The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-10

few dollars for my old age. So I'll just slip away. You can take care of Dorothy for me; I'm sure she won't miss me anyway. l have been more than stupid this evening but that girl interests me less than any wom- an have ever known. She has noth- ing but regular features and big eyes to recommend her.
 Dorothy evidently heard this. for as we entered the ladies' dressing room she said "Oh. how I hate Tony Mel ville I can't understand why Herb paired him off with me"
 The reason you don't like Tony, Dot, is because he never has been able to see you on the screen. I know you have been angling to do a lead for him for months. Better forget it. You'll never make the grade" said Kitty Dalton.
 "Oh, close your trap" said Dorothy furiously. This Is the stupidest party l ever came to. What do you think of Herb Richardson giving Ia party and no booze?" She looked di- rectly at Ria as she spoke.
 Ria accepted the challenge. There will be no booze at Herbs parties if I am present"
 "oh! It has gone as far as that has 1t? Congratulations" snapped Dorothy waspishly.
 You have nothing to congratulate me for But if l am in the party, and Herb begins to distribute the booze I leave. l told him that tonight and he had the highball glasses taken off the table. He'll probably never invite me again."
 Everybody ready?" interrupted Kitty as she replaced a lip-stick in her vanity case after having made Aer mouth look as though someone had cut it.
 Ria grasped my arm and pulled me back an instant, whispering; "Yirgie, or Virgie, l am so proud of you The way you mimicked Herb Richardson was perfectly lovely. And oh, how mad he was He hates to be laughed at worse than any man l know. Tony Melville thinks you are wonderful He asked me if your pose of innocence was acting and, Virs.e, i told him yesv'
 But you knew better. Ria
 "Of course l did. But no person could be a girl so fashionably gowned and unfashionably innocent as you are tonight. T don't understand. Doesn't any one tell the truth in this business?"
 Most gof us, Virgie. think that we must act off as well as on a set" By this time we were alone in the dressing room and we hurried out to find Herb and Billy Johnson waiting. Dorothy and Kitty had walked away with Fred Herter. Tony Melville was nowhere to be seen.
 "Old Mel isn't used to sitting up late nights" grinned Herb easily.
 T am not going to sit up much later either" answered Ria. "so Herb don't make your party at the Turk ish Village so very late, please" "Oh, don't be a spoil-sport l thought maybe you would go over to the house afterward. You know, Ria, you have never been at my bunga- low"
 And am not going tonight. Herb.' Ria said decisively. You won't leave me flat. will you. virgie?"
 T am tired now. and Ria says we have to get up at 6 o'clock in the morning. l would really like to go home now if you don't mind"
 Good Lord" calculated Billy John son.
 Why, what is the matter?" asked "I am just wondering how H,< b feels to have someone tell him that she is tired before one of his parties closes or even then laughed Billy.
 Doesn't anyone get tired. ever at a party? I confess that l am not sleepy but I really don't drink coffee at night. Come on. Ria; let's go home now. Please, Billy you tell MT. Rich ardson that it is all right for us to leave now. We'll come again some time and maybe then we can stay until the party ends"
 For heavens sake. Bill, take these girls out of my sight" commanded Herb in exasperation. Don't be angry, Herb. She is just an innocent country girl" Ria put in
 You have told me that before, but it looks to me too good to be true" I felt the blood rush over my face but I turned quickly and. holding ou, my hand, said with little courtesy Good night, MT. Richardson. I have had a very lovely time at your din ner and I did enjoy 1t so. It was all so new to me-"
 Somehow Ria got to the motor without laughing and when the door of the taxi finally closed, Billy and Ria burst into laughter. When she could speak. Ria said: Way, oh why. Virgie. did you cour- | tesy to him like a little girl?" T knew that I shouldn't. but just thought I would put it in for good measure. He was so nasty" Tomorrow-Billy Johnson. l (Copyright. National Newspaper Saryica)