together.

As I started to the kitchen to put the coffee pot on the fire, Jan said,

"Melba, there's a note here on the table. It's for you."

"Oh?" I hurried back. "Don't tell me the folks have stopped speaking to me." I forced a laugh.

After I read the note, I ran over and threw my arms about Jan. I kissed her cheek, her chin.

"Oh, Jan!" I said, brimming with joy. "Our break! We've got our break! It's really come!"

Tenderly she held me so she could search my face. "Please explain,” she said eagerly.

Then I put the note in her hand. She read it. She let out a controlled whoop, clasped me around the waist and waltzed me around the room.

The note was from Mother. It explained that she and Beth and Hal had retired early because they would be up before dawn. The furniture store where Hal worked would be closed Friday, while some painting was done. And since Hal would have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off, he was driving Beth and Mother to Los Angeles for the week end.

Mother had added a postscript. "Take care of yourself while we're gone.

Take care of myself! You bet I would!

"Jan," I said forgetting all about our coffee. "Know what this means? We'll come here after the shop closes tomorrow, and you'll stay with me-the entire week end!"

"Oh, darling!" Jan's eyes twinkled. "How wonderful! You can sleep in my arms all night.' "Sleep?" I said playfully. Then I tossed my head and laughed. "Who wants to sleep?"

Jan kissed me.

I finally brewed coffee and we sat down at the kitchen table. But we were both so intoxicated from 40

anticipation of a week end together, uninterrupted by family interference, that we almost spilled our coffee when we tried to drink it.

For Friday evening Cookie and Bernice had dates, but Phyliss and Flora didn't. You will remember they were our friends who worked with us at Hansen's. As we left the dress shop together, Phyliss fluffed out her hair, proud of the new silver bleach job.

"I dare you dateless chicks to come with me to a public dance in Monterey."

"I just might go," said black-haired Flora. "Well, have fun!" Bernice called.

"And tell us about it on Monday," Cookie chirped. We watched Cookie and Bernice scurry away, eager

to pretty up for their boy friends.

Then I felt Phyliss pulling at my sleeve. "You coming with Flora and me to the dance?" "No thanks," I said quickly.

"Well, Jan?"

"No thanks, Phyliss. Not interested," said Jan, pleasantly.

"Oh for corn's sake!" said Phyliss. "How's a gal ever going to get married if she doesn't circulate among men?"

"I'm all for circulating," Flora assured. "Let's get rolling."

Then, arm in arm, squealing about what they intended to wear as man-bait that evening, Phyliss and Flora hurried away.

Jan reached out and squeezed my hand.

"I love you so very much," she said in a low, thrilling tone. "I'd do anything to contribute to your happiness."

"You already do everything!" I clasped her hand, and tucked it into my jacket pocket.

"I mean it, Melba," Jan said, as we walked toward her car. Her pressure on my fingers increased. "I’d—”