The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-02-21
CHAPTER XIV

tin party could be measured by the number of photographers and news paper reporters congregated out side the great mansion at 88th Street and Fifth Avenue. It was not yet 10 o'clock but many guests had already arrived.
 Our city editor doesn't care how much dough or s. A. she has. ' remarked Benny Tompkins, the Looking Glasss crack cameraman "She can't get by unless she's under 70 and still photogenic."
 "S. A.?" kidded Nelly Pry, of the opposition, whats that?"
 Social appeal, to you. Sh-h." " Benny fitted a fiashlight in place and focused his camera. Here comes the Donovans, father, mother. Dan himself and Lynda Martini"
 Lights blazed. Lenses clicked. "Hold that just a minute, will you MT. Donovan? Thanks we'll try one more" A dozen photogra- phers shouted at once.
 FIJI 11CdNCLI DuhVb LluNC et little mercy" begged Dan. q know you fellows have to make a living but"
 Mike took Dan by one arm and Katie by the other. Lets give 'em . break" he said, pausing on the white stone steps with his son and wife. Flows this boys? Dan, you bring Lynda in closer"
 The crowd on the sidewalk, and by this time 1t was big one, parted as @ Rolls-Royce town car drew up.
 How vulgar" exclaimed Mrs Morgan, hobbing out with the aid of . footman. Actually posing for their pictures"
 Lynda jerked her arm away from Dams. She's right. We never should have done that"
 Mike broke in. What's that Lynda, me dear?" His voice, un- usually gentle when he spoke to her had become gruff.
 "0h, you wouldn't understand MT. Donovan" Lynda snapped "You just happened to make me out Q little idiot. It's not your fault. I should have known bet ter"
 "det this" cried Nelly Pry, edging in on the group. There's a rift in the lute."
 Those who knew Mike Donovan well, recognized trouble ahead when he spoke quietly.
 T was just putting meself in the place of the photographers Lynda" he answered quietly. If 8 picture of me is goin' to help them, they can have It."
 Katie's tones were placating She recognized danger signs. Nov all of you stop your foolishness, she urged land come inside" She took Lynda's arm. Twas so thoughtful of you and Dan to pick us up"
 That was Dams idea," said Lynda ungraciously.
 Dan said nothing.
 MT. and Mrs. Daniel Donovan ' A footman in knee-breeches, stand- ing at the top of the red-velvet car- peted marble stairs, boomed out the names of Mike and Katie. They both started self f-consciously, then walked uncertainty into the grand ballroom where Mrs. Martin and her husband were receiving.
 "Where are Dan and Lyndap" hissed Mrs. Martin into Katies ear, as she pressed her hand "They should be in the receiving line. phoned the Plaza, but someone who'd seen them said they were stopping for you and MT. Donovan"
 Katie cringed, as if she'd been guilty of something, she didn't know what. "rhey came with us," she whispered back. T guess they're still downstairs getting of their hats and coats"
 Mrs. Martin nodded, as others joined the line. "Awfully nice of you to come, MT. and Mrs. Dono- van," she said in her drillmaster's voice. A set smile fixed itself on her face. And how do you do, Freddy Nissan where have you been hiding yourself all this time!'
 When Lynda and Dan appeared, she made them join her and their "Uncle William" as she referred to her husband.
 Why doesn't your uncle kick" muttered Dan, to Lynda, after they had shaken hands with the hun- dredth couple, "or at least break and run?"
 T don't see why he should" answered Lynda stiffly.
 well, I do. Come on let's dance"
 Before she could protest he had whirled her out on the floor. "Oh, this is waltz. I hate waltzes," she cried.
 "Never mind," he said. "The next one will be tango" h And I hate to tango" she kussed. I'm not the type"
 Someone cut in. Dan didn't even know the boy, but he surrendered Lynda gladly enough.
 '. She wasn't the type! At last he knew she wasn't. In another sec- ond he had extricated his hat and coat from the custody of @ sur- prised footman and was out on Fifth Avenue, hailing a taxi. "Pier Six, East River!" He hopped in. His mind was made up. His mother and Father, much as he loved them, Lynda, as much es he regretted hurting her, noth- ing mattered but Marie. This time, no matter what happened,