"Jeanne Dickinson watched the scene with eyes filled with the wonder of the occasion." page six Women Dress For Women By Bonnie Clay The chatter of women's voices, the clatter of high heels crossing the bare floor in the hallway, and the swish of long dresses meant a tea given in honor of the freshman women by a leading sorority of the college. The most attractive girls came here to be gooed over, gushed over, and made much of in general by the sorority sisters who were really critically analyzing each prospective pledge with the experienced eyes that belong only to sorority sisters who have themselves passed the test. Jeanne Dickinson watched the scene with eyes filled with the wonder of the occasion. She was delighted to find that these girls were just like the girls at home both friendly and nice. They were smooth, too, with the poise and self-assurance that comes from a great deal of social experience. Their clothes were like something out of a dream or at least Vogue, and their smiles were sparkling assurances of good nature and friendship. Making Gamma had long been one of Jeanne's ambitions and with Sue, one of her best friends, already in the club, it should be relatively easy. Of course, NaDine Sharmer was in Gamma, too. But what was that to worry about in this wonderful new land that college had turned out to be. College was even more exciting than Jeanne had thought it would be. There were so many new people to know and teas and parties to attend and even the classes seemed more than the same monotonous grind that they had been at High. And there was Dale. Dale was a combination of Sir Galahad and the boys she had gone with back home and he had just the right touch of Ronald Colman to make him ever so romantic. He was a senior and they had met almost the first day on the campus and of course it had been love at first sight. They had been together almost constantly, at school, studying, having cokes, and going to the movies. Already it was Jeanne and Dale, Dale and Jeanne wherever campus romances were being discussed. And that was why Jeanne had wanted to be especially beautiful today. She was meeting Dale after the tea and somehow, though their romance had already been flourishing for three whole weeks, she had never really been dressed up before when they'd been together. But now she'd show him how sophisticated she could be. Her outfit had been especially purchased for just such an occasion as this and she was glad that she'd had the foresight to take such pains with it. Bat now it was almost time to leave to meet Dale. Jeanne joined the small group eddying about the housemother, waiting to make their farewells. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Shaw. I had a lovely time. And I admired all the girls so much. I've always thought that Gamma has the nicest group on the campus." Mrs. Shaw was duly appreciative of Jeanne's attitude. "We've enjoyed having you, dear. I do hope that you'll come again. You are welcome at any time." The girl smiled dutifully and was skillfully handed from one charming long-gowned hostess to another as they hastened her toward the door. One separated herself from the others. This was NaDine, a dark, slight figure in her pink gown with the coral bracelets that made the dress seem dramatic rather than naive. "Jeanne, darling, did you have a good time? I war. so pleased that you could come. You look simply stunning in that gorgeous dress. I hope we'll see each other a lot this year. I've so looked forward to the time that little Jeannie could come here to college." NaDine spoke in the professionally cultivated tones that bespoke Thespean tendencies, and clung prettily to Jeanne's hand as she spieled forth. "Oh, yes, NaDine, I've had a nice time," Jeanne answered stiffly. "Well, there's Sue. I'd better go with her and get my things. I have to meet Dale, you know. He gets so impatient when I'm late." "Well, Jeanne, you handled it beautifully," Sue applauded in the sanctuary of the dressing room. "I even heard you speaking in lady-like tones to NaDine. Lord, but my feet hurt. Sit down with me for a minute and tell me how you and Dale are coming along." "Oh, just the usual thing," Jeanne said casually, applying the scarlet of her lip rouge carefully. Then she caught Sue's skeptical glance in the mirror and began to laugh. "Oh, Sue, you know me better than I know myself. Of course I think Dale is the handsomest man in the world and of course I'm crazy about him. Even though I haven't known him long, I know he's the one. I'd rather go for a walk with him than to the slickest dance with anyone else. He's just super." "Do tell," Sue said. "You've really got something. Probably nothing more nor less than a cold coming on. But I'll admit that love's young dream does give you that added oomph. You look particularly luscious tonight. That hat does things for your face." "Gee, I hope so. I'd really like to give Dale something to look at tonight. Just to show him that I can be glamorous, I mean." "You're the girl to do it," Sue assured her. "Well, time's passing. I'd better get back to the party and I'm sure that you don't want to be late. Come on," and she held out her hand to her friend. "Thanks, Sue. You've been swell. I shall cross my fingers tonight. 'Bye and give my regards to dear NaDine." As she passed the mirror in the hall, Jeanne noted with satisfaction that the dress really was becoming to her. The lush brown color brought forth the golden highlights in her hair and her gloves and shoes matched the rest of her things nicely. Her hat and bag were of a rose tone that accentuated her bright lips and her creamy complexion. She adjusted her hat to a more becoming angle as she stood posed for a minute, then smiled at the reflection, glanced at her watch, and went out into the gathering dusk. Her steps were a little more buoyant than usual as she hurried toward the corner where Dale was to meet her. After all, she did have a right to feel good. This was the type of interlude she liked, going from one pleasure into a still greater one. "If I were NaDine, this would be the moment for (Continued on Page 23) page seven