The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-05

Mrs. Bull my extreme regrets. Call you tomorrow. Oh, give my love to. Teckla.'
 DR. AND MRS. PLANISH &C., D tually had no engagement that evening No one had telephoned to them no one to whom they tried to telephone was at home. Nat urally, that was pretty distressing to Peony. and she whimpered, This Is the coldest, most indif- ferent town. Sometimes I almost think you were right last summer that we might we been happier in Kinnikinick.
 The Doctor was certain now that there would be a God-given mo ment, some time this evening, to tell her
 They dined with elegance in the Plaza Oak Room. Peony seemed to be in a tender mood, whether because of the chicken casserole, or the fact that Caesar, the head waiter. remembered their name, or just out of fondnesS for her loy- ing man; and the Doctor took the chance. He addressed her as care fully as though she were an audi ence of willing philanthrobbers:
 "Dear, listen to me now. and don't say anything till I've fin ished. I know what wonderful, loyal heart you have. When I hear fellows like Homeward or Gantry kick about what grafters or con- ceited gabblers the:r wives are, always think how very fortunate I've been Hey - hey waitn I finish! know sometimes you get little impatient with the slow ness of life all of us ambitious people do but I know that in the long run. you're as faithful as Ruth = you'd follow your husband wherever he had to go, even amid the alien corn, huh?"
 Though affected unfavorably by the mention of corn or other crops indigenous to the MiddleweSt, Peony said Yes, she certainly was Ruth.
 Then = listen now, and don't interrupt poor old Austin Bull dropped dead this morning."
 "Oll, I'm sorryi"
 'Pridmore telephoned me - they want me to take the presidency right away Remember that it would be job for keeps, not dependent on Marduc, and with a pension. We could get away every summer. and come to New York or. after the war, go to Paris. Sweetheart, this is important, and it's immediate. Can't I count on you?"
 'Oh, Gideon, I don't want to be unreasonable. know. l sup pose would be sort of a queen in KinrIkinick. Do you Solemnly promise we'll go to Paris if - My God. vii you look who's here!'
 By himself, lordly in a leather armchair at one of the small tables against the wall, was Thomas BliZ- gard, Senatorial Nominee Blizzard, who was supposed to be at home in Waskeegan.
 Peony dashed to him-Dr Plan ish rolled across the room more slowly
 Blizzard rumbled, Just little strategic surprise visit. Flew in here from home to address the big rally at the Imperial Temple to- night = fly back tomorrow. You two come and sit on the platform with me. Be some big guns from Washington there - the Chancellor General and the Secretary of Edu- cation and Arts. Doc, your reports have been fine, and you, young woman, hear you're developing quite a knack of winning friends and influencing people. Maybe you'll be quite useful to the crass Blizzard machine some day. You're going to bring your husband and sit up on the platform, like a crown princess, aren't you?"
 ''You bet your life am - you bet we are!" said Peony.
 
 DEONY sat on the platform be-
 tween her husband and the Chancellor General of the United States of America. To the hus- band she whispered, Think. prob 'ly just this morning the Chancel- Tor was at cabinet meeting, talk ing to the President and getting the lowdown on Russia and the second front and the Solomon Islands and everything - just like in history! And me sitting here right next to him. with 10 trillion women looking up and envying me! And you expect me to go back and give teas for all the old maids on the college faculty!'
 "Oh, I know sighed Dr. Plan ish, and after a long time, T know.
 Afterward, when the audience trailed up on the stage to get the Chancellor's autograph. several of them asked Peony for hers, and one of them took her for the Chan cellor's wife. She giggled about ! that, on the bus home, then she spoke with high seriousness;
 Honeybird, don't you worry if old Marduc lands in the alcoholic ward, and leaves you without a fob. The way I'm beginning to stand with Winnie Homeward and Tom Blizzard, I can always sup port you. and you can stay home and have nice, long, quiet rest"
 THE distant urgent whistle of 4 ferry. laden with freight cars from Winnemac and Iowa and the uplands of California, awoke him. and for an instant his square face