The Wilmington morning star., 1942-03-05
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lORENA CARLETON

: wished August Drake would leav'
them alone, now and forever
Luggage wouldn't make any dit
ference. Katie. The only evening
: dress I have is packed in here.
Sne opened the case and lifted ou
the crunpled white lace. Withou
looking at the maid, she said, i
really isn't much of a dress"
'How ridiculous!". Katie cut il
with brusqueness that comforted
'It's lovely. A good pressing Il
what it needs. I'll take it with mi
now. You come up as soon as yol
can. Miss brakes suite is on the
top floor 1802-A. Miss Drake
thinks you should be there to re
ceive any guests who might arrive
before she gets home"
After Katie had gone, the CIR
moved slowly, and with uncertain
ty, through Larry's small apart
ment. Outside of the many articles
of clothing hanging in the close
suits, coats, robes, dozens Of
neckties-and a snapshot on the
bedside table, there was nothing
personal in the bedroom. The pic
ture, a man and woman feeding
hundreds of chickens, was so ludl'
crous in connection with Larry that
lit puzzled her.
In the living room she found
phonograph with record OF 1.-The
Very Thought of You'' already on
She turned it on and moved to a
big table, dancing in time with the
music. Among other magazines
was the latest issue of Footboards,
the exclusive theatrical publica'
ton. Prominently displayed, Anette
noticed with amusement, Larry
face smiled from the cover. A box
of candy caught her eye and made
her know how hungry she was.
Just as she took three immense
pieces in her hand the doorben
rang
Leaping like a trespasser, sud-
denly apprehended, she put back
the candy, stopped the record and
for one brief second, stood motion
less. Then she went to the door. A
bellboy stood there with flowers
and a basket of fruit.
Compliments of Mr.. Matthews, y
he said and left.
The enclosed card begged for
giveness. II hope I am the first to
give you a wedding remem-
brance."
The flowers were huge, velvety
purple violets, so sweetly fragrant
they made her slightly dizzy, and
the fruit was so luscious it accen-
tuated her hunger. She wanted to
sit right down and begin eating.
Instead, she went back in the bed
room and telephoned Mr.. Mat
thews. She bartered thanks in re-
turn for his endless apologies, in
sisting finally, "But l don't want
you to mention the matter to Mr.
Peyton. Why should you assume
responsibility because of his over
sight?"
Happiness was beginning to drift
over her like a spray of perfume
In fact, she felt so happy she no
longer resented the party Grab
bing up her corsage of violets and
her white satin evening sandals she
hurried up to August Drake S
apartment.
Katie had the white lace dress
over her arm when she answered
the bell. But such different
dress!
Anette voiced her thoughts. But
it looks so different" She took il
from the maid and held it up. 1T
sWirls
Il put some horsehair in the
hem," the maid said with uncon.
cern. And I. think the long black
velvet sash makes it look less like
a graduation dress. l made you a
hair bow, too." While talking, she
had been leading the young bride
through the enormous living room
place of satin chairs and daven
ports, paintings, crystal mirrors
flowers and autographed photo
graphs of celebrities, fkto a bed
room so fragile and lovely it made
the girl feel as if she were inside
a sea shell. You'll want a bath,
Katie said. Then I'll help yo,
dress"
An hour later, when she gazed a
her reflection in one of the full
length m rors, Anette wa:
pleased. She knew she looked love
ly in the full-skirted white lact
with the repentant Mr.. Matthews
violets knotted into the black vel
vet girdle. No matter who nigh
come to the party, she felt read,
to face them.
However, her poise deserted he:
somewhat when the first guest ar
| rived It was Lois Lyndon a1one