The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-08
THE PARTY WAS DULL
CHAPTER XII

NANCY was out when they reach-- tA ed home.
 Jim and Emily ate in the kitchen, over Ellen's protest. Cold roast beef, c salad, biscuits and preserves, cus- tard, iced tea.
 Them biscuits was fresh baked" said Ellen with menace. Nov they're stone cold"
 Heat 'em up," said Emily cheerfully. I'm so hungry could eat bricks. I don't know why, I had an elegant lunch at the Lob ster Pot"
 Whats that?" asked Jim.
 "Oh, we'll have to take you there some time," she said, T forgot you didn't know. ran into Frank and he insisted = it was lunch time, and I was weak, and went"
 Jim grinned at her over 8 large forkful.
 "Frank?" he said. Cutting Nancy out, are you?"
 Don't be silly But to her annoyance, she felt the color ris- ing.
 He was instantly very cheerful He ragged Ellen, united her apron strings, demanded more tea and another custard.
 What in the world" demanded Millicent, entering the Kitchen, "is this all about?"
 Frank Edgar" said Jim sol- emnly. He's paying court to our Emily"
 Don't be ridiculous" said Emily shortly.
 He took her to lunch," ex- plained Jim, "and she's going to the Club with him tomorrow night. A little bird told me that" well" said Millicent, prepar- ing to go upstairs, why shouldn't she, they're old friends" She tapped Emily's cheek lightly and went on her way. Jim stared after her blankly. He said, so- berly,
 T put my foot in it. Why? She didn't like that, did she?"
 The doorbell rang.
 Patient" he groaned, and rose. He looked down at Emily. drink ing the last of her tea. He said, '"This has been fun, hasn't it?'
 But somehow the fun was gone as he walked back toward the office and the patient. WHEN his office hours were over w and he had been upstairs to see David Hall, he .yawned, stretched, felt suddenly tired. It would be pleasant to return to the apartment turn on his radio, read a little while before turning in. Perhaps there wouldn't be any calls. Then he remembered that he had promised Hilda Karsten he would run out to the hospital and see her before he went to bed. He looked at his watch It was not too late. There had been only three patients this evening He'd go, he'd given his word, 1t wouldn't be out of order, he would not disturb the ward.
 Emily was sitting on the front steps as he came out. He said
 You ought to be in bed"
 Its early. I have my half day of tomorrow she said.
 I'm going to see Hilda Kar- sten. Want a ride along?" he inquired.
 Of course" She jumped ur and went out to the car with him She said, as they drove toward the hospital, Its such mar velous night. was hoping you'd ask me-"
 After a silence, he asked eau. tiously.
 "Where'd Nancy go?"
 "Oh, out with her gang" Emily replied vaguely. Tt seems to mt that I heard something about 6 beach picnic"
 He asked abruptly,
 Why don't you ever go along?'
 Are you being sorry for me?' she said. quickly, you needn' be. I. don't want to, really. Nancy always asks me, but-well, don find it as amusing as used to = not that I don't go now and then But I can't racket around all nigh and feel like work the next morn. ing"
 His call at the hospital wa! brief, he came smiling to the cal where Emily waited.
 Everything all right" he an nounced.
 WHEN they drove in Nancy wa w sitting on the steps waiting fo them. She said. as they came iron the garage together,
 Where in time have you been?' Jim explained. and Nancy com mented,
 Doesn't sound like much fun
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