The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-05-21
PAULA GOES TO A PARTY
CHAPTER VIII


 Back at the house Paula tried in vain to study. Her mind was whirl- ing She thought, "If l could only l talk things over with someone. With
 she told herself she mustn't pile her troubles on Tony, but 1t was no use. She felt she had to see him. She went downstairs and called his house.
 Characteristically he asks no Questions:: he said simply, "I'll be right over, Paulie,"
 The porch was deserted when Tony arrived. Paula brought out cushions and they sat on the steps. Lights from the dormitory win- slows patterned the night with warm, yellow rectangles. .....
 An immense solitude seemed to hold the campus, and Paula and Tony, too. They shared 1t, reluc- tant to break the silence, Paula sharply aware of the difference between silence with Tony and silence with chris.
 4N Nha 1auAh WAlO AlAlAllJ DIShGt eKilo Sherwood paid me a visit sonight."
 A match fiared briefly as Tony lighted his pipe. She saw In that moment the seriousness Of his lean face.
 Nothing melodramat!c. I hope"
 "A little" Paula said with Q forced laugh. "Either I send Chris back to the League, meaning her. self, or she'll use some hold she has on him"
 Don't be too sure she won't" Tony advised. She's a clever gal. She's used to getting what she wants"
 That's why I called you, Tony. What shall I do?"
 About all you can do, Paulie, A keep tight rein on Chris"
 Tt seems so silly to be fussing thls way over a grown man, Paula said, and was instantly ashamed
 Tony shrugged. That's Chris" " he said laconically.
 Irony, If I could go to your party without making him mad" Sure, I know" Tony said, maybe It's better anyway. The 1 League may try some stunt to break up the party"
 What makes you think SOP" T guess shouldn't show you this, Paulie, but 1t may affect Chris" Tony pulled a crumpled sheet of note paper from his pocket He lit sb match while Paula read: "Call off your party if you don't want truble."
 But why do you think Chris had anything to do with this2" Paula asked.
 "Hunch, maybe; dunno :, But If you hold Chris to his date for that night everythingll be okGy, guess"
 Don't worry, will" Paula said. But really think Chris IS through with the League. I'm sure he wouldn't lie to me-"
 Tony arose reluctantly. Well, guess we've swapped worries long enough, Paulic. I'd better get along"
 She held out her hand. Good night, Tony. Thanks a million times for coming. Sorry l was a baby"
 You're thanking mel" He sand wiched her slim hand between his two big ones why have you been avoiding me lately?'
 "Why, Tony, ." But Paula couldn't lie to him. "I-I thought 1t. was best. Please don't ask me why"
 Don't do 1t, Paulie avoid mo, l mean. I think l know what you're worried about. Will you lot me handle that2 When you get in e jam always want to be the first to know It."
 
 Late the following afternoon Paula sat in the Sweetland having coke with Chris. Final exams were underway and she attributed his quietness to hard work. She chattered lightly, telling him about Tony's invitation to the party.
 Chris said with suddenness that numbed her: Why don't you SOP You're strong for this Creek letter stuff"
 Paula heard her own voice choked and indistinct, saying Why, Chris, don't you rememberq You said we'd celebrate the night after finals just the two oi us."
 T know" Chris replied, "but It wasn't really date. I'm going