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Although Chris and I had been introduced in the receiving line, it seeuests made it a point not to talk to us I looked at Chris just as he looked aton?" he asked in a lohisper

"The older guests are not talking to Bart, either," I answered "Look, Chris, they've coive a damn about Bart, or any of us They are just here so he can dine and wine them"

"I wouldn't say that," Chris replied "Everyone makes it a point to speak to Jory and Melodie Soant gentleht?"

Never would it cease to a to admire in everyone

Joel looked like a funeral director as he lass like everyone else He didn't partake of the refresh array I nibbled daintily on a cracker spread with goose liver pate and looked around for Cindy She was in the center of five young men, very much the belle of the ball Even her de very seductive--now that she'd shoved the shoulder ruffle down to bare the top half of her bosom

"She looks like you used to," said Chris, also watching Cindy "Except you had a more ethereal quality, as if your two feet were never fir miracles could happen" He paused and looked at me in that special way that kept"Yes, love," he whispered, "miracles can happen, even here"

Every wife or husband see to score with any member of the opposite sex besides their spouses Only Chris and I stuck together Jory had disappeared, and now Melodie was standing with Bart He was saying so hot She turned to hurry away, but he seized hold of her arm and yanked her back She snatched her arain, and ruthle

ssly he pulled her into his e hiainst him

I started to go to theht my arm to restrain me "Let Melodie handle him You'd only make him furious"

Sighing, I watched the small conflict between Bart and his brother's wife and saw to my amazement that he won, for she relaxed and finally see her froroup, as if she were his wife and not Jory's

I'd tasted only a little of this and that when a very beautiful wo first at Chris, then at hter, the one who caht party and--"

Abruptly I cut her short "If you'll excuseaway and keeping fast hold of Christopher The woman ran behind us "But Mrs Sheffield"

I was spared the need to answer by the blast of uests seated themselves with plates of food and drinks Bart and Melodie came to join us, while Cindy and Jory ran to wared into elaborate costumes

Soon the professional entertainers hadwith everyone else

What a wonderful party! I glanced often at Chris, at Bart and Melodie, who sat near us The suht was perfect The , and I was again a but formidable barriers to keep freedo and, ood time He shifted his chair closer to mine "Would you say my party is a success, Mother?"