Radio mirror (Jan-June 1947)

was still bent and unresponsive, Naomi changed her plea. "If you won't do it for yourself or for Jack, will you do it for me? My whole New Year's Eve will be spoiled if I have to remember you sitting here in a darkened room, crying." Ruth Hewlett still protested but Naomi wouldn't listen. She knew that the girl would cry herself sick or into hysterics and — worse still — work herself into such a state of either self-condemnation or self-pity that it would be disastrous to this already-shaky marriage. She waited for Ruth to change into a party dress and then firmly escorted her over to her own rooms, to wait while Naomi, herself, showered and dressed. This was no time for the girl to be left alone. At the same time, it was not the appropriate moment for any discussion of her problems, so Naomi talked about the people Ruth would shortly meet at the party. WHEN they set out it was already dark. A cold, blustery wind was swirling down Hester Street, its blasts echoing around the street corners and sending old newspapers swirling before them, to wrap themselves around the legs of pedestrians. The icy cold made the two women's cheeks tingle and their eyes smart. Bowing their heads and clutching their hats, they fought their way down the street. "Here we are! Whew!" The two flung themselves into the little warm hall. "One good thing, Ruth — after that wind we both look as though we'd been crying, so perhaps no one will notice your eyes." "I hope not, but they do get so puffy." From Ruth's voice, the older woman could tell that she was not quite in such depths of despair. "Naomi, are you sure they want me? Are you sure they won't mind a perfect stranger coming to their party — and such a gloomy one, too? I think I'd better go home. I honestly don't feel in a party mood. I'd rather, Naomi." Naomi didn't even pause in her climbing of the stairs. "Not for one minute, Ruth. You're coming with me and you're going to have a good time . . . you'll see." They had barely reached the thirdfloor landing when the Lagorra door was opened wide. "Buon Capo d'Anno! Happy New Year! It is our good friend, Naomi Daniels! Enter — enter!" Old Italo Lagorra was beaming with quiet and dignified pleasure as he held the door open for the two women. "Thank you and a Happy New Year to you, too, Mr. Lagorra. I can't say it as you did — Buon Capo — May I present Mrs. Ruth Hewlett? Carlotta and I met her this morning and she was kind enough to come with me tonight." The old shoemaker bowed slightly. "It will brighten my whole house to have you present, Mrs. Hewlett. This is a time for old friends and for the new friends, is not so? I am grateful you all come together this night under my roof." As they went in, Naomi stole a look at Ruth's face. Already, it was beginning to glow with the anticipation of friendliness and acceptance — nobody could resist Italo, or doubt that when he said "welcome" he meant it with his whole kindly heart. Catching Naomi's glance, Ruth smiled. "He is sweet," she whispered, with relief; then Carlotta was welcoming them. "Hello, Miss Lagorra. It was kind of you to ask me tonight." la ITlexieo ^_ ■^auricl my AwzJ' At Hotel Reforma, we'd been dining, dancing. "Marry me," you whispered. "I can't let go of these soft hands." Thank goodness I use Jergens Lotion, darling! . . . Favorite hand care of the very loveliest women.* For delicious, smooth, soft hands, Jergens Lotion is more effective now than ever— thanks to wartime research. Protects even longer, too, against roughness that discourages love. The two fine ingredients many In Taxco, you bought me a bracelet. "Not one is good enough for this dear hand," you said. I want you to love my hands always, my dearest. So '11 always use Jergens Lotion. doctors use for skin-smoothing are part of this even-finer Jergens Lotion Still 10<* to $1.00 (plus tax). No-no oiliness; no stickiness. " j*-* *Hollywood Stars use Jergens / Lotion, 7 to 1. For the Softest, Adorable Hands, use JERGENS LOTION YOUR CHANCE to see that Jergens Lotion is now finer than ever. Mail coupon today for gift bottle. ( Paste on penny postcard if you wish. ) Box 27, Cincinnati 14, Ohio. Please send my gift bottle. Address— . Name City (Please print name, address plainly.) State. (Sorry, offer good in U.S.A. only.) Dept, 45 61