Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-06-14
CHAPTER NINETEEN

The guests at Nick Gales party
stunned momentarily by Lucille's
dramatic announcement of her en-
gagement to Carl. soon broke into
applause.
During the confusion that en-
sued, amid cries Of congratula-
tions and calls for toasts to the
happiness Of the young couple.
Sherry kept watching Nick Gale
Not by the flicker Of an eyelid
did he show any emotion. He did
not even smile. He stood quietly
for q moment. then went over to
the bar to order champagne for
every one.
"That announcement was no
surprise to him." Sherry reasoned.
EITHER that. or he doesn't care
one bit for Lucille. Some one is
putting on a good act, and it's up
to me to find out who is doing it. !"
She and Jim milled around with
the guests. as the excitement con-
tinued.
Raymond was beaming with joy
at the announcement. He went
around shaking hands. slapping
people he barely knew on the back.
Carl was apparently in seventh
heaven. Lucille was gushing about
her happiness to every one. a
little too enthusiastically, Sherry
thought.
what do you think of this sit
uation?" Jim asked anxiously.
II don't know what to think, :"
Sherry honestly replied, Il do
think Lucille loves the spotlight.
She's really putting on a show"
The architect laughed.
"She can do that all right" ne
agreed.
do you suppose she means it?"
Sherry asked.
EITHER that. or she IS giving a
ve> good imitation"
ShSxry was now more puzzled
than ever. If Lucille was in love
with Gale, she was doing Carl the
dirtiest trick In the book. How
humiliating it would be for him.
II she later broke her engagement.
Could Flora, the maid at the
Golden Pheasant, and Dru both
be wrong about the relations be-
tween Lucille and Gale?
Sherry tried to maneuver Carl
into a corner to talk with him but
failed. She decided she would try
later.
Lucille stuck to him, all evening.
Sherry noticed that Gale kept
away from them.
A big buffet supper was served
about midnight. 1t was the most
elaborate supper Sherry had ever
seen. Fancy dishes Of every sort
were set on a huge table that al
most filled the dining room.
Sherry tried to eat something
but had no appetite. She asked
Jim to take her home.
Heartsick at the whole affair,
worried about Carl, confused In
her own mind about what to do
next, she wanted to get out IN the
fresh air and think.
They thanked Gale for his hos
pitality and left. Lucille and Carl
had disappeared.
Jim called a taxi and when they
started for the apartment Sherry
said:
would you do me a great.
favor?" d
sure, what is it2" Jim told her.
Take me by the Golden Pleas
ant. I want to see friend. Is
that too far?"
mot at all. glad to do it. I'll
enjoy the ride"
He told the driver to turn about
and go to the Golden Pheasant.
When they arrived Jim took her
inside. Steve Nova was talking to
Dru at the check stand.
He greeted them warmly and
Jim said:
"Just came from Gales. We
had a big surprise. Lucille an
nounced her engagement to Carl
Brett"
Nova whistled. That's not good.
Fireworks viii pop, and no 4th of
July. That's bad" He shook his
head.
Call relief" Dru asked.
Then she went into the powder
room with Sherry. They told Flora
what had happened.
Land o. goodness" she said
THAT girl is foolish in the head"
Are you absolutely sure about
her telephoning Gale to meer
here?" Sherry wanted to know.
Dru laughed. TELL her." she
said to Flora.
About tonight" Flora asked.