1969-08-10 — Page 10

BATBRET

中學同學學科生活知識進修

聖道典文書院主編 生活趣味

The Adventures of Dick Ngan

Part 5

Dick might not be too fearfully attentive to domestic affairs such as in the tidying up of his room or the smoothing of his bed each morning as he woke up, but when it came to grooming, he was a meticulous person. On social occasions he was never found lacking in elegance. On the evening of the 'Ladies Might Diok was even more conscious of his grooming.

"I must look presentable tonight,"

"he thought as he carefully combed his hair, making sure that the

margin' was running straight to the back of his head, and letting a few curls, to hang over his forehead, He then went to the wardrobe and selected a sky-blue shirt with long sleeves, a pair of plain, black trousers and a plain black tie.

Adroitly, as he knotted his tie into shape, he gazed at the mirror and was delighted with what ne Baw. Having found his favourite pair of silver cuff links, he carefully put them on the cuffs of his shirt. There was a soft knock at his door and opening it, Diok was told by the amah that there was a telephone call for him."

Can't be Bill," he thought. as he looked at nis wrist-watch which told him that it was seven

'olock.

"Hello, Dick speaking."

"Dick, this is Don. I want to find out what time you are going."

"I'm waiting for the call from Bill. He promised to give me a lift on his scooter, I think probably around eight.".

"In that case I've to go alone. Is Angelina's home near Pui Ching College?"

"Somewhere around there. Her home is at Soares. Avenue. I think it's opposite to the College. It's off Waterloo Road, Have you got the address right?".

"Yes, I hope so. By the way, whom do you expect. to be there? I'm feeling a bit nervous. You must know this is the first dancing party I am attending.

"Don't worry, Calm yourself. Drink a glass of brandy before you come, but don't get yourself intoxicated," joked Dick." I guess the usual bunch of chaps will be there to-night, but from what I gathered from Alice there will be some new faces. from St. Andrews and DBS. Most of the girls are from her school, but there are some from True Light Middle School and St, Paul's Convent,

"Who's your partner?"

"I haven't the faintest idea yet, until I'm at

party.

"Are you not bringing Catherine along?"

Why Catherine? The fact that I have known her brother doesn't make her my steady girl friend. Anyway she is going with

Jose's brother.

"What about Bill?".

He is also going to meet his at the party. "Well," said Don finally as he was running out of questions, "I'd batter hang up. See you afterwards,"

"Bye for now.”

Dick got back to his room and checked his wallet. to see if the two tickets for the evening were there. "The girls sure know how to raise money," he thought.

$10 a ticket, and each boy must buy an additional ticket for his partner whether he goes with one or nor Here's a good reason why boys should have higher pay than the girls!".

Choosing a pair of black suede chocs, for that was the only pair in black, he was pleased to note that they matched bis clothes. He carefully brushed them until he was certain they were spotlessly clean As he was selecting a handkerchier from the drawer, he heard, as his door was not shut this time, the telephone ringing in the drawing-room,

A few seconds later, "Hello," he spoke into the receiver, häving taken it up.

"Is that you, Dick?". "Speaking."

"I'm Bill. I've been trying to reach you a Ter minutes ago, but your phone was engaged.".

"Yes, I was talking to Don."

"I11, pick you up at a quarter past eight, y father has allowed me to drive his car, tonight, but. I've got to collect it from the garage where the car's engine was being lubricated."

"Good, in that case we can give Don Will that be all right to you?!

"Certainly, but you've got to get

Jift.

touch with

hin and let him know. I'll pick you up first.

"Fine, toot your car when you arrive, all right? "All right, be seeing you then. Remember 9,15/". "I'll remember, cheerio, whereupon Daok called up Don and asked him to wait for them at about 8.25. He then got back to his room. For the next fifteen ninutes or so he was busily browsing over the book that could bring either praise, or criticism to his dancing that evening. "I hope I'll remember the different steps correctly, but as long as I do not #he tread on my partner's shoes I'll be all right, thought as he walked about the room. "Now let's see. I'd better go over the Cha-che, The beat is slow- Blow-fast-fast, bon-cha-chacha, slow-slow-fast-fast, Move Left foot forward, step on the right foot, and bring left foot back and step on it twice. Next move the right foot backwards, step on the left foot, and bring right foot back and step on it twice." Closing the book, he rehearsed the steps again, this time not mentally but actually. Suddenly looking at his wrist-watch, he realized that it was already ten past eight. Keeping the book away, he took out a Light grey double-breasted coat and put it on. He ther got out to the sitting-room at a saunter, and just then he heard the hooting of Bill's car. As his

報日僑茶

日期圣日十月八年九六九一届会年八十五牺辆革中 育教儒華

parents were away at a dinner party, he informed Wong Chieh that he was going. Hurriedly he made his way downstairs since two flights of stairs created no problem in walking. It sometimes took a longer time if he waited for the elevator, and at one time, he had the unpleasant experience of being stranded in it' when all of a sudden there was a power - failure in the building.

5111 waved at Dick when he saw the latter emerging from the gate. Dick-hey, Dick, down here he, shouted.

I thought you were driving a Volkswagen" Father had the Volkswagen traded in for this new car" explained Bill. Aa Dick got in, he asked, " this a Ford GT. Escort?"

"No, it's a G.T Lotus Gortina. It's a fast car, I must say. Bill did not have to say that for the initial pickup speed of the car was indicative of its immense power and although Dick was not holding a driving licence, he knew a great deal about oara especially sports-cars which never ceased to fascinate him ever since his third uncle drove him Triumph TR - 2 when he was twelve.

"Boy, this car is terrific," he axelaimed. "Wait until I get her into the 4th gear, and you will be able to feel its massive, acceleration," added Bill.

"How good is its road holding?" asked Dick, who was always anxious about the performance of individual

DATE.

"Very good, but next to a Mini-Cooper S which in my opinion? returned Bill, is excellent at corner- ing". Before long they arrived at. Don's place. "Don was already waiting for them and was happy to see them. In contrast to Bill, who wore a dark brown suit with a white shirt and a coloured tie, Don wore a light grey suit, with a light yellow shirt and a navy bluê tie

"You're not wearing a suit tonight, Diok?" Don asked, as he got into the back seat.

"Wall, I thought suits make me look older. Anyway what do you think of my clothes?

"Fine, fine," replied Don with wide-eyed, amiration. "In fact I perfer the way you are dressed," retorted Bill, who impulsively stepped the accelerator, a little too hard this time, thue sending the car roaring, off the road.

"Say, the car is powerful,! remarked Don, having been thrown to the back of the seat because of the sudden acceleration. "Say, are we going to pick up: Jose?" he asked.

"He's going with nis brother," replied Dịck. Soon they arrived at Soare's Avenue, and it must be Bill'e lucky day that day, for there was just in front of Angelina's building an empty car-spade.

"Is that legal?" asked Dick, who could not believe bio dyes that Bill could be that lucky.“

"It is, and even if it isn't, we've to park it here anyway. We haven't much time left. After all, the parking ticket is only $20; my tickets for the evening are twice as much as that!"

You know, it's unfair we boys have to buy two tickete each at least," protested Don. "Which means we have to have 32 cats! Are we going out tonoTTOW night, Bill?" Bill gave no answer as he, wan

concentrating on his parking. Skilfully, but slowly, he brought the car to a smooth stand-still and having switched off the ignition, he turned to look at Don,

Yos, what were you saying?"

Are we catching cat tomorrow night?" "Why not! Especially after tonight's party, everybody is needing money, We have got to catoh more this time."

"Well, we only caught three because of Dick's bruises," said Dont

"Did you try to get a pair or add gloves for na asked Dick, looking at Bill.

Not yet, but I think I can manage to get one for you. I must have an old pair lying somewhere in the attio. I'll get it for you tomorrow night," assured Bill. "Now let's get out and hurry to the party."

The three boys got out, and Bill, having made certain that the doors were locked, led Dick and Don, who was beginning to tremble with nervousness, to the lobby of the building in which Angelina lived. The elevator was waiting for them. It brought them up to the fifteenth floor. The boys got out the after the other, with Bill still leading the way. "Which flat is Angelina's?" he asked, looking around him.

Is it the D flat?" spoke Dick.İNE YE "I think it is the C flat," replied. Don. "I believe I'm right," said Dick. "You can near the noise coming from that flat. He remarked as he pointed towards the D flat down the end of the corridor.

"They are playing the Ventures Baby Elephant Walk," pointed out Bill.

"Are we late?" Don asked.

No, "Dick replied, "They are too early. Dancing parties don't start very early, d'you know?"

Bill pressed the bell. It was Angelina who opened the door. "What fresh new hair do she has got, thought Dick. "Did you boys get lost?" she asked, as she beckoned them to enter.

"No, I had to fetch my dad's car, and that delayed little. But surely the party hasn't begun yet."

We're waiting for you."

"Hey, y-you w-want my tickets n-now?" asked Don, "o, not now, afterwards."

Have you seen my sister?" asked Dick. *Oh, yes, she's in the kitchen with some of the ather girls, preparing vegetable salad."

"Only vegatable salad for," Diok almost wanted

to say 3207" but thought it better to say "us"?

"Of course not. There're other things to eat. Angelina smiled,

"I hope so," Bill thought. Angelina then brought the boys into the drawing-roon which was dimly lit. It was Father spacious. The chairs were

arranged along the walls and as quickly as Dick: could comput

there must be about fifty of them,

and they were all nearly taken up.”

"Agatha, please stop the music," shouted Angelina. "Should I introduce you all?"

Let's not be too formal," broken in BiLL. Way not let's know each other as the party progresses?"

"Good idea," a voice shouted from the corner. It was that of Jose's. "Don't think we can remember all the names at one go," he said laughingly. There. were smiles all round, and a few nodded their heads in agreement.

.:

Hell, then if you all will sit where you are,.. and you gentlemen who have just arrived will sit wherever you like, I'll get the rest of the girls out and we can start," said Angelina.

A little later the music was resumed, and Dick could see his sister coming out with a few other girls, whom he had never met before. One of them particularly caught his attention. She was wearing a light blue frock edged with white laces. She had rolled her hair up and had tied it with a pink ribbon. She was of medium build, and had an oval face with a pair of lustrous dark brown eyes, Dick could notice that her fair complexion in contrast to the dianess of the room had added to her femininity. She moved gracefully, a little shyly. Dick was. conscious that all eyes were on her and Alice as the girls entered.

Alice was by no means unattractive. She had let her fair fall on her shoulders. She wore a brightly- coloured frock. Dick could see that she carried a zrace that he found captivating, and for a moment,

could not believe that his sister was so pretty, Sta could easily pass herself off as a film star, "Make- up works like magic," he mused.

Dick tried to look at the other girls, but the boy on his left began to talk to him. "My name. 18 Brian. Brian Zee. May I know yours?"

"I'm Dick Ngan," returned Dick extending bis right hand which was quickly received by Brian's. As they shook their hands, Brian continued. "Are you studying?":

"I've just sat for my 'A' levels. You?"-

I am working. I completed my Matric last year, I'm with Peat Maverick in the Accounts Department. Rather dull work, What do you intend to

"I really don't know.. I've got an uncle who has an I-E firm and he wants me to work for him. He promises to train me up. But my old man wants me to read law, Well, if I get through my exam and satisfy the Hongkong U. I may continue my studies and read for my LL.B."

What's that?

Bachelor of Lawa."

"But Hong Kong U. does not have a law faculty,

Not yet, but they will have one next year. "Do you think," Brian had to leave his sentence anfinished as Angelina's voice rose above everyone's "Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my Committee, I welcome you all. I now declare Ladies Night' open,"

"Why do you call it Ladies Night!?" someone

asked.

Well, tonight's occasion is organized by the Tadies, and our intention is to raise some funds for this year's Fat Choy Drive. Now the first item on the programme is dancing. Agatha, are you ready with the pick-up? Right, so boys invite the girls to the Floori

Don, who was sitting on the right of Dick, whispered to the latter. "Is it all right if I just keep on sitting?"

"No, it isn't proper. Make a man or yourself," murmured Dick.

"But, I'm nervous."

Don't worry, follow me."

How? I mean.................

"Don't worry too much. Just follow."

Dick got up and walfed towards the girl who fizat caught his attention. But he was a second too late.. Another boy had got to her first. Dick naturally, approached another girl. "I hope she is not taller. than I'm" he quickly thought. "May 12 he declared as he bowed slightly. His partner smiled and got up but to Dick's surprise, even if she wore a four- inch high-heeled shoes she still would not reach Dick's shoulders. Anyway he kept up his cheerfulness and they started to dance although he remained w quiet except saying "yes" or "no" to her occasional questioning, as he was not inclined to talk whenever confronted with disappointment, for such was hja nature

Don had wanted to follow Diok but somehow he had not the courage to move from his seat, He Buddenly turned his head to his left when he heard his name being called, "Don, don't just sit there," whispered, Dick as he slowly moved away with his partner. Don looked around him and as far as he could make out, all the boys were on the floor. His shyness now turned into fright. "I must make a move, "he told himself. He looked at the row of girls in front of him. "I think the one with short hair, is less likely to refuse my invitation," he thought. S up he stood and pretended to walk with confidence. towards her. In fact he did not walk, but marohed Just as he was half way across the floor, he starten to panic. He knew he would be tongue-tied by the time he reached the girl so he make a round-about tur and got back to his seat.

Dick who saw what had happened, slowly changed his standing position to where Don could see him. Secretly he motioned to Don to make another attempt. Courage suddenly came back to Don. He got up and marched very quickly, all the time hoping that his courage would last until he had invited his partner. But just as he was two feet from her, he started to tremble again. There was nothing he could do except changing his direction, and walking straight to the. corridor and into the toilet.

He was feeling piserable now. se aid not know chow: long he had stayed in the toilet until a voica.

未完轉入第三張第三百

Page 10Page 11