Evening star., 1940-03-03

ACAoCA eill1AAilS ClldC DcCty Ildt
really paid more for their gooe
time than any of them. Poeti,
justice, in way, for it had beer
she who was so determined to cele.
brate. But such a price to pay! A
fractured skull, her name dragged
across the headlines of every news.
paper, her trip to Paris Cancelled by
an irate father, all this for one gooc
time.
"We could have luncheon, go tt
the movies and have dinner some.
where" Clara suggested hopefully
as they walked out of the building
She paused in the middle of the
sunlit street. Come on, what dc
you say? It's too hot to dawdle all
day making up our minds"
Follow Clara's Program.
Clara's program was finally de-
cided upon, although Betty was
frowning heavily as they climbed
into the taxi. Anything SO ordi-
nary as eating and attending a
motion picture show had never ap-
pealed to her and it was only after
much argument that she had con-
sented to come with them. Elaine
glanced at them both with happy
eyes. 1t was too good to have them
near her again, yes, good, even
though Betty and Clara were still
squabbling as merrily as ever. But
then, she decided with a smile, if
they weren't always arguing they
Just wouldn't be Betty and Clara.
The hours passed swiftly for the
three happy girls. Although none
of them enjoyed the motion picture
1t was much better to loll in the
seats of an air-cooled theater than
to be out on the hot streets, and
they decided to sit through the
show for second time.
Elaine glanced at her watch when
they went out on the street and
made the startling discovery that it
was after 6. Remembering that
Eric had been due back at the house
at S, she turned to the girls and
called off the dinner date.
And such news I'll have to tell
him!" she exclaimed happily. ut
it seems so good to be true. No
more waiting on tables, no more
getting up at 7 o'clock. Why, III
be lady of leisure"
Betty halted in the middle of the
street and shifted Indignantly. II
refuse to walk a step further with
such a high hat. Lady of leisure
indeed. You should be ashamed of
yourself, Elaine Warburton!"
With Betty's words ringing in her
ears, Elaine turned and left them
and it was not until she was in the
subway that she remembered she
had not thanked Clara for her help
She should be ashamed of herself
But somehow, she wasn't. She was
too happy to feel anything but JOY
And tomorrow would be time enough
to tell Clara just how much she
appreciated her help. But tonight
tonight she could tell Eric!
Finds Eric Hurt.
She was quivering with excite
ment as she bolted up the steps to
the house Is minutes later. How
happy Eric would be when he learn.
ed that they did not have to wait
to be married! She wrenched open
the door and burst into the apart
ment-and her exultant words died
in her throat. for Eric, head thrown
back over the edge Of the couch was
holding a handkerchief to his face
And the handkerchief was stained
with blood.
She rushed anxiously across the
room and sank to her knees beside
the couch. She placed a gentle hand
on his arm. Eric, what on earth
has happened?"
He withdrew the handkerchief
from his face to reveal a bleeding
nose. With an angry cry he jumped
to his feet and walked toward the
door. You can ask your y-friend
about that" a
CONSERVATION written all over her
face Elaine rose to her feet anc
gripped his arm just as he was
about to go out through the door
ASK who what, Eric?" she oues.
toned, annoyed at his sullen air.
Wordless, he brushed her arm
aside and walked swiftly through
the door,. slamming it shut behind
him.
1T isn't anything serious" Jane
told her, bustling in from the
kitchen. He and Melvin Just hac
fight and Eric led with his face
instead Of his fist"
Elaine sagged Imply against the
door, wondering if ever again in her
llfe she would know a day equal tc
this. Melvin's kiss, the radio audi
ton. and now-now a fight.
I'm sorry about it, Elaine" Jane