The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-27
CHAPTER TX

Pueblo University, had perfectly genuine Ph.D. degree and a req Bonably good salary for junior faculty member. But no instructor Is ever paid very much, and so the rattle-bang type sedan which Wes- ley owned was, in measure, sym Oolic. It suggested thrift, but it also suggested need. Right, now, beside Andre Girardeau's sleek, new coupe, in front of the elaborate Rocking R Ranch home, it looked like a fugi- tive from junk yard.
 Moreover, Andre himself had personif1ed naughty aristocracy when he ordered Wesley off the premises and stepped into Ronica Bailey'S home. Andre was metic- ulously dressed, Manhattan fash ion. Wesley, on the other hand, wore simply his best suit; the same one he wore on Sundays to church with his mother, and to classroom when his second best was being cleaned He even had on his heavy black-trimmed spec tacles.
 Suddenly he remembered some thing, and took the glasses off. He don't actually need them except for reading, but habit is strong. He stood there in the darkness a moment. then moved hesitantly to the porch. He heard the obvious pleasure of Ronica in greeting Andre Girardeau and - in sudden panic was about to flee, but a portly gentleman came out the door and saw him.
 Hey there, how do you do, young man?" The portly one was cordial. Come in, come right in My names Bailey Ronica's father"
 "Uh, York I am Wesley York" |"
 Fine, fine, Wesley! Go right in with the other young people Eonica always has a crowd around. Dance tonight. isn't there? Yes, that's right, this New York fellow. Andre Girardeau, is escorting Ronica, I believe. You riding in wi3h them, no doubt? Fine night to-
 ''Why. ah-" Wesley couldn't speak coherently, partly because MT. Bailey had him by the arm and was genially leading him to the living room door. But. be- fore Ronica saw him, Wesley stopped.
 ''N-No! Mir Bailey, I-the fact is. I was just leaving, thanks just the same. I, uh, did come-but l must make another call immedi- ately. Many thanks, sir
 ''Oh, all right son. Always feel at home here. Everybody else does"
 Wesley almost ran to his old car. He felt surely Ronica must have heard him, but apparently not. Lest he be caught yet, however, and so subjected to more acute embarraSs- mont, he jabbed at his starter and roIred of down the narrow trail again.
 Not until he was out of sight of the Rocking R house did he re- gain composure and realize his plight. He had thought his date with Ronica genuine one! She herself had suggested it, but plainly now. she had just been ridiculing him.
 The thought hurt deeply. He had felt that Miss Bailey was a sincere, kindly girl although a famous and most vivacious one, But, Wesley told himself dejected- ly, he must have known better. Who was he to expect such bounty from - what was it that radio columnist called her? Americas most oomphatic somebody? Etill, the other wealthy, lovely girls at Pueblo U. were seldom cruel; usu- ally they were as democratic as the average American.
 His thoughts grew blacker and blacker as he left the moon-b -bathed countryside and came within the village lights of Pueblo again, and so without realizing it he pulled up at his home. His mother was on the porch, rocking.
 Why, son, didn't you go to the dancer" Mrs. York sensed some thing. She stopped her chair.
 Un, not yet, mother. IT had to come back for something, that's all"
 A fellow has to bluff. To keep face. He forced a casual manner, went to his room, then out again and drove oil in his old car. And by this time he was definitely an gry, hence more reasonable.
 I've got to go to that dance anyway" he reminded himself. Faculty members are expected to, and am chief student con- tact. They look to me. Besides ~-she-"
 Dr. Woodrow Wesley York usu- ally drove with care. But he dis regarded two stop signs as he drove reckleSsly to the beautiful college gymnasium. A new glint