The Dolores star., 1922-03-10


standing in the doorway, light of
pleasure flashed across his face. He
recalled, as he waited dumbN, her
word of greeting, his own skept,cism.
when Masters had spoken of the wom-
ans popularity.
she gets everybody" Masters had
SAID, "and then winds them around her
fingers"
Lands had an amused Idea that the
victims In devotion were men of weak
ihclinatiohs; he had heard unpleasant
tales Of betrothals broken, of faith
lessness and trouble generally, when
ever Miss Jewel Rivers appeared.
Jewel" he thought now Of the ap-
propriateness Of this name-preclous,
rare. this small creature flashing un.
expected lights of character.
Were you" asked Jewel shyly, "at
work upon your book? For II you
were, I will take my copying to an
other corner. l am cutting down
some work for Mr. Curran, so that he
may get it Immediately"
Soihe III, i-anuls answered eagerly.
Il am not writing this afternoon"
Miss Rivers came In and seated her.
self before the mahogany table. She
smiled at the author as she spread
the sheets of paper out before her.
"Curran," said Lands. as fortunate
man to have so tireless secretary.
And l think'-his gaze was openly
admiring-'that he has also con-
stant source Of inspiration. Secre-
| tary to a successful writer of movies,
how does 1t happen, l WONDER that
you never asplred to the screen?"
Jewel laughed softly.
Il do aspire" she replied, land soon
you may see my pictured self in your
favorite theater, when you have gone
away"
Lands leaned forward tensely.
"You are going to actT
She nodded. 81 am even now re-
hearsing. They find that l do very
well. But Mr.. Curran is not satisfied
with my part. He wants something
finer. more subtle. l am essentially,
he says, woman of mystery"
She gave Lands a feetlng glance.
you could write such a story for
me, Mr.. Lands, you, the delightful
mystery maker"
The author flushed with pleasure,
and sat silently watching the dusky
head bent over the table.
"And do you find the local color you
desired among the movie folk, Mr..
Landis?" she asked politely. HAS
stopping among us here at the inn
been of help In the writing of your
coming nOvel?'
"Of inestimable help" he told her.
MY plot seems to unfold ITSELF"
II am so glad"
| Jewel folded her pages together
and crossed to the divan at his side.
won't you tell me something about
ltT
mot customary to talk shop"
Lands said uncomfortably, then re-
gretted his brusqueness.
Jewel, standing before him, had the
sorrowful manner Of reproved child
Pardon" she begged ruefully. Il did
not know that you would mind telling
lust me. l have been so Interested In
you-in your work." she hastily cor
rected.
Then Lands found himself telling
enthusiastically, happily even. In her
interest, oil the magic surprise OF his
tions, Its unusual setting
When Jewel left him he sat long
rejecting upon the responsive sym
pathy of her sweet features. Ho"
quickly she had grasped his fancies
How grateful was her praise. Still
longer Lands reflected sunshine
changed to shadow in the long room
"I love her." he said over and ovel
to himself. II who never before have
known love for woman"
Masters came with the turning on
of lights.
"Curran's scout has been interview
ing YOU. I see," he said "Clever little
1ady that Miss Jewel, but she did moi
get much Information, I'll wager, IRON
shrewd old oyster like yourself. Dt
you know" Masters paused impress
lively.
..rl bet little Jewel has helped Il
build more than half of Curran's hit
plays with stolen information com
bined with her own ingenuity. Get
ting dope from writers is Jewels spe
cialty." ,
Masters turned away. "Oh, quee
little girl; oh, dear little girl III
hummed whimsically.
Lands went out into the chilly gar
den. He wanted to walk and thihl
and he alone. $50 she had got hiin'
too and had "wound him around ne
fingers" And he had given trus'
ingly into her faithless keeping IN
secret of the long work of his pfhr
the marvel story over which he ma
labored long and absorbedly. AN
Curran would flash that story cruoel
across the world before he. Landl.