Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1938-12-15, Page 3BY EVELYN SHULER THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE llong?” he demanded under his breath. “Miss Vandersill is in a hell of a humor, threatening to leave, You dumb fool, if we lose this order THURSDAY, DECEMBER 115, 1»‘3H______ ____ ________________________* I 35 THIS YEAR BUY .................< ... '."I....... i.lli, I' — ... . I '.... . . < Starting this Week CHAPTER I Andrea’s eyes were misty with dreams as her slim hands caressed the bridal gown she wore. Her mouth curved with wistful hope; all the trust of a woman on the thres­ hold of life shone in her lovely face. Serene beauty surrounded her like a benediction, but there was tumult in her young heart. She stood before a full-length mirror, haloed with light, her slenderness sheathed in heavy ivory satin, Delicate lengths of tulle floated about her like mist. But the wedding dress wasn’t for her, The ethereal beauty of the dress that seemed a part of her own being a perfect setting for her loveliness, was not hers to It could never be hers. This wedding gown, like other beautiful creations youthful possess. all the Andrea wore each day, was borrowed finery. Her dreams had been borrowed, too, from the spectacle of other women’s happiness. For Andrea MaWbray was the chief model in the exclusive es- stablishment of ‘Chambeaux et Cie, which had for it& clientele the" cream of New York society. From 10 until 6 each day she briefly loaned her i beauty to the gowns that other wo-I men would own and enjoy. 1 * Melissa, the maid who knelt at her feet, tilted her dusky face upward admiringly as she sat back to study the effect of her handiwork. “There ain’t never been a bride as lovely as you, Miss Andrea,” the maid said. “It’s too bad it ain’t your own wedding dress.” The wist­ ful expression on Andrea’s face gave way to a smile. It was so easy for her to think of herself in her own wedding gown. “You’re the queen of hearts, hon­ ey,” Melissa went on. Andrea leaned happily toward the mirror looking into the depths of her a church aisle toward the man she loved. Then she returned to reality and with a faint sigh turned from the mirror and walked with measur­ ed, stately steps to the head of the great staircase. She might have posed for a paint­ ing by an old master as she drifted down the richly carpeted stairs, her heels sj-nking deep' into the lush pile of the beige-colored velvet. Below stretched a vast salon that was the last word in modernistic decoration. There' were dim rich rangings from flpor to ceiling, soft flattering lights, great vases filled with flowers, soft luxurious divans covered with leop­ ard skins. All eyes turned upward to watch her progress. Followed by Melissa, who- carried billowing folds of satin and tulle heaped in regal armfuls. Andrea came, a silvery phantom, one slim hand on the mahogany bllus- trade, the other lifting the satin skirt to reveal the tips of tiny white slippers. At exactly the right moment a blue-colored spotlight dramatically illumined the moving figure, Mir­ rors from walls and ceiling shimmer­ ed wth a score of lovely brides mov­ ing in a dazzling possession. Her descent completed, Andrea paused While Melissa deftly whirled the lengths of satin and tulle behind her A male figure detached itself from the group of spectators and came to­ wards her, Andrea’s gaze travelled absently from the glistening patent-leather shoes, the knife-edged dark grey morning trousers and the immacu- I late tailored cutaway to pale grey “If we sell this wedding | eyes that bored coldly into hers. There ws no doubt about it. Mon­ sieur Chambeaux was angry. His ex­ pression remained sauve but the girl read with terror the irritable fury and seehing annoyance that edged his words. “Why the devil hve you been so own liquid hazel eyes. The queen of hearts was she, indeed, when there was only one heart in the world over which she longed to reign. Love Hong “David, darling,” her heart sang. To Andrea, David was like sunlight. She could imagine his face now re­ flected in the mirror, as if he stood looking over her shoulder. The warm impetuous vitality in his smile; the laughter in his blue eyes; his blond hair that seemed to catch and hold the light. And he could sing, too. In fact, all that David had to give was his song, but to Andrea it was the treasure of her world. His lyric-tenor voice came from a singing heart. She al­ ways listened to the radio when Da­ vid sang at a small local station, feeling with an inner sureness that his words were meant only for her. When his voice soared upward, An­ drea’s heart went winging with him. “I’m all yours, David,” she whis­ pered to the image in the mirror. “•Every bit of me.” That David was poor, little known with only his voice to conquer a World that appalled his shy, hesitant spirit, served merely to kindle An­ drea’s protective instinct. The maid laid a halo of orange blossoms and lace, smartly ed to resemble an ornate wedding headdress, softly curling tendrils of the girl’s hair. “You better hurry, Miss They’re waiting downstairs.” Melis­ sa’s voice summoned hei’ back to re­ ality as she stood forgetful of time and place. dress as is, it’ll be a lucky day for the shop—and all of us,” But Andrea Mowbray could not be roused from her dreams so easily. She wasn’t just a model in a shop wearing a borrowed wedding dress—• in her mind she was walking down The man’s face, smooth and ex- pressionless, revealed no trace of his ' anger as he turned to the blonde girl j who sat impatiently flicking ashes ' from her cigarette, Andrea glanced at the girl regally erect before her, The legend “spoil­ ed society beauty” was written all over her. She sat enthroned with all the arrogance that weath and as­ surance could give; a rich mink coat draped the chair behind her, a matching fur toque topped her hair Outside the worst blizzard of the winter lashed New York. Snow was piled high, but in the establish­ ment of M. Chambeaux was the at­ mosphere of eternal spring which so many of his patrons pursued. “I had this wedding gown created especially for you, Miss Vandersill,” M. Chambeaux was saying, his ac­ cented voice conciliatory — cajoling, “It is only for beauty such as yours. These things take time. We, too, are artists,” and then, his voice Maw­ bray, so that Miss Vandersill can see the line over hip.” They are so Much More Appreciated 7 fashion- Russian on the chestnut Andrea. She a working girl displaying glorious golden moments a wedding gown that would year’s salary to buy — a Of all the useful things you can present your family, there is nothing more enjoyable than Furniture. Make your house a home your family will be really proud of . . . one where your sons and daughters will love to entertain. We carry everything to be had in an up- to-date furniture store at very lowest prices. We invite you to call whether you purchase or not./ LAMPS—Bridge Lamps, Table Lamps and Floor Lamps, that are attractive and useful in the home. They make lovely gifts. PRICED FROM $2.00 UP TABLES—A splendid collection of Oc­ casional Tables. All handsome new pieces in walnut, mahogany and maple from $1.25 UP Chairs that are Roomy and Comfortable Mattresses that Invite Sleep Bargains in all Lines of Furniture for the Christinas Season Chesterfield Suites If you re thinking of a Chesterfield it will pay you to see our stock and com" pare our prices Couches Velours are the popular coverings. Very attractive and modern colors and shades. KITCHEN CABINETS, SMOKER CABINETS, MAGAZINE AND END TABLES, SEWING CABINETS AND PLATE GLASS MIRRORS DOLL BUGGIES THAT WILL DELIGHT THE CHILRDEN A Piece of furniture is a gift for every member of the family. downcast, somewhat very ’and struggling with an to cry, began to strip for Hard to Please Struggling for composure. Andrea complied automatically, her figure rigidly tense; her mind still reeling from the harsh reality that had so ruthlessly shattered her momentary happiness. Her dream world lay in broken fragments at her feet. For her there was no future bright with the promise of realized love. Van­ ished was her delusion that she was walking high-hearted and hopeful toward the man of her heart, was only for a few gorgeous take her wedding gown which this woman be­ fore her would wear to the strains of Lohengrin. Libby Vandersill, of the Gotham 400, evidenced no pleasure as her prospective wedding gown was dis­ played before her eyes. Her pretty forehead was puckered. “Too, severe,” she said petulantly. “You know, Monsieur, that I asked for something more distinctive. This is anybody’s wedding dress.” M. Chambeaux and his coterie of fitters closed in around the angry Miss Vandersill with placating words “Beauty such as yours would adorn any gown, Miss Vandersill,” dicating with nervous gesture. “Well, change it then,” the girl ordered imperiously. Andrea and the unfortunate gown were bundled unceremoniously up the stairs as other models postured be­ fore the spoiled beauty on a succes­ sion of traveling outfits and sports clothes. Andrea, frightened inclination next appearance. “Your sister, Eloise, is here,” Me­ lissa called in through the half-open door. “She’s coming up.” A tall, dark girl entered the room. She looked like a striking, dark, dra­ matic Andrea, for there was a start­ ling resemblance between them. But where Andrea was golden and fair, her sister had as luscious warmth of old wine. She wore with easy grace an ensemble that might have come from M. Chambeaux’s own establish­ ment. “I’ve come to get a coat on your discount,” Eloise announced. “Oh, Eloise, not today,” Andrea cried, rushing to kiss her sister. “I am in a terrible jam. Miss Vander- sill has just turned down the wed­ ding dress and Monsieur blames me.” “Forget it and don’t worry,” Eloise replied philosophically. “It’s all in the days work.” “Wait for me, I won’t be very much longer,” Andrea said as she donned a daring, ultra-modern bath­ ing suit of black lace which revealed its brevity in tantalizng glimpses beneath a fitting cape. ' “Vandersill will probably go for that in a big way,” Eloise comment­ ed as Andrea started toward the door. As she came down the stairs An­ drea noticed that Chambeaux’s tem­ per seemed to have softened some­ what. He had selected Andrea, from all his models, as the perfect type for the all-revealing,, scant beach wear, where flaws in form could not be camouflaged. Another masculine mind confirmed his* judgment later as Andrea made her second demon­ stration, swaying and posturing be­ fore Miss Vandersill. Enter the Man Dean Gilthrop, waiting outside in his car for liis fiancee, had grown impatient at the delay and, entering the ship in search of Libby, was now interested in the panorama of lovely girlhood that paraded his fiancee’s honeymoon wardrobe. Beautiful wo­ men were. no novelty to this young scion of a hard-working father, Whose millions had given Gilthrop, at 32, the polish of Groton and Har­ vard, the dolights of foreign travel the world of sports and now the promise of marriage into a family whose wealth matched his own. When Andrea entered he saw merely an extraordinarily pretty girl possessed of the perfection of form that might be expected in a profes- ftg* sional model. He noted her slim, ♦n- white beauty appreciatively, but as 511G turned felt a momentary aston- Practical gifts keep on giving happiness and satisfaction not only on Christmas Day but throughout many happy days of the whole year. This year there are many practical and useful gifts at Beavers, Hardware. Below is a list of suggestions that may help you choose % K S. 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35’ 35 35 35 35 •35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 EXETER S —_ ~ - x — •------ -- cuiu• i i - a. n l Below 1S » hst °* suggestions that may help you choose just the practical gift that will be most appreciated. Pick out your Xmas presents early. Come down and look over the many gift selections at Beavers’ Hardware. FOR BABY FOR BOYS Cup and Plate Sets Granite 40c 60c and 65c Aluminum 50s “Popeye” Series Silver Spoon 50c Knife and Fork 50c Silver Knife and Fork Sets 50c, 85c FOR MEN Pocket Knives 35c, 50c, 85c Gillette Razor Sets 25c, 59c, $1.50 Probak Razor Sets 29c Shaving Brushes 50c Shaving Mirrors 25c Coleman Lanterns $5.95 ishment at the soft appealing beauty of her face, far different from the hard, complacent self-appraisal of the usual model. “That’s divine,” approved Miss Vandersill, her eyes alight with in­ terest as she surveyed the black,lace creation, “Take off the cape.” Andrea complied, revolving slowly SO' that every curve and line of her lovely body were revealed. “Dean, don’t you like it?” asked Libby, turning enthusiastically to her fiance. “It’s a sensation,” Gilthrop' agreed “but, darling, is it—eh—quite the thing for you? It doesn’t leave much to the imagination, does it?” His eyes continued to dwell on Andrea. “Don’t you think my figure could stand it?” Libby challenged. “That’s not the point. It’s a mat­ ter of good taste.” “You Victorian!” scoffed Libby “I’ll take this as it is, Monsieur Chambeaux.” “Let me look at it again,” ordered Gilthrop, a touch of anger in his voice. Inspection As Andrea stood obediently before the calculating male gaze of Libby Vandersill’s fiance, she felt self-con­ scious for the first time in her six- months’ career as a model. Women looked at the clothes she wore, thinking only of their own beauty. Andrea felt this man looking at her —and not impersonally. 1-Ie was the type she had always detested—blase and arrogant. How different from Her eyes lifted to Gilthrop a flood of color rise from her toes with delicate rose, gathered the cape David. face appealingly; which seemed to suffused her face Instinctively she more closely about her. “Take off the cape.*’ Gilthrop said mercilessly. And with the narrowed eyes of M. Chambeaux upon her, Andrea reluctantly removed the pro­ tective garment. ‘Gilthrop felt curiously moved as he studied the girlish figure, child­ like in Its fragility, that was reveal­ ed at 'his whim. The sophisticated elegance of the salon seemed sud­ denly to fade, leaving only this vir­ ginal figure that might have risen like a nymph from the foam of a dawn-lit sea. “The girl’s lovely,” he thought with a touch of contrition. Man of the world that he was he felt a sud­ den conviction that before him stood girlhood untouched and unawakened *Pocket Knifes with Chains 15c, 20c Pocket Knives 25c, 35c, 50c Hockey Sticks 20c, 25c, 35c, 50c Hockey Outfits (complete with skates and boots) $2.75, $3.25, $3.75, $4.25 Eveready Flashlights 69c, 85c, $1.50 FOR GIRLS Scissors 35c, 40c, 75c Skating Outfits (complete) $2.75, $3.25, $3.75, $4.25 Table Sets (6 knives, 6 forks) Stainless Steel $1.75, $2.75 Silver $3.75, $4.50, $6.00 Badminton Racquets $4.50, $6.50 FOR THE HOME Westclox Alarms $1.45 Nut Cracker Sets Crackers only 15c Cracker and 2 picks 35c Cracker and 6 picks 50c Silex Coffee Brewer $3.75 Electric Irons $2.75, $4.25 Electric Toasters $2.25, $4.50 FOR WOMEN Pyrex Pie Plates 35c, 40c, 50c Pyrex Casseroles 70c, 80c, $1.00 Pryex Custard Moulds 5c, 10c Tableware, 6 $1.25, $1.50, Tableware, 6 $1.00, $1.25, Knives $3.25 forks $2.00 HARDWARE MERCHANT PHONE 86 Dean felt drawn to the girl, No one had stirred him like this. His inter­ est shone in his eyes ao he continued to look intently at the beautiful fi­ gure. He wondered who the girl was, what her history might be and her name. ■Turning, he met the hostile, com­ prehensive glance of his fiancee. Lib­ by Vandersill knew the men of her world. She had played the game of snaring them foi’ several years anti her aroused jealousy touched her words with acid. “This suit you dislike so much seems to interest you,’’ she said cau- tically. “It is not the suit which interests me. I consider it vulgar in the ex­ treme. I wouldn’t want my wife to be seen in it.’’ “It’s beautiful and I intend to have it,’’ Libby announced witth a flash of temper. “Its cheap- a burlesque queen,’’ ed. Her face flushed, sill’s veneer cracked her vicious temper lashed through. She raised her voice. Children’s Coughs Quickly Relieved Only the mother knows how hard it is to keep the children from taking cold. They will get overheated and cool off too quickly, get their feet wet, kick off tne bed clothes at night, and do a dozen and one things the mother can’t prevent. There is nothing better to help children’s coughs and colds than Dr. Wood’s Norway Pine Syrup. It is so pleasant to the taste the youngsters take it ■without any fuss. The T. Milburn Co., Ltd., Toronto, Ont. •common. Fit only for Gilthrop retort- Libby Vander­ wide open and suit It's and the ’ Victim of Venom “Cheap and common! The wouldn’t look that way on me. this girl’s fault. She’s cheap common!" An electric silence fell over room. As the incredible words seared into hei* mind. Andrea’s first im­ pulse was to strike back at the pam­ pered woman before her. She wanted to cry “Yoxt lie!”—to reach out and lash and hurt as this woman felt free to do because she had mon­ ey. But she. stood meekly still, sick at heart and hating the couple who sat before her with a violence that almost sickened her. She saw M. Chambeaux struggling to maintain his smooth exterior as he focused a malignant glance upon her. “He blames me for this.” Andrea thought despairingly, and as she swept the whole circle of eyes rivet­ ed on her she read condemnation in all of them. They cared nothing for her feelings. Here was the rich Mies Vandersill — would she cancel her order? The same fear hardened all their eyes. “I’m going,” Miss Vandersill an­ nounced furiously. Only one person in the room felt sympathy for Andrea. It was Dean Gilthrop, who felt a miserable flush A QUIET, WELL CONDUCTED, CONVENIENT, MODERN 100 ROOM HOTEL—85 WITH BATH WRITE FOR FOLDER TAKE A DE LUXE TAXI FROM DEPOT OR WHARF-250 A > of shame for the crude comment of the woman he was about to marry. He tried to catch Andrea’s eyes to convey with a look a message of apology—but she kept her gaze averted from him. Gathering her furs with cold dig­ nity, Miss Vandersill started toward the door. The circle of employees stood silent. Gilthrop dropped a step behind, unobtrusively drew one of his cards from his case and scrib­ bled a few words on it. Approach­ ing Andrea, he said softly: “Please— I want you to have this.” For the second time that hay a deep color dyed the girl’s cheeks. Startled she pulled back and turned an indignant gaze full upon him. Was he offering her a tip? “No,” she said emphatically, and thrusting away his arm. “Nothing-— ever—from you.” (To be continued)