The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-30
CHAPTER VII

"Val will understand after I talk to her tomorrow" Jerry told his father as they sat before the dying fire. "AIl this has come rather sud- den. It will take 8 little time for her to get her feet on the ground. But you can count on Val. I'm sure of that Dad, Isn't she wonderful?"
 Hugh Connolly nodded, puffed his pipe in silence.
 They were alone. Martha had led Valerie upstairs, to stay in the guest room. Mary had moved in with the twins for the night. Valerie might have preferred to remain with Jerry and his father perhaps to continue the discus sion of finances that had almost precipitated a quarrel - but Mar tha had been insistent, suggesting that Jerry might enjoy "man-talk" with his father. And since Jerry had not objected
 "Yes, you don't have to worry about Val" Jerry continued. "Itll be difficult for her for 8 while, getting used to living on salary my salary-but we'll make it.
 "She has never been taught to economize. Her father and mother have lots of money. and Val is an only child. Why, Dad, her spend- ing money allowance at school is more than my salary will be-"
 You won't be able to support that big car," the doctor suggested.
 "We1l keep it, since it belongs to Val" Jerry agreed. "But can walk to work, and we won't be go- ing out much"
 "Your Mother and I will buy your share of your car - the one we gave you and the girls for Christmas" the father went on '"That will give you little cash reserve. You'll have to watch the pennies, though. Jerry. Once you're married you're entirely on your own. You'll have to budget every dollar. Your insurance is all paid for year, at least. So you don't have to worry about that"
 Gee, Dad, there's a lot more to think about when you get married than just finding the right girl, isn't there?"
 "Tzhere is, son lot more to think about"
 The house on FrolH street was everything the doctor had predicted and more. Front street was not the best residential district in town, but 1t was entirely acceptable. Most of the wealthier families lived farther wess, in the newer additions, but at some time or other wise contrac- tor had built this little home, ap- parently for newlyweds.
 The owner was waiting for them when they arrived, the doctor and his wife in Dr. Connelly's car, the twins in their Christmas present, Mary, Valerie and Jerry in Val cries coupe. Mary had not wanted to come but Valerie would not let her stay away. In fact, Valerie seemed to cling to Mary as her sole ally against the family.
 It was strange that she should choose her rival in love as her champion, but it might have been that she felt g. common bond in being not entirely accepted into the Connolly inner circle. At any rate, Mary was definitely on Val cries side, whether she enjoyed the role or not. And if she did not like it, she did not reveal it.
 "It's adorable" Mary enthused as. they entered the cottage. Wal, you'll love it. It's 8 dream house."
 Val refused to be impressed. Its so small-so crowded"
 But we won't have much fur niture, at first," Jerry reminded her.
 And no dining room!"
 But this breakfast nook - it's big enough. Besides you won't be doing much entertaining"
 "We,ll set the table in the living room when we have company"
 There's hardly room to turn around in the kitchen"
 You'll never get lonesome here, not like you would in big house."
 Our first apartment was over a store," Martha recalled, laugh ing. Gan you ever forget it, Hugh? Your office in the front, and the kitchen and bedroom in the back. had to go to bed every time Hugh had patient"
 Which wasn't often," Hugh