The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-02
HAPPY NEW YEAR
CHAPTER K

Dr. Connolly turned from the telephone to calm Martha's fears "Sheila's all right. She was arrested for speeding. Police are being per ticularly vigilant tonight. /. There's nothing to get excited about. I'll have her home in half an hour"
 "What way to start the New Year." Martha breathed. In jaill'
 She's really not in cell" the doctor explained. merely de- tatned at the station. Kathleen is with her" He paused at the door Better see what there is in the house for a New Years party There'll be no dancing for the twins tonight" He tried to make his voice sound sternly paternal but Martha knew he was secretly glad for an excuse to have the girls at home.
 The door slammed behind him Martha sank wearily into chair.
 It was after II when Hugh re- turned, ushered two chastened daughters into the house. Weep ing had played havoc with Shelia's makeup, police station dust streak ed her white formal. She burst into tears again as she rushed into Mar tha's arms.
 "Oh, Mommy, Mommy! It was terrible. I was arreSted!" Martha ! patted her, comfortingly.
 At her fathers side, Kathleen grined impishly, the twinkle in her eyes matching that in his. Tt was swell, Mom Imagine Sheila being arrested. Why, some of our best families were there. Louie the Dip, Chopper Tony, Butch, the burglar. It was swell. I wouldn't have missed it."
 sYou didn't have to go to jail,' Sheila Sobbed. "You weren't ar- rested, and brought up before the judge"
 gwen If I had been"
 ''Kathleen!" Martha's tone si- fenced her. 'You and your father make some sandwiches and coffee. This is New Years Eve. We'll ring in the new with our own party"
 T was only teasing, Sheila,' Kathleen apologized. Honest, l was as scared as you were"
 Martha waited until the doctor, Mary and Kathleen had disap- reared into the kitchen then asked: ''What was this, Sheila? How did you get arrested?"
 We were going down the bou- levArd, Kathleen and I. We left tho boys at the house and were coming over to pick up Mary. l guess I was going 8 little fast-- This motorcycle patrolman stopped US, took us down to the station we had to prove that we hadn't been drinking, and they wouldn't let us go until Dad came down.
 Kathleen called her, then called the boys. They came right down, but they didn't have enough money to pay the fine. When Dad arrived he said we'd have to come home-that we couldn't go to the party.
 sWon't you ask Dad to let us 60. Mommy? He will if you ask him. It's New Years. It only comes once year and this is a grand party. I know 1t is."
 Martha smiled. T think it can be arranged. if youll stay here until after midnight. Your father and I are selfish enough to want you to ourselves when this year begins. But I don't want you to stay at home, and neither does Hugh, unless you really want
 'sMommy, you know we want to be with you" Sheila's smile ban laished her tears.
 Nov, run up and change your dress, and fix your face. Mary will probably want to dress too, if she's going with you"
 They stocd before the fireplace, hands tightly clasped, as the clock began the first of 12 strokes ending the year. Over the city, church bells began to ring. Someone fired a gun. whistles shrieked.
 Should old acquaintance :" Hugh started the song ;. Mar tha's clear soprano held the last note.
 Hugh kissed his wife tenderly. ssAay l941 be as happy, my dear, as all the other years we've been together" Her eyes were shining.
 "We've so much to be thankful for. Hugh If - if--" she hesi- tated. and he read her thoughts.
 .1f Jerry were here," he finished lor her. 'AThis celebration would be perfect. Don't worry about the boy. He'll be all right. Jerry is no fool He'll do tho right thing" fife should be here, with us"
 Martha, darlin, our children are growing up. This is the first New Years we all haven't been together. And don't worry. Jerry VIII be here for breakfast That's the real family New Years.
 NF~H. |. ..l- Az AI.-