Radio and television mirror (July-Dec 1942)

He said gaily, "What's your preference in eating joints tonight? Chinatown or the nearest diner?" I said, "Wherever you like, Bruce." "Hey . . ." He bent over to peer into my face. "What's the matter tonight? If you want to celebrate at the Ritz, come right out and say so. But I thought you'd figure the old budget needs all it can get, especially now, after this morning — " He broke off, hesitating, as if he wanted me to finish the sentence for him. He gave my arm a little coaxing squeeze against his side. He wanted me to say, "Of course I care about that budget. Of course I haven't gone back on what I said this morning." But maybe that wasn't true. I said, "I — I'm just tired, I guess. It's been kind of a hard day — " If he knew how hard! He didn't say anything for a minute, but I could tell he was still looking at me, studying. He said, his voice doubtful now, "Here's the Tremont Plaza, Jan." Then, as if he forced brightness into his tone, "White tile's not exactly a festive background, but I guess it's not what's outside you that makes a celebration. Is it, Jan?" His voice coaxed me again. His eyes were waiting for mine to meet them and for my lips to say all that he hadn't said. But I couldn't. IT was hard to eat the unappetizing cafeteria meal, harder to think of safe, stupid things to say, and to find other places to look than across the table at Bruce. When we got outdoors again, into the fresh, cool air and the moving crowds of people, I sighed with relief. "Still tired, honey?" Bruce asked quickly. I shook my head, feeling unreasonably angry with him for watching every move I made. We crossed the Common without speaking, and walked into the formal elegance of the Public Garden. Bruce led me down to the edge of the Pond where we'd always loved to spend our nickels riding on the slow, soft-gliding swan boat. As we waited there, a bunch of white-middied navy boys came clustering around us, cheerfully raucous. "Funny how sailors on shore leave always make for the nearest puddle," Bruce whispered in my ear. His hand had crept around my waist and suddenly I knew that I could not ride with him in the close intimate dimness of the water, hearing only beguiling tiny sounds of the rippling wake behind us, feeling closer and inescapably closer his hungry pleading body. I said, "Let's not ride tonight, Bruce. I — I'm not in the mood." He drew his arm back as if I had slapped his hand. He said in a hurt voice, "Okay, Jan." Then, very politely— oh, too politely — "What are you in the mood for, Jan?" We were climbing the steps up to the bridge, my feet incredibly heavy. I said, "I don't know. Would you like to see a picture?" A movie, after this morning! I could see the reproach in his eyes as clearly as if he had said the words. It was clear why his voice was strained when he answered, "Not especially. But if you do — " I felt the most fantastic panic, like one of those rats in a psychological experiment, trying to see a way out of a maze. I searched desperately for some escape from being alone with Bruce, alone with that question hanging like a threat between us. NOVEMBER, 1942 DISCRIMINATING WOMEN BELIEVE THIS A $1.00 BRASSIERE, ACTUALLY IT'S ONLY ^^^ Catote UrdTooks, wears, gives thelieaOty of a $1.00 brassiere. Designed to fit every figure type perfectly. Junior, standard, uplift and matron styles. . . in lace, net, batiste and rayon satin. SOLD AT MOST F. W. WOO LWO RTH CO., S. S. KRESGE CO., ana NEISNER BROS. STORES, AND OTHER STORES BRASSIERES If a sailor whistles at you . . . You'll know you're looking darling in last year's dress made new with RIT • All the boys like bright, cheery colors these days — and you can turn faded, dark or dreary frocks into sensations with RIT. Step out gaily tomorrow in sunny hues that make old dresses sparkle. Uncle Sam recommends saving clothes — so does your pocketbook — and everybody will think your wardrobe is brand new. • Just be sure you get RIT. No boiling needed. Colors "take" beautifully. Perfect results. NEVER SAY DYE . . . SAY RIT 28 Colors. Use White Rit to take color OUT I TINTS & DYES 77