MORNING SERIAL

“HALLO, Ieuan!” He turned quickly around, gladdened by the sound of her voice.

“Sally! I—I thought you’d forgotten.” “A promise is a promise,” she reminded him. She smiled and his heart lifted.

“I’m so glad you turned up,” he said. “And you’re right on time, too.” He returned her smile.

“Shall — shall we go round the park?” he suggested.

“All right, Ieuan. I’d love to. It’s a lovely night for a walk.” He took her arm in his. They walked slowly side by side through the gateway.

“Do you like my new hat?” Ieuan, momentarily taken off his balance, looked quickly into her face. She was dressed in the same blue costume and white silk blouse, but on her head she wore a small, tight-fitting blue hat.

“Why, I—I think it looks very nice,” he said awkwardly. Then, anxious to please, he added: “I like your new handbag, too.” She held up the cheap leather handbag for his inspection.

“Oh, I’ve had this a long time, Ieuan. I bought it at the Bon Marche. It’s a cheap little thing, really.” She smiled, grateful for his compliment. “You look very smart tonight. A real dasher, Ieuan.” He was about to reply when an elderly couple passed by and smiled at him.

“Hallo, Ieuan! So you’ve started courting, eh?” The remark made him blush. He cleared his throat, and quickly withdrew his arm.

“I—I’m sorry, Sally,” he said later, as the old couple turned into the rose garden.

“Sorry about what, Ieuan?” “I took my arm away ….” She laughed. “I hadn’t noticed it. Gee, you are shy.” The conversation suddenly ceased. A crescendo of drums and brass shattered the evening air.

The Town Band, resplendent in their blue-and- red uniforms, had begun the usual Sunday night concert.

The young couple continued their leisurely walk.

“Doesn’t seem like Sunday, does it?” Ieuan said presently in an effort to renew the conversation.

Sally smiled to herself. “It’s nice to see people enjoying themselves,” she said. “Yes-yes, of course …. Oh, Sally, what’s the matter with me? I’m acting like a kid.”