Radio and television mirror (July-Dec 1942)

BEGINNING RADIO STORY FORM 1INDA hurried as she got ready j for church. She knew how much it annoyed her father to be kept waiting. And — Linda smiled a little to herself — she had been causing him quite enough annoyance lately. If only he weren't so anxious for her to fall in love and get married, maybe some day, some day . . . Linda caught up her gloves and took one last look in her mirror. "Maybe Dad's right," she thought. "After all I am twenty-six — and by this time I should be married — married to Jim Fletcher— or Bill Wolf — or Ed Somers. Poor Dad!" Linda closed her door and hurried downstairs. It always gave George Emerson a feeling of great pride to escort his family to church on Sunday morning. And as he walked along the sunny street with his wife and daughters, his face glowed with satisfaction. Yes, George Emerson was a lucky man. He was successful, well off. He had built the Emerson Department Store into the largest retail establishment in town. He was an important member of his community. And look at his family. Irene was still to George as lovely as the day he married her. And Holly, skipping along there, at her mother's side — well, no man could ask for a finer young daughter. People were right when they said that Holly — even at thirteen — was just like him. Full of life and energy and good common sense. Only Linda, his eldest daughter and greatest pride, worried him. If only he could understand her — know what she was thinking, know what she wanted out of life. Lovely Linda Emerson. Why couldn't she be like him, too? Why did she always have to live in that shell of hers? Why wouldn't she get married and settle dpwn — give him a grandson? A grandson! Now that would be something for George Emerson! Linda slipped her arm through her father's. "I know it's Sunday, Dad, but you don't have to look so solemn," she said. "Solemn? Nothing of the kind, I was just thinking, Linda — thinking about you." "I could tell that. It isn't very hard for me to read your thoughts these days, Dad." "Now just tell me what's wrong with Ed Somers, Linda. He's a fine boy — with a good head on his shoulders and — " "I know, Dad. And he's doing very well with his automobile agency and he's a very good friend of mine. Ed's going to make some girl very happy — " "Some girl? Why not you, Linda? You know as well as I do how much Ed is in love with you." "I know — but I'm not in love with Ed Somers." "Why not?" Linda laughed. "Even Ed didn't ask me that." Linda hugged her father's arm. "Come on, Dad. Don't look unhappy. I'm sure I will fall in love some day — and get married. I've got a feeling — a feeling that I'll fall in love and be very happy." Linda was silent for a moment. Her father looked at her, puzzled. Some day . . . There was something so beautiful and peaceful about the service that morning. The Emerson family sat quietly in their pew well down in the front of the church, and the Reverend Dr. Stratton's moving and beautiful sermon erased even the tiny frown that had creased the forehead of George Emerson since his conversation with Linda. And soon the services were over and George and Irene Emerson with their two lovely daughters moved down Such music! HTs own. As she listened, Linda's eyes filled with tears. This melody had suddenly brought new life, new eagerness and new hope to her heart. RADIO AND TELEVISION MIRROR