Evening star., 1939-10-15
II Short Story Complete in This Issue

d like crying with vexation. 1t was so like
Hilary to become entanged with shirt when
they were late for an important engagement
She seized the tail of the shirt and pulled.
For the love of heaven, don't tear it,
muffled voice pleaded
Il won't" She pulled again. Hilarys arms
frantically failed the air. A mop of tumbled
hair emerged from the neck of the shirt, fol-
lowed by crimson face. Il had given up
hope" Hilary said family. Lady but for
your timely arrival, should never more have
seen the light of day.
Phyllis hardened her heart against Hilary
and all his wiles and silently presented him
with his shirt studs.
You wouldn't - er - consider going
alone?" he suggested hopefully.
Il wouldn't" Phyllis went to the dresser
to get out his gloves and handkerchief. The
ancient piece of furniture rocked crafty as
she struggled to pull out the drawer. Its mir
ror gave her view of half her face supple
mented by blank space where the mercury
had peeled off the glass. Her face was worthy
of better treatment.
What did you do with the studs?' Hilary
asked behind her.
II gave them to you, of course
Woman, come here!'
She went, because it was quicker than
argument. He began picking studs from the
little bunch of violets at the waist of her even
ing gown. "Kleptomaniac, that's what mar
ried. Even her husbands solid brass studs
,rop from, her Dilferipp
PHYLLIS lost her temper. Hillary Givens.
Anybody would think you didn't want job!
When begged and begged Aunt Amy to invite
us! When worked all afternoon p-pressing
your t-things -"
you're lady with fixed idea,' Hilary
mourned He made half-hearted attempt to
pick stud from her hair, but she whirled out
of reach. IAN right, he said contritely. IAN
night I'm hurrying."
You'd better be-" She was determined to
get Hilary and herself out of this gloomy fur
nished room before worse disaster befell them.
No thought, now, of the Hilary she dearly
loved No smiling at his antics. Regard Hilary
effectively "a nice young salesman, six
months removed from job and a pay en-
velope. -.
Honest, honey! l am hurrying'
She looked at his fingers, fumbling with the
stiff eyelets They were shaking with nervous
ness. She looked at his face. There were little
lines of worry there, for all his contagious
grin. She looked deep into the soul of Hilary
and knew it to be as harassed as her own -
and filed with self-oontempt into the bargain.
She began helping him with the studs.
They went down the three fights of stairs.
Hilary neither slid down the banisters nor
pretended to fall down the steps. He was
chastened, sobered by the splendor of his
raiment and his wifes disapproval.
Mrs Mulcahey, the landlady, emerged from
her own quarters, and said The rent is -"
and stopped, stricken speeches.. Hilary lifted
his silk hat with flourish. Phyllis graciousy
bowed. Mrs. Mulcahey actually opened the
street door for them
Couldn't get hit by bus and not co."
Hilary asked sadly.
You could not" She seized him by the
arm and propelled him toward Fifth Avenue.
II don't like the Prescotts," Hilary said.
even if she is your aunt. Nor their stuffed
shirt friends Even if l ought to be thankful to
get dinner, I'd rather stay home.
You won't have to do thing but eat
PHYLLIS said, GO and talk to Mr.. Halabe.'
MAYBE Mr. Hallabe doesn't want to talk
to me. Maybe he's only interested in the
Einstein Theoryor the marriage customs of the