The Wilmington morning star., 1940-08-03
CHAPTER ~THIRTY-FIVE

Gayle met Jeremy Tucker at
breakfast. Yesterdays unpleasant
ness was quite forgotten in the con-
versation. Bill and Gayle were in
dry clothes again, and had a deal
Of fun telling Jeremy about the
first swim in the pool.
when I can get my clutches on
an extra dollar, Bill said thought
as penniless as she. Neither OF
them drew any salary. They could
charge most things here to lex
p~enses," as Mr.. Merrifeld had told
them to do, but then such added
luxuries as swimming suits would
perhaps be carrying Expenses"
too far.
That situation had worried Gayle
more and more. But after break
fast, when Jeremy was gone for a
moment, she urged Bill to get the
trunks and put it on the expense
account. II have thought about
it," she encouraged. Our first
duty here is to live, to make Jer-
envy human and-and make this a
cheerful place for Mr.. Merrif1eld to
be. It is not unfair to buy swim
trunks, Bill, on expenses. Get them,
at once. 1 shall buy me a suit the
same way"
Bill considered that. In one sense
it seemed like a luxury, but then
he realized that practically all OF
his living here vas a matter OF
luxury, and he said so to Gayle.
II know, Bill" she spoke very
seriously, land we have to remem-
Der that what are luxuries to some
people are necessities to others.
You and I have been middle class,
or even lower, in money, at times.
Five dollars to you and me was a
lot of money. It is about equal to
500 here, and if we are to give sat
isfaction in this queer job we have,
we must lift our level of thinking
accordingly"
He smiled at her then. Gayle,
you are the smartest girl I have
ever known!"
Hush, Bill. You have already
told me this morning that I am
pretty. Now you say l am smart
Do you want something from me?"
Bill sighed. He couldn't answer
that one, ever.
"I'n get. the suit. But I-look,
will you let me buy yours?"
She looked her surprise. "Of
course! Buy why?
Il just want to. I have some
ideas. I'll go downtown today"
They talked a bit more until they
saw the "hired girls" coming. Bill
had started calling them that when
he wanted to tease, which was a
great deal of the time. When they
came into the house, however,
there were only five.
Lola missed the bus, I sup
pose" Adele Larraway said. But
we're here, anyhow. What's the
program for today"
ANY orders, Mr.. Boss?" little
Tempe Hyde spoke directly to Bill.
Eyes. Go back home and get
your swimming suits. Spring is
slipping toward summer, at least
in temperature. The pool is ready.
Well meet there at 2 p. m. and
talk about a new play"
Another play! Grand! What's
the name of it this timer"
'It's going to be called The Wit
to Woo'."Bill stated.
They all looked at him. "Clev-
er!" Gayle breathed. who wrote
it,"
Bill smiled at them. Matter of
fact, Pm writing it myself. Been
nursing the idea a long time. Start.
ed it in college and been re-vamp-
ing it this week, odd times"
Wonderful, Bill" Gayle's ap-
proval became a chorus with the
others, and for a moment he was
swamped with questions and en-
thusiastic girl talk.
Six girls can talk and laugh
amazingly when they all turn loose
at once. Jeremy heard the gaiety
and came to join them. Gayle,
noting that, told herself that it was
a good sign. When they had first
come here, Jeremy avoided COM
pany and companionship, now he
actually was beginning to seek it.
She worked him Immediately into
the conversation.
nEY