The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-23

Steve was not at all impressed by the news. He merely said. Wasn't I the first to notice a family resemblance?"
 "well, not quite the first" Ann told him.
 Maybe you'll go out with me now" he suggested. "As hired help you were a bit too uppity, How about the Athens Club spring formal? It's coming of next week. I was planning to drag you there by the hair of youf head"
 "Is that SOP"
 You bet that's so."
 Ann was not at all sure that she wanted to attend the Athens Club party. Since coming to the Temple house, the bruised feel ing in her heart had lessened just enough to make it endurable. She was trying gallantly to put Paul Hayden from her mind and the party might bring all the old memories to life. Not that they showed any inclination to die, they fingered on, tormenting and em- bittered. Why hadn't Paul loved her? How could he have left her so casually?
 So she said to Steve. "IT take your invitation under advise- ment."
 Did I say before that you are the strangest girl that ever passed my way?" he asked irritably. They were sitting on the Temple dock. The fresh spring breeze loosened the tendrils of Annis hair. They were pure gold. E.
 Why am I stranger" she asked, gazing dreami1y across the lake.
 I'm accustomed to having my invitations accepted"
 "All right" she said impulsive- ly. T won't be the one to break an otherwise perfect record. I'll go to the dance with you"
 Thanks. I suppose I should feel flattered." His tone was edged with sarcasm.
 Mot too much"
 "That's what I thought. You're crazy about that Hayden guy, aren't you?"
 Her hand covered the silver bracelet. "A lady admits noth- ing" she said lightly. The little bell bit into her flesh. Oh, Paul Paul
 The days slipped by on pleasant, easy tread. Ann managed the Tenn pie house efficiently and well. AL though never taking advantage of the relationship, she was made to feel one of the family. When MT. Temple introduced her to his friends, he said, You remember that scoundrel Pete-this is his daughter. We'll have to give him credit for her if nothing else"
 Irene made much of her. Ann found herself being gradually absorbed by Irene's crowd. She wore lovely clothes, she lunched and played contract and danced and swan, she learned to know the smart cocktail lounges and restaurants and night spots. She accepted Steve attentions, with reluctance she allowed him to be- come part of her life.
 Once Irene said to her, "You've sort of taken the wind out of my sails, Ann."
 Ann was brushing her shining hair. She turned, brush in hand. What do you mean, dear?"
 T mean Steve. I always thought I could fall back on him when got ready, but now I'm not so sure."
 Do you want him, Irene?"
 "Well, for a long time I've con- sidered him my inevitable fu- ture." She drowned 8 little. T must marry someone. If you're in love with Steve, I'll start look. ing around" ,..
 I'm not in love with him, Irene" Ann thoughtfully pushed the waves of her hair into place
 Maybe not, but he's wild about you. You'd be a fool not to mar ry him. Grand family, lots of money, social backgrround-"
 Ann said, T won't get in your way, Irene. I'm not so eager to be married" .'
 What else is there for a girl to do?"
 "Oh, lots of things"
 Irene leaned to press her cheek to Ann's They both smiled into the mirror. Go as far as you like with Steve" Irene said. I'm not without other possibilities. Maybe we can have a double wedding. It would be fun"
 Ann felt that the conversation had been planned. And she sus. pected that Irene was more than mildly interested ill Steve. However the matter seemed to have been taken out of her hands. Steve was not to be juggled this way and that. He had mind of his own and that mind had been definitely made up.
 As the weeks passed, Ann had to admit that she was restless and