The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-20
CHAPTER XIII


 The country club was blazing with lights as Paul nosed the car into the long, curving driveway The white building with its tall col umns stood out against the dark sky, on the slight rise of hill, like a southern manor house in nov ing picture.
 Martha Marshall, her red hair piled high in curls, Pauls orchid on her shoulder, caught her breath with 8 sudden, guilty start. I'm here, all dressed up and going to have 8 good time, while Bills in that camp!"
 But a moment later, as Paul was helping her out and they mounted the stairs together, the guilt died down. She had been so starved for fun, all these weeks! Paul smiled down at her. ''Youl be the loveliest thing here"
 Martha knew she looked we'll The white dress, with it's softly draped V and its tiny stars wink ing among the wispy folds of the full skirt, had always been very becoming. Her silver sandals were new. She felt light as a feather, poised, happy.
 A girl in glittering sequin jacket looked at her curiously for a mo- ment. Martha saw the fleeting homage in her eyes the homage that one woman pays to another who looks even more beautiful. She was ridiculouSly pleased, and a little smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
 Paul was saying, i've reserved 8 table. That is, we're with party. Ted Willis and Madge, and the Braces"
 Oh" He hadn't told her be- fore, because she had known them all only during the time when she had been engaged to Paul. They were his friends, not hers. Bill had never met them.
 "I'll be glad to see them again." She mustn't let embarrassment, any foolish self consciousness, spoil her magic evening.
 
 But Madge Willis was cordial, and her husband, Ted claimed Mar tha at once for dance. I don't get chance like this often. Say, you're looking nlarvelous!'
 Mary Grace only smiled at her, lazily. Mary had always been like that - off-hand, casual, accepting things at their face. Probably nothing interested her very much except clothes. She and Jack were immensely wealthy.
 It was good to be dancing again. Good to be part of this gay, care free crowd, good to hear music and smile up at a partner who hummed under his breath and had nothing more important on his mind than enjoying himself.
 Long time no see," Ted said, after while. What happened to the husband?"
 It was not that he cared, espe- cially. In this country club crowd it was extremely usual to attach no importance to the fact that married woman appeared at . dance with an old friend.
 "The husbands in the Army" she laughed. Didn't you knoW?"
 No, hadn't heard" He shook his head, in exaggerated concern. "Country's going to the dogs. They'd better not get after me!'
 Paul claimed her for the next dance. They had always danced beautifully together. She gave herself up to enjoyment.
 Someone tapped Paul. "You can't keep loveliness like that under a pushed basket, Elliott said 8 tall man with tawny hair. Come to me, beautiful!"
 She smiled at Paul, helplessly. The man led her of in triumph, but. half way across the room, Jack Grace cut in.
 T thought people weren't sup posed to cut any more," Martha said. Tt was too collegiate, or something"
 Rules are made to be broken. An, this is what I call dancing!"
 Look out,' she warned him. 'sPaul's coming back!