The Wilmington morning star., 1940-02-09
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

the dark eyes of the demure, quiet
girl sitting opposite next to Bill,
Fabienne, who looked frail n worn.
Gertrude's pose was being the
Brave Mother that evening. A song
brought sentimental tears to hcr
ewes and, catching Bills glance
across the table, she said, "XouI
have to forgive me. I've lost my
big boy. The twins are only thir-
teen, you know" Then she flashed
a glance at Nicky and another at
Fabienne, a meaningful glance.
"But perhaps some day I shall have
Nicky for my son. He's always been
like one to me-"
Fabienne said. Mother, ~please!"
But I have" Nicky said. 1--WE
even borrowed money from Ger
trude."
Fabienne said, 81 think I'll go if
no one minds. I'm still a little weak
from the flu"
Both Bill and Nicky got up.
You can use my car, darling,
her mother said. "And send it back.
I've t%elephoned for some people to
join us here or I'd go with YOU"
Don't bother, mother" Fabienne
told her, with a sarcastic, knowing
glance. 1T really isn't necessary for
anyone to come with me. Stay here
and have a good time"
Ellen had got up, then. II think
I'll leave, too. Fabienne. I'm a
working girl, you know. Is there
room for me-"
"Well. if you must" Gertrude's
voice trailed off. She'd seen some
one she knew across the room and
was waving gaily, her child's depar-
ture forgotten.
We'll take you and Bill home
first" Fabienne said, giving the
chauffeur directions to go to the
apartment on Twelfth street.
Mind if 1 ride back to the house
with you two?" Bill asked, getting
back into the a after saying
goodnight to Ellen.
Not a Bit" Fabienne told him.
They rode in silence for some lit
tie time. The silence was too heavy
for Fabienne's frayed erves
Penny for the you-know-whats,
Nicky."
Il was thinking about Ellen. Nice
girl"
Wonderful" Fabienne said. 81
told you she was"
nvo, 1ouo mo n sJjobY,,, different
picture"
You have 10 know Ellen to know
what a swell person she is" Bill
said.
Fabienne was pretty fond of
Ellen, but she was in no mood to
listen to the peans Of praise that
went from Nicky to Bill and back
again like a soft ball.
At her own door she said short
ly, Its too late to ask you up.
Goodnight, me lads"
You sleep until noon, young
lady" Bill ordered.
Nicky said, iii give you a ring
tomorrow"
Not too early, Nicky. I'm going
to take the Doctors advice. I'd like
to sleep for the rest of my life" she
said, her mouth trembling.
And so she would-to sleep and
forget.
A little before noon, Gertrude
came into her bedroom, her negli-
gee trailing, jeWeled cigaret case
in hand, and settled herself in the
pillows Of Fabienne's chaise lounge.
The signs indicated a long talk.
Fabienne sighed and sat up.
ut was nice, wasn't it," her
mother said brightly. Brenda is
such a lovely girl! I'm lucky to be
getting a daughter like that"
Instead Of the one you have?"
REALLY, Fabienne, You have the
most unpleasant disposition. I some
times think -" Whatever she
thought was Interrupted by the ap-
pearance of the maid with Fa-
bienne's breakfast tray.
why did you ask Bill Mallory
to go with us last night? And
what's the idea of asking him tp
dinner next week." Fabienne shot
at her mother.
Hes a very nice young man."
her mother said calmly.
You've met lots of nice young
men," Fabienne drank from her
coffee cup, looking at her mother
over its edge.
Her mother lit a gold-tipped cigar
et. She said, II think the new reg
istry did a very good job on the ex-
ira servants, don't you? 1 must
remember to call them again."
Fabienne put down her cup and
broke an egg into a warm glass.
Tiles poor" she said.
"He won't always be DOOR" Her
mother studied her face in a long
mirror.
'Is it just because he's good
looking? Another extra man for
dinners?"
II hadn't thought of that" her
mother said pleasantly, "but now
that you mention it, I'll keep it in
mind. Quite romantic looking, too.
Like a doctor character in a novel.
He looks quite like a Rockwell Kent
design. SO ruggedv
"a little too young for you," her
daughter said cruelty.
II wasn't thinking of myself"
Surely you weren't thinking of
ME! I told you he was poor" Fa.
bienne pointed out. "And, of course,
there is always Nicky, or have YOU
given up that idea?"
you'll lose Nicky if you aren't
careful" her mother observed.
Eahianna ranu for tho na;l L.