BEAUTY AND HEART
Ralston drove by the Fashion Hall to pick up Catherine.  She was one of the few who attended the new show of clothes by Armand deLour, the designer who just moved to the Park where Catherine lived.

  Only a few ladies and gentlemen were allowed to see the preview of deLour's Fall Collection.  They certainly were expected to provide orders for his new line, which he named Coming Out.  Chiffon, silk, brocade, evening gowns, dramatic hats and gloves, everything was shown before them.
  As the show concluded, some of the Park ladies remained to surround deLour himself, not wishing the show would ever end.  But when the models left and the clothes were taken away, he had to make his retreat, so the show ended.

  Catherine, steeped in a long narrow dress, pearls and a wide hat, looked for Ralston's car, seeing it from a distance.  He pulled up, as the valet opened the car door and they drove off.

  'Suzanne said to say hello,' Ralston said, driving through the Park neighborhood toward Catherine's mansion.
  'Oh, what a dear,' she said, looking out the window at the homes.  'A marvelous girl but unfortunate.'
  'Whatever do you mean?'
  'She, a former model in Germany, a classic beauty and yet no one will date her.'  Catherine adjusted her dress.
  'Why is that?'
  'Do men shy away from great beauties, like Suzanne, do you think?'  She had a sly look across her eyes.
  Ralston thought, trying not to be sarcastic.  'Some might, some might not.'
  'Oh Rally, are you in one of your say-nothing moods?'
  'I was trying to think of someone I know who would avoid a woman like Suzanne.  She would be quite a trophy for our crowd, but no one comes to mind.'
  'Then why is she not married, after all her career is over, she's so available she burns.'

  'I think she's one of those beauties who is afraid to let anyone know her.  She's afraid if you find out what she is, you won't like her.'
  'You mean because she isn't overly intellectual or talented in any way?'
  'Yes.  She's afraid if you get to know her, you'll walk away  Sometimes privilege narrows the field.'
  'But, dear,' Catherine nearly interrupting him, 'as you know the only way to have any relationship is to let our crowd know what you're really like.  How will we like her if we can't know her?'
  'We know that, but does she?  If she isn't a lawyer or a doctor or designer, surely there will be a circle of friends who are just like her.  As you know, the Park is not overcrowded with intellectuals.'
  Catherine laughed.  'I suppose so.  Wait a minute...are you referring to me?  She leaned over at him, her eyebrows diving together.
  'Of course not,' he said dripping with sarcasm, 'but we both know what our friends are like.'

  Catherine said, 'I was at her condominium the other day, Rallie.  She doesn't dress up around the house.  Not that I mind, you understand, but it's an interesting contrast.  I suppose with Suzanne there's less there than meets the eye, still I like her.  She's never been critical of anyone, she always contributes to charities and she has no facial flaws.'
  'She has more teeth than anyone I know.  Maybe she could do dentists' ads.'
  By now Ralston had brought the car to Catherine's oval gravel driveway, under the golden lamps.
  'Well, I still feel sorry for her, not having a husband.'
  'I'll volunteer.'
  'You will not, not on your life,' Catherine said with a cute possessiveness.
  Ralston smiled.  'If she'll just let us know what she's like, she'll have friends.  Maybe someday...'
  'Always believe for the best, that's what I say.'
  'You do not say that. Now are you going to invite me in for a drink?'
  'Is that the kind of woman you think I am?'
  'I do and you are,' he said smiling and knowing as they walked up the steps to her door.