The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-01-19

| put ne Smlleu as ne Sdlu IL.
you're awfully impatient about
waiting for people, aren't you, AL
LAM" Noel offered her hand and
they went into the shop together.
Mother had a slight headache
and we thought she'd better stay
in her room for few hours" Allan
explained. Too much excitement,
IsuppoSe."
Sincere concern filed Noel's
words. 'I'm so sorry about your
mother-and / wish you could stir
up a little enthusiasm about the
plan"
| As they stopped at the handker.
chief counter, Noel remarked, "I'll
miss you both when you go home
tomorrow"
Allan pulled her arm playfully.
"But you'll be coming up soon,
don't forget that"
They dashed through the shops,
examining and rejecting dozens Of
things for the guests they had new
| er seen.
"a muffier's the thing for Archie.
the Mouse" Allan decided. Il re-
member he was always so cold"
They chose a warm wooden scarf
with blue figures in it and then de-
cided that men always needed
scarfs, so they got a gayer gray and
white one for the jobless young
architect, Tommy.
II wonder what Mrs. Barton's
like" Noel conjectured. I've an
idea she's SO tiny"
| Allan threw back his head and
laughed. "You obviously haven't
met too many navy widows" he
said. my guess is she's buxorn."
They discussed the hundred pos.
sibilities of their prospective
guests preferences and Allan
bought more than Noel thought he
should. Handkerchief, a bag for
Mrs. Barton-and even perfume
for the two younger girls.
We'll have Christmas tree?"
Noel asked hopefully.
"Of course. What would Christ
mas be without candy canes and
red balls hanging from a tree?"
| Allan retorted.
"And Santa Claus, and the Star
of Bethlehem"
Broken Baubles
THEY went swinging along,
L dashing in doorways, hurrying
over blocks, and they stopped to-
gether in front of a five-and-ter.
We'll need some more orna-
mentS," Allan explained.
So they fought t heir way
through the crowds round every
counter. Well have to carry
these" Noel reminded him as Al
Ian rounded up dozens Of gayly
colored balls and miles Of tinsei.
And just when they thought they
had enough for ten trees, Allan
spied some cleaning silver stars
and they had to 60 back for them.
Both pairs Of arms were laden
with the light, bulky boxes. BY the
time Allan had signaled taxi and
got them both in it, one of his rolls
of tinSel had become unwrapped
and he was dragging a strand OF
the glistening stuff after him.
They sank back into the COM
Portable seat of the cab. 1--WE need
some reviving after this exploit"
Allan announced, and he directed
the driver to the Star Club.
| People turned after them and
smiled as they made their way to a
table in the well-filled cocktail
room. Allan wouldn't check the
| packages. They'd get smashed"
he insisted.
"This has been lovely, Allan"
| Noel told him softly as they slipped
Martini. eff it hadn't been for
meeting your mother, I'd have
missed all this" Her laugh trickled
over the room like light gay mu-
sic. Nov I'm full of Christmas
cheer"
well, I've never seen Mother so
excited about Christmas, either"
Allan admitted. "She Swears it was
her guardian angel sent you to
her" Allan prinned at Noel as he
added, "You should hear her sing
ing your praises-it might make
you Gonceited."
4 "She,s the angel, Allan" Noels
eyes Were misty. "You can't realize
what knowing her has meant to
me these days
"Oh. say nice things about you,
too" Allan started. Noel saw his
hand push away the glass quickly.
She looked at his face and his
cheeks were white under the tan,
and she followed his glance across
the room
| A tall young woman in full
length sable coat had her back to-
ward them. Soft, shiny blonde
curls escaped from under her blue
velver cap.
Lets CO." Allan's voice was
husky and Noel thought she never
knew his eyes could quickly hold
so much misery. He called for the
waiter, paid his check, and they
picked up their packages.
As they neared the group at the
bar. the girl turned round and saw
Allan.
Darling" she cried. 1--WE been
thinking about you"
Hello, Elaine" Allan's voice
was fiat monotone. He dropped
one of the boxes, and Christmas
balls sprawled over the floor
| Playing Santa Claus early, dear
hearth" Elaine's tones were all ice.
Mrs. Schuyler, this is Noel
Marchand," Allan introduced them
awkwardly.
/ "Oh, Miss, Marchand,n a new
note in Elaine's voice. To Allan
she said much softer. az must see