The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-29
CHAPTER x

OeSlQG I1ILIlS tOOkl11B OOWA WAt1A frank but quizzical eyes, left Wesley York momentarily speeches.. And then, when he remembered to stand up, he only stammered rather in- anely.
 'T-I-you-good evening! T." "But Wesley, I thought you really said you'd take me to the dance. Was I simply-stood up?" Ronica said it earnestly, and glanced once at the Mexican girl, "Ohi Oh no! No, Ronica, T. pardon me, Miss uh, Miss Mon- toya. Miss Bailey, and-uh-"
 sThis is Andre Girardeau, Miss Montoya, and Dr. York. thought daddy said you and Andre came together and so knew each other, Wes. But I'm all mixed up about everything, it seems"
 Lona Montoya had only nodded. Andre said nothing but looked on coldly. For long moment mo- body else spoke, either, and after waiting for Wesley to stop point ing awkwardly at her and trying to say something, Ronica sudden lv smiled. Music resumed at that instant. and so she took Wesley's hand and put her arm around him.
 Lets dance, then talk, Wesley. All right?"
 "Oh. Ives! We must-I am afraid dance very poorly indeed. I-you see, I dance only a very little, for courtesy'S sake at the university affairs, and
 "You're doing beautifully. It's just an easy one-two one-tWo step, easy as walking. We won't try any frills if you don't want to. Can you tell me what hap pened now? Didn't you really have a date with me?"
 "Oh, Ronica!"
 She laughed then, dancing very close to him. You are sure US that bad?" "No. I mean - did think hao a date. But"
 Ronica sighed elaborately. .Okay. pal, no hard feelings. think I get it, even though It stirgs. The Montoya girl is love- ly, all right
 "But Miss Bailey, you don't un- derstand!' Wesley was appalled,.
 go you've started Missing me again! Shall I go back to pr. York? I though we had become friends"
 If is doubtful if ever a young man suffered any more acuteiy than Wesley York suffered during thin dance. His distraction meV- tably caused him to stumble, too. Twice he stepped embarrassingly on Ronica's dainty slipper. not much, but too much, even so. When the dance was over she had guided him back near Andre and the Mexican girl again.
 professional dancer, aren't you, ,Yorkp" Andre grinned broadly.
 Hush, Andre! Sarcasm is rude. I'm sorry you are injured, MISS Montoya." Ronica looked at the other girl and her crutch. But Lona's answering gaze was cal culating.
 sRudeness seems to be conta- rious.n Lona suggested, in flat tone.
 T don't think I understand"
 .Is-being wealthy, and famous, and getting shot at on the poroer' enough to make everybody over look rudeness, Miss Bailee? was not Dr. York sitting with me? l did not hear him ask you to dance!"
 "Ohi"
 aPlease," Wesley put in now, Alet,s not misunderstood any, bodys, uh, intentions. l am sure that"
 Andre interrupted, sarcastically, "Oh, no indeed, ladies and gentle men. Let's all pick daisies! Now seriously, Ronica, let's get this straight. I want to know who"
 "Ckay, boys!" Ronica's words were clipped now and her chin went up, a signal Andre Girar- deau at least recognized from past experience. were all sparring around the point so I'll talk plain
 
 "Dr. York asked to take me to this dance. He came for me, l know, but somehow Andre man. aged to shoo him off. I still don't get that.
 "But as for you, Miss Montoya, did have a date with him and he won't deny it. If he wants to jilt me. he darn sure can, But he and will have words first, and we're going to start right now! Andre, you stay here; Wesley and I are going off to stroll in the moon- lighti"
 Lola and Andre watched them 90. The little clash had passed un- noticed by any of the other col-