money. Little shivers ran up and down her back. But they could make love! The Van Zants were s democratic. They always invited everybody. The new head of the slum rehabilitation work in Washington had been there, and a young Swedish prince who was painting those marvellous night pictures. Then there had been quite circle of dramatic stars; lilly Porter who was playing in the new Jones' review; Sir Ronald Summerfield who'd been brought over from London by the very erudite Winthrop; and Mary Field who was such hit in Bright Danger"
 And of course there was Clem Shirley! Duke had reminded Tucky again and again that he wanted her to bring more girls to his club.
 T like them young. I like them beautiful" he had said. But best of all, I like them with money. They're talking point. They're the right sort of an advertisement for the Dove"
 It was at the Van Zants that Tuckie had run into Glen, the glamor girl of the deb season.
 "So much fresher than Janice French" she unused. When she saw her she cleverly button-holed Jack Burden.
 T want you to bring Miss Shir- ley to the Dove with you tonight and sit at my table,"
 Clem had been eager. "I've heard so much about the Duke Martin. I've always wanted to meet a real gangster."
 "I'll introduce you"
 "All the more reason for my going," Jack Burden had said. That boy was so good looking, Tuckie's brain rattled on as she slipped into her evening gown. If she were younger she'd make a play for him herself. He had such prospects!
 The Dove was going full blast as Tuckie tripped past the door. She was feeling high; more like the days of '29.
 i've been to a cocktail party, looking up customers"
 Where are they?"
 "Sh-h, here comes two now"
 With narrowed eyes, Martin watched the couple. The girl was fresh, vivacious and well-dressed. The grace of her prettily curved body showed through the sheer folds of clinging scarlet chiffon. Her fluffy brown hair was piled in soft curls on top of her small head and there was frank curiosity in her blue eyes as she looked straight at the Duke.
 There's the man I want to meet" he heard her tell Tuckie.
 The boy, more reserved, was tall and muscular and looked as If he stroked the Harvard crew. Bland hair was slicked back from a bronzed forehead. A re- bellious expression about his de- termined mouth showed he didn't like night clubs. There was con- tempt in his gray eyes.
 Tuckie, chattering constantly led the pair over to the Duke.
 Miss Shirley, want you to meet MT. Martin. Be careful. He's dangerous"
 The Duke held out a hand, Thanks for the ad, Tuckie. Young and beautiful girls are always well come at the Dove, and they never need be afraid of me-"
 Tuckie drowned and stepped on his toe, as she waved a hand to- ward the boy. Don't be so raw" Then in her usual f1uttery tones, Jack, this is MT. Martin, owner of the Dove. You'll find him dif- | ferent."
 I'm sure of that" said Jack