Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1925-08-21

AC put IHS SldSScS DdCh Ou inc tdUle
again, took her hands in his and
glowed upon her.
"You are beautiful, you are perfect
ly beautiful" he said. His voice was
low-pitched, caressing, his eyes very
direct and very earnest. He lit Gig
arctic and gave 1t to Jerry, Lit another
for himself
Jerry had smoked before, in college
for fun-with the girls of her soror-
ity, behind stuffed keyholes and care
fully blanketed windows. That was
mischief This was another matter.
But she took the cigarette when he
gave 1t, tugged at it determinedly but
with distaste, and was ashamed be-
cause she got smoke In her eyes, and
because bits of tobacco came out be-
tween her lips.
She wished he had not thought of
smoking. 1t seemed such idle waste
to use those tender fingers of his for
holding cigarettes. She liked that IN
innate, boyish way he had of catching
her hands In both Of his when he
said: "You beautiful thing"
Isis it your studio2" she asked.
suddenly embarrassed because she said
nothing.
"Your voice is just like music" he
told her. and the earnestness Of his
voice was almost like a sadness. But
he smiled Immediately. Lord, no! l
wouldn't have 1t. Looks like barn to
me. hardly know the chap. Some
artist. Carter Blake his name is
nice fellow, he seems, too. They just
asked me to come along, and so l
did"
"You seem so much at home-the
way you go from room to room-I
thought perhaps you lived here"
Duane smiled his pleasure He liked
that type. Ingenious, artless-he knew
what unerring pains. what constant
alertness, it entailed for girl to re-
tain that pretty assumption of artless
innocence. He admired one who could
do 1t, one who would take the trouble
1t was the type that most intrigued
him.
you are adorable" he said, and
then, smiling his arm about her, he
drew her into the dance once more and
back into the studio.
In the doorway they encountered
Carter Blake, hatless, his, bottle of
champagne wrapped In a handker-
chief, just coming back.
Come on, quick" he called to them,
without waiting for introduction.
you're the girl from Iowa, aren't
you? We want you to launch the con-
tract. Here's the champagne. It'll be
midnight in minute"
The photograph was turned off, and
the others struggled over toward the
easel in the corner. Carter Blake
pulled 1t about until it faced them and
they saw printed contract securely
fastened upon it with brass thumb
tacks. The girls ran quickly about the
studio to fetch the flowers from every
vase and jar, piling them in rosy
heap beneath the precious bit of paper
on the easel.
ITO launch the contract?" Jerry was
greatly puzzled
Its his five-year contract with In
ternational," explained Aimee, who
stood near her. Picture month for
five years That's what the party is
for. you know, to celebrate the con-
tract. They only signed this morning."
They pressed more closely about the
easel, Jerry standing out before them
all, the bottle of champagne in her
hand
NOW. just minute" Carter Blake
ordered briskly. "I'll fire the revolver
on the stroke Of twelve. Then you
souse the contract"
"Souse itr' Jerry was deeply anx-
ious, not understanding.
For luck. Didn't you ever see a
ship launched? It's contract party,
as told you" explained Rhoda "How
is she to smash the bottle. Carter?"
Some one hastily brought an cleo
trio iron from the kitchen, and Duane
held it for her.
He smiled at her anxious uncer-
tainty. "Be careful Hold the bottle
away from you when you break the.
neck off; don't soil your gownl Then
just throw 1t over the contract"
BE ready now" cautioned Carter.
at lacks but q minute"
The clock on the mantel chimed the
hour. and on the last stroke. Carter
fred his revolver into the air.
Quick" whispered Duane in her
ear.
With a strong sure blow. Jerry
struck the neck from the bottle and
flung a stream of the golden fragrant
liquor over the contract on the easel.
The others applauded gayly, clap
ping their hands, crowding about Car
ter to shake his hand in congratula-
tion The girls kissed him. macy times.
telling him how wonderful 1t vas. and
how happy they were.
When Jerry was drawn up to him In
the pressure about her, 'Oh, 1t is just