The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-08

an air of pique. "A girl always likes a fellow that's a little !, well, aloof."
 Dots three companions watched this display of technique in silent admiration, When Bill returned with the orders, Dot continued: T was just telling the girls l think they're mean not to walk nome with me. With that awful sack bandit at large it isn't safe for a girl to be on the street alone. DO you think so, BillP"
 "No," Bill said with a gulp. For horrible moment he was left poised on the brink of the ques- ton. Then, setting his jaw, he plunged over. "I'm finished at 10, Dot. If you're really afraid, IT guess I could go with you"
 "Oh, Bill" Dot uttered the words as if she were accepting 8 proposal of marriage. That would be just grand"
 The top of Dots head just came to Bills shoulder as they walked and when she turned to talk to him her hair brushed his face with frag- rance.
 "You've changed, Bill" she told him. ;,
 Maybe I've always liked you" Bill said, trying to believe his own words. But your fathers a big shot and I'm"
 Bill! How Silly"
 "Well, a fellow has to consider those things, Dot. If Buck had a good job, somewhere, like coach- ing, I'd feel different. But just because he can't get around with out canes, they won't give him a chance"
 You mean if things were dif- ferent for your father you'd like to see more of mep"
 Bill hesitated, then said faintly, "Yes."
 Dot was an opportunist Like taking me to the dance Saturday night?"
 Bills heart missed a beat. "I- I'm not such hot dancer"
 "Il teach you, Bill. Is it a date?'
 But I've already ."
 "You know, Bill" Dot inter- rupted shrewdly, i've always said Buck Mentor would make a' swell coach. If tried, could sell Father on the idea. The rest of the board just does what he tells them and he's pretty crazy about his little daughter :"
 What about Landis?" Bill asked. "They haven't fired him yet"
 Dot pointed her thumb earth ward Hes a pain in the neck. Father and old Peskin are begin- ming to realize they made a mis- take"
 Even if they fire him." Bill objected, maybe they won't let a girl tell them who to hire"
 Dot tossed her head. Well, I'm not saying they will. But if I were you, Bill, wouldn't be too sure"
 "Oh, I didn't mean that" Bill said quickly. T guess you can do it, all right"
 The big white Skelton mansion loomed up ahead. Dot slid her hand into Bills. T could do a lot for someone I liked, Bill"
 Bills throat was dry, but he managed to pry the words loose: Dot, I'd like to have you I mean, will you go with me to to the dance Saturday night?"
 "Why, Bill, honeyl You're the sweetest boy in the world to in- vite me. I think I'll give you kiss"
 Bill retreated a step, but too late. Satin-soft lips pressed hard against his mouth. You're a nice boy" Dot murmured. I'm going to see you often, aren't 1?" Bill watched her slim figure vanish up the winding driveway, then he turned slowly homeward. His lips tingled from Dots kiss; guiltily he brushed his hand across them as if to wipe the feeling away.
 Deep in thought, he didn't see Helen until he was almost on his own porch. She was standing in the shadows of the big maple and called his name softly.
 What are you doing up so late?" Bill asked, keeping his eyes on the ground. He was ashamed to look at her.
 Helens voice trembled with eX- citement. T walked up to the store, but I must have missed you"
 q came a different way" Bill mumbled.
 Bill, I've got the grandest sur- prise. Guess what?"
 "What?" Bill asked, duly.
 You don't sound very inter ested," Helen laughed She stepped closer to him, here eyes sparkling in the street light. Bill, my brother gave me money to get new dress for the dance. I'm so thrilled I could cry"
 That's fine, Helen" Bill said.
 She Stiffened. "Is something