Henderson daily dispatch., 1940-05-27
&C! &0 2 -
CHAPTER TWENTY

Aoo VIC DSSiI "OIhlIlS dill morn
ing and afternoon on the play"
Gayle told them. But we simply
must have a dress rehearsal to-
night. Do you mind?"
1T isn't work." somebody pro-
tested. Its fun"
"Sh-h-h-h!" another protested,
warily. Its a job, isn't it? Don't
we get paid? Don't admit it isn't
hard!"
Hers was the standard attitude
of workers everywhere, workers
who are scared their jobs will
eVaporate from under them. This
odd employment in The Oaks was
indeed more fun than labor. In
truth, it was much like a house
party all the time, although there
is tediun to preparing stage
play. Nevertheless, Gayle and Bill
repeatedly told them that first con-
sideration was to be cheerful and
gay so as to make friends with
Jeremy Tucker. Mr.. Merriield had
specifically requested it. they said.
Therefore, Gayle wanted the din
ner to be like a party again. She
gave some thought to it soon after
Bill departed.
II know!" she jabbed a finger at
little Tempe Hyde. Lets make it
a picnic-on the lawn. It's a glori-
Gus evening, Tempe. Won't you just
love it"
Tempe was hubby with enthusi-
asm for it, and together they went
to the cook to make their plans.
"Sure, whatever you girls like
Wallace declared himself at once.
IF The Oaks amt got it, We'll
get it."
ooh, everything is so nice here,
Wallacew Gayle burst out, sudden
ly grateful anew. ''This great
kitchen is like a hotels. And every
body is friendly. Goodness"
Wallace spread greasy hands on
q meat block and leaned on them,
looking at the two girls.
"You wasn't-you wasn't rich
before you come here, was you,
Miss Gayle?3 What I mean
you've worked?"
II certainly have, Wallace. I am
not in the least ashamed of it. Pm
out of place here"
mo" He shook his head. "No,
you amt. Well-how's pigs in
blankets sound to you? I'll toast
'em brown here and scoot 'em out
to you while they're sizzlin'. Gin
ger punch-that's lemons and
oranges and dash of ginger and
ice made into snow. Ovocada salad,
on a lettuce ear, huh? French
dressing. And I'd baked up couple
Of coconut layer cakes anyway.
I was gonna broil T-bones, but I'll
keep them friz till tomorrow.
Where you want your picnic at?"
Goodness, Wallace, we said a
picnic, not a banquet! Out by the
biggest oak, I suppose. 1t makes
a canopy there"
Right, ma'am. In bout half an
hour"
Wallace turned to plop open a
huge refrigerator and drew out
links of sausages to start his
blanketed pigs. He whistled as he
worked; his white hat sat at a
jaunty angle, and he looked nearer
80 than the 40 he claimed. Gayle
and Tempe smiled their thanks and
went away.
They found the other girls and
told them of picnic plans. One girl,
Lola Montesa, stayed behind, but
the others joined Tempe and Gayle
to go pick out the exact spot.
They came back then to hunt
for Mr.. Merrifeld and Mr.. Weems
and invite them. Six girls trooping
through the big mansion, laughing
and calling and talking necessarily,
made quite a gay hullabaloo.
Mr.. Mortified found them before
they came to his study.
Greetings, my dears" he
beamed at them. You are beauti-
full. all of you. Why do you not
come to see me oftener? Do you
not work for me? Do I not pay
your salaries? I order all Of you
to report to me once each day here
after, in a body. I want to hear you,
and see you smile!"
"Tch-tch-tch! Q Are you flirting
with us, Mr.. Merrifield? Shame"
IF I only knew how! Who will
teach me?"
II will" cried Tempe Hyde.