The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-27

decks and Swiss curtains at the windows, The interior decorator Katie hired wouldn't let Mike have them on this boat. .-
 He loved sailing, though he knew less about it than a Me- braska farmer. His crew were aware of this. They laughed at him but they did everything they could to please him because they liked him. His very lack of know ledge aroused a protective instinct. They felt they couldn't let him down.
 His passion for the sea showed in his clothes. Today, in addition to his commodore's cap - he held that office in the Oceanbreeze Yacht Club - he wore a bright blue jacket trimmed with shining brass buttons and new white flannel trousers. He hadn't sat down since Taxi, his Chinese valet, helped him into them at 10 that morning. He wore his white shoes as if they were a little too tight and he'd just put them on for the first time.
 Mrs. Donovan poked her head out, as the distant put-put of the launch sounded over the water.
 I'm here, Mike" When she was excited, she lapsed into the familiar Mike"
 "Go back" he answered. "It's proper for the Missis to receive in the salon on a boat"
 She liked to be in good time, but today she had been late because she couldn't make up her mind what to put on. This indecision ruffled her. She was naturally methodical. Sit- ting carefully down on one of the chintz-upholstered lounge chairs, she smoothed her pink flannel dress beneath her pink flannel dress be- and tilted her white felt hat to the left. Ert
 She must have been pretty when she was girl because her natural good looks still showed through artificial concessions to beauty. But she never sought to conceal the fact that she dyed her hair Git was the new honey yellow with nice gold tints) and she was frank about liking plenty of rouge and npstick. She said 1t gave her animation. She thought she ruled her husband, but he had his own ideas on the subject.
 Her body tensed as the launch stopped and she heard Mike shout, Hello, folks. Welcome to the Katherine. Come aboard and meet Katie"
 A moment later the party crowded into the salon. Mrs. Donovan wished she'd fortified herself with e cock tail. She was afraid of these self assured, casual-mannered people. They always talked about places she had never been and things shed never heard of. Bar Harbor, for in- stance, and what so-and.sos last squash score was at the Racquet Club.
 How do you do," Tom Sher- wood was saying. Mrs. Donovan, my wife and our house-guests, Mir. and Mrs. Bradley James. You al- ready know MT. and Mrs. Murray. These are the Percy Thorntons who're staying with them"
 Nervously she shook hands. I'm so glad you could come. Shall we have cocktails here or on deck?"
 "Its too damned fine weather to stay indoors" put in Mike. He punched Q button over the flre- place. '"Taki," to the Chinese boy who made Q rloiseless appearance bring the drinks on the back porch" He winked at Sherwood, That's all 1t really is."
 On deck Frank Murray joined Mrs. Donovan. Whats this hear about your boy and Lynda Mar tin?" he inquired, slipping his Martini. She's pretty kid and her fathers got lots of dough. Not that Dan needs any" He laughed. But that would be @ pretty good business merger shipping and groceries. Mike could corner the