latest styles to scanty bathing suits. Faces tinted with rouge, lashes beaded, lids shaded, jewelry pendant on bosoms or circling arms and fingers, they moved with a semblance of feminine grace.
At the beginning of the evening, the guests had apparently been intimidated by the grandeur of the mansion. They had greeted each other with little cries of surprise. Beulah kissed Molly whom she had not seen for ages. Buddy embraced Louella and whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Ernie Emerson stood at the threshold of the ball-room, inclining his head and smiling as each new guest arrived.
As the minutes flew, as the wine and brandy unchained tongues, voices rose in shrill cries, feminine gestures became more and more exaggerated; the dancing, at first, awkward and hesitant, now was a maelstrom of clinging bodies. Ernie's guests dropped caution and became bold, speaking loudly in flat imitations of women's voices, holding hands or even embracing. Then the roll of the drums and the announcement that the beauty contest was about to begin.
Ernie Emerson was alone when Ken entered the governor's box. He turned as the curtains parted.
"At last!" he said, rising. "I have been so anxious to see you."
"And I to see you," Ken replied.
"You're just in time for the contest. I want you to compete. Will you?"
Beneath Ernie's courteous tone, Ken felt an undercurrent of firmness.
"I have taken the trouble to enter your name myself. It is listed as Cara." He could read the hesitancy in Ken's eyes. "No one will know you. You are really beautiful."
