The Washington times., 1939-01-02
BY THE BOOK
EDGAR BANNER lived "by
IL the book" His favorite


expression was: "The book
says :"
Perhaps II you had been raised
on a lighthouse island, educated
by your father from a library, you,
too, might have put your faith in
the printed word.
Julia Reach knew this when
Edgar invited her to go dancing
but she wasn't exactly, com.
pletely, prepared for the present
he brought the evening of Edgar's
first day in New York. 1t was a
book: How to Dance the Rhumba
In Ten Easy Lessons"
NONE TOO TACTFUL
Julia sort of prided herself on
her dancing. Edgar's gift wasn't
quite an insult, not from the
Edgar she knew, but it wasn't
flattering, either.
Edgar did everything properly
his first few months in New York.
He and Julia went sightseeing, to
the Aquarium, the Zoo, even the
CloisterS far uptown.
Edgar climbed slowly. At last
his efforts brought fruit in the
shape Of a salary increase.
Fifty dollars week. A man
could get married on that, couldn't
hep"
Julia smiled at Edgar across the
table in a restaurant.
rs that to be considered a pro-
poSal?" she asked.
II don't see why not" Edgar
answered. In another year, at
least, I'll be making even more,
and I can save some money out
Of thiS-not have to buy furniture
on the installment plan. -"
"In another year?"
"YeS," Edgar explained that all
the authorities on marriage said
q young man should wed when he
was about "a.
A BIT PROSAIC, TOO
It seemed Julia was exactly the
right age-two years under Edgar
and of the same religion-"More
family fights over religion than
anything else, but money" he ex-
planned. Julie was quite perfect,
being dark where Edgar was light,
and her height-she made Edgar's
five feet eight seem positively
stately.
Julia seemed a little bored with
the recital of her especial Qualifi-
cations as the ideal helpmeet for
Q young man of Edgar's type,
until he remembered one line
that's in all the books. "And, of
course, I love you"
In the studio of an artist who
forgot to introduce himself by
name Edgar and Julia met Walda
Bernstein.
ENTER WALDA
Walda stood out in the crowd.
She danced, sang loud songs and
otherwise was the center of &C.
tivity. Look out for the girl who
Is constantly seeking the admira-
tion Of those around her." the psy-
chology books warned. Th e
thought came through Edgar's
head as he made a date for lun.
cheon the next day.
Walda Bernstein was tall, much
taller than Edgar. She made him
look like Tom Thumb, standing by
his side. She was so blonde most
people thought they were brother
and sister. There was none of the
sharp contrast you saw when Julia
and Edgar sat side by side.
Walda was bossy-the books all
advised against dictatorial women,
and she was older than Edgar
that she told him the first five
minutes of their acquaintance.
Edgar and Walda met on Mon
day evening. Tuesday at 5 o'clock
they were married in Elkton. All
the theories of all the authorities
were swept away by a burning fire.
Long engagement, careful comparl-
son of family backgrounds, COM
patability-Walda and Edgar vio-
lated every rule.
EDGAR REVOLTS
Even when Walda Dragged
about her helplessness in the
kitchen and pointed out her huge
dressmaker's and beauty parlor
bills-Edgar blundered on in his
first complete revolt against the
dictates of the wise authors who
write book that tell us how to
plan our lives.
The only thing that came out
according to Hoyle was the offer
of a friends house at Maryland
Shore town as honeymoon home
for the weekend.
well be alone" Edgar thought
as he turned to see the taximan
drive away. Nov to carry the
bride across the threshold"
But loose bricks in strange
walks are no respecters of bride
grooms. Edgar went sprawling
and Walda carried her groom
over the door step. Edgar couldn't
stand on his foot.
AS Walda staggered over the
threshold with Edgar held in her
arms, the telephone sharply
thrilled. Walda found the lights,
found a chair for Edgar while the
bell gave out it's intermittent pro,
test at being neglected.
At last she stopped it's clamor
The call was for Edgar. LOS
Angeles is calling Mr.. Edgar Ban
ner" the Voice with q smile said