San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-11-01
CHAPTER XXX
A Showdown.

Nora Lee let the beautiful gown
drop from her shoulders. 1t fell in
a shimmering flutter to the floor.
Dane stopped and picked it up:
"Don't you like it,"
-Yes, very much. Do your"
He grinned: You had no compe-
tition at ALL"
She hung the dress wistfully on the
hanger and sighed. He followed her
to the closet, taking her hand. Didn't
you enjoy yourself. Nora Lee?"
FAR more than I expected to. Yes,
it was awakening, listening to all
that"
His eyes warmed as though he
we're grateful. He said eagerly: "You
felt that way! She had that quality.
hasn't she? I've noticed it in talking
over plans with her. She seems to
light up things--making them 50
much worth WHILE
And Nora Lee answered quietly,
though an odd culver shot along her
nerves: "Yes-she can inspire. That's
it."
He seemed to feel at ease, as
| though she had removed A barrier and
they could now talk freely of Natalie
as they would Of any other. He
didn't guess the racking effort her
praise had cost.
Nor did he dream that she would
brood about his warm, eager tribute
the next day.
She was ashamed to be doing this.
She said TO herself: Max devoted
himself to me, but IL Dane said a
word of this I'd be furious. How
ridiculous ] am"
Yet she was plqued that be didn't
chance to mention Natalie's idea and
| the reason she wished TO discuss il
with him. Why had she asked him
to keep several hours free?
She kept seeing Natalie as she
leaned. a dark, slim shadow against
the white column, her poignant face
kept feeling that rich, weary voice
and the sense OF amber lighted waves,
rising and engulfing them, required
LOST DREAMS
| 1t was odd that a woman Of Ma
tales temperament would confide il
a young. happy fellow like Dam
/. odd that she would speak re-
gretfully Of her lost, aching dreams
to him, who was almost a stranger.
He had pitied her-felt it tragic
loss that such as she should be
wasted.
Nora Lee went on with hcl
thoughts, inserting a brightness now
TO tie picture. Why should Natalie
be wasted? And Max. too? She be
gan coupling the two figures--the one
so small and vivid; the other tall
slouching, infinitely magnetic. What
an ideal couple they would make
Surely Natalie must be fascinated b.
fellow charming a Max.
She ached to suggest this 10 Dane
Oh-just TO see what he would say.
An opportunity came toward ti'
end Of the week. Max pboned, invitin;
them to dinner At his apartment. ~,
had asked Natalie. There would only
, be four Of them.
Nora Lee accepted with a feeling o
inexplicable gayety.
She told Dane at the dinner tabl,
and added. musing: 81 wonder IL MAJ
is highly interestedT She laughed
, How surprising If it should be 81
. announcement"
7 announcement Of viatp
'Tbeir engagement"
He glanced at Der as though sh
had taken leave Of her senses. IL
. said flatly: you won't be surprised.
"Oh, don't know about that. Any
one could gee that he's infatuated
with her."
! Danes eyes darkened and becam
. narrow Sits: Infatuated with Ma
] talie? I-didn't notice-it." The EN-
q p5atic. measured slowness had a bit
more subtle than any irony.
Didn't you? He was just en-
/ thralled while she wss talking. They'r
= both so brilliant it would really b
wonderful for her as much as 70
him"
? Hes too old for her."
."Whst are you talking about! j
. anything he's the younger"
! "In years. perhaps. But Natalie II
her looks. Der thoughts and feeling
is no more than 70. She has the out