The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-06-05
CHAPTER XIV-Continued


in the crystal room Of the Blackstone
and were great success. Paula was
right. Much of old Aug Hempeps
shrewdness and business foresight had
descended to her. The women came
widows with money to- invest; bust
ness women who had thriftily saved
portion of their salarieS; moneyed
women who wanted to manage their
own property, or who resented hus-
bands interference. Some came out
of curiosity. Others fordack of any
thing better to do. Others to gaze
on the well-known banker or lawyer
or business man who was scheduled
to address the meeting. Dirk spoke
three or four times during the winter
and was markedly favorite. The
women. in smart crepe gowns and tall
ored suits and small chic hats, twit-
tered and murmured about him, even
while they sensibly digested his we'll
thought-out remarks. He looked very
handsome, clean-cut, and distinguished
there on the platform in his admirably
tailored clothes, q small white flower
in his buttonhole. He talked easily,
clearly, fluently; answered the ques-
lions put to him afterward with just
the right mixture Of thoughtful hest
tation and confidence.
It was decided that for the national
advertising there must be an ilustra-
ton that would catch the eye of wom-
en-. and interest them. The person to
! do it, Dirk thought, was this Dallas
ture you saw scrawled on half the ad.
vertising Illustrations that caught your
eye Paula had not been enthusiastic
about this idea.
"M-m-m, she's very good" Paula had
said. guardedly. "but aren't there
others who are better?'
"She" Dirk had exclaimed. 'Is 1t
woman? l didn't know. That name
might be anything"
"Oh. yes, she's woman. She's said
TO be very-very attractive"
Dirk sent for Dallas O'Mara. She
replied, suggesting an appointment two
weeks from that date. Dirk decided
not TO wait, consulted other CONNER
cinl artists, looked at their work,
heard their plans outlined, and was
satisfied with none of them. The time
was short. Ten days had passed He
had his secretary call Dallas O'Niara
on the telephone. Could she come
down to see him that day at eleven?
No: she worked until four daily at
her studio.
Could she come to his office at four
thirty, then?
Yes, but wouldn't 1t be better If he
could come to her studio where he
could see something Of the various
types of drawings-oils, Or black-and-
white, or crayons. She was working
mostly in crayons now.
All this relayed by his secretary at
the telephone to Dirk at his desk. He
damned his cigarette end viciously into
tray. blew final Infatuated wrath
of smoke. and picked up the telephone
connection on his own desk Zone of
those ID temperamental near-artists
trying to be grand" he muttered, his
hand over the mouthpiece. Here, Miss
Rawlings-Ill talk to her. Switch her
over"
Hello, Miss-uh--O'AIara This Is
Mr. DeJong talking. much prefer
that you come to my Office and talk to
me-" (No more of this nonsense).
Her voice: Certainly. If you prefer
It, thought the other would save US
both some time. I'll be there at four
thirty" Her voice was leisurely, low,
rounded. An admirable voice. Rest
full.
Very well. Four-thirty," said Dirk.
crisply. Ierked the receiver onto the
hook. That was the way to handle 'em.
These females of forty with struggling
hair and a bundle of drawings under
their asm.
The female of forty with struggling
hair and bundle of drawings under
her arm was announced at four-thirty
TO the dot. Dirk let her wait five
minutes in the outer office. being still
little annoyed. At four-thlrty-five there
entered his private Office a tall slim
girl in smart little broadtail jacket,
fur-trimmed skirt. and black hat at
once so daring and so simple that even
man must recognize its French ma
tivity. She carried no portfolio Of
drawings under her arms.
Through the mans mind flashed a
series Of unbusinesslike thoughts such
as: Gosh Eyes!. {.
That's way like to see girl dress
Tired looking. No, guess
it's her eyes-sort of fatigued (.
Pretty. No. she isn't yes,
she. :" Aloud he said, This
is very kind of you, Miss O'Mara."
Then he thought that sounded pompous
and said, CURLY, "Sit down."
Miss O'Mara sat down Miss O'Mara
looked at him with her tired deep blue
eyes. Miss O'afara said nothing. She
regarded him pleasantly. quietly. COM
posedly, He waited for her to say that
itt