The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-31
One Year To Live
By JoHM, HUNTER

herself as La Phalene. and live one gloriously exciting period at Monaco befored cath claimed her. But fate was too strong for her.
 MOrdac's statement to Brunei that he went south was an unfortunate one. In this mater of Elise Duchanier he land Brunei had been rivals, even enc mics, and it was not like a man of Bru- nels calibre to stand aside at the last and see his foe win. The more Brunei thought about it, the more he determined whatever it cost him, to go south. After all, it was really convenient time. The show at the Interhationale finished after two more. performances The show at the Joyeuse was going with bang and he calculated that even the absence of La Phalene would not kill it immediately. He took Lolette out to dinner in order to break the news to her. They dined in private room in a quiet restau- rant, for Brunei did not wish the prob able scene to be a public one. Lolette herself introduced the sub ject of La Phalene.
 Il understand that woman is upset because Ahmed and Felice quarreled about her. So she shows no more at the Joyeuse?"
 Not for the moment. Probably not at all, as l shall take the show off when my new production for the Inter- nationale is ready" T see." Lolette was watching him in that heavy-lidded way of hers, while the cigarette smoke wreathed up be- fore her face from between her fingers. There is a good part for me in that new showT
 Finer Brunei developed a forced enthusiasm. Better than the last One."
 When does the show startY'
 T don't know. It is indefinite. There is some difficulty about the costumes, and little things like that I shall probably go to the Riviera for little
 LOlette smiled. "And La Phalene- she goes to the Riviera too, eh?"
 Brunei cOntrived to look most inno- cent. 'She may. She tells me noth- ing, except that she wants a rest"
 Lolette laughed geographically. Tell that to your grandmother, my friend. Do you think I don't know? The great entrepreneur and his little shine. Oh, la ! la! And she so sweet and virtuous p
 "Anyhow-we do not git here to dis cuss La Phalene. I should like to talk to you about yourself, cherie."
 Lolette blew three distinct smoke rings toward the ceiling.
 "Charming" she said. T thought I was not longer sufficiently interesting to be discussed. WelI~what is it?"
 "The show at the JOyeuse runs till the new show at the Internationale starts"
 He fiddled with his fingers and found his tongue less facile than usual. La Phalene is unable to dance. You are free, and"
 Lolette waited to hear no more She stood up, and with one sweep of her hand knocked the champagne bucket off the table, ice, bottle and all.
 "Cochon You think that I should understudy that girl! Suggest it to Lolette--"
 At that moment the waiter came into the room to see who was being killed. Lolette ordered him out. The order was comprehensive and annihiliating.
 Brunei sat still. He had failed. He had seen Lolette like this before. She would listen to no urging, no reason. He had now to endure the storm and make for shelter at the first oppor- tunity.
 Lolette continued. It was startlingly original in it's phraseolbgy, and dread fully vulgar. A liquer glass missed Brunel's ear by millimetres. She quiet ed suddenly and in her quietness was more menace than in her blazing wrath.
 'I am finished" she said. Finish led! You have insulted me. l could kill you for it. You hear that Brunei. l have cared for you once. Now it is ended"
 He had expected either agreement or rage; but not this cold decision. He stood up. Tt was a business proposi- tion," he said. q find myself in a dif7 ficulty. It seemed the way out. thought you would willingly do it for me-"
 She leaned across the table stabbing at her white bosom with. her finger. "I am no makeshift. You know what that woman has done to me! admit it! I am not vain, like some of them. Where Lolette stood, she stands-she who was my dresser. You ask me to understudy her"
 ''Understudy is the wrong word, Lo- lette. I ask you to dance in her place. You have done it before for others"
 "Others! Yes. l would do 1t now
 4