New Britain herald., 1926-04-27

on you. She never did anything like that before"
 Morton looked understandingly al i, tho newcomers face, Her eyes werC hollow, and her neck sank in tiny hollows behind her jaws. Blue veins showed in her temples.
 Been hungry lately, haven, you?" he asked. Haven't paid the rent; landlord wants you to move; that partner of yours borrowed youI last piece of jewelry and pawncd it and didn't give you any of the money"
 The girl looked up in surprise How did you know?"
 Mona patted the girl on the shoulder. "He knows things like that without being told" she ex- plained.
 "I've seen you, and I've seen your dancing partner" Morton supple mented. "What did he do with that money l sent you?"
 Lost it all shooting craps" she said dropping her head again. But 1t wasn't his fault--thcy trimmed him."
 Morton leaned back with his arm upon the piano keys, and waited for her 10 go on. She did so, after a moment. "He just has hard luck. He's nice to mo, though-he bought Imy dinner yesterday, and he had hardly any money himself"
 And" asked Morton. easily, "what did ho borrow from you when he bought your dinncr"""
 He borrowed her ring-tho only one she had left, and hooked it," snorted Mona, indignantly.
 The girl began 10 cry.
 Did you call me down here just to razz me-" she sobbed.
 Ropcntantly Mona patte1 bor shoulder again. Don't cry, babe," she soothed. Listen. do you want job?"
 Yes" said the girl. dabbing at her nose with a handkerchief, woe- fully. "Of course ] do."
 "Wcll maybe we've got you ono.' Mona frowncd and bobbed her head at Morton. We can frame 1t so she can take my place ill the show, cant We""
 The girl looked up. profoundly in- terested. The tears still were strcaking the powder on her cheeks, but she had ceased sobbing.
 "I think that if you HAVE 10 quit" said Morton slowly, looking at Mona, "that I could speak 10 the manager about this young woman"
 "So can l." said Mona. Maybe we can slide her in right away. We'll try, honey" she added to the girl.
 "I.ct mo tell Joe.' cried the young woman. and ran 10 the telephone. In few moments she had the number she sought. "Oh Joel I'm up in Nona's room and she has q job all framed up for us. We can go to work right away.'
 There was a bit more excited bab- ble, and she hung up. Her eyes were aljght, and her form had lost its pathetic droop.
 "Joe'll be so happy to'gct to work again." she said. This long lay off has been terrible for him."
 Morton glanced at Mona, who had turned her face away. Then he said, gently: I'm afraid there isn't any place for him in the show l only thought l might be able to placo you in it.'
 The happy light fled from her eyes. But l can't work if Joe don't work We're partners. But--but--" She fingered her handkerchief, un- crtainly-r''maybe if l work, l can lend him money 10 get along on"
 She opened the door and started out, "Ill think about it." she said. as she went away.
 Poor little darned fool." sighed Mona. She's struck on that bum and he'd ditch her in a minute! She gets q little money hostessing some times. Joes takes 1t all away from her.
 Nice chap, this Joe" observed Morton. Charming character"
 He felt in his pocket, and drew out a check book and pen.
 Take this and use it for her" he said, filling out one of the check l blanks. "Sec that she gets some regular meals, and buy her q dress she ought to look well when she sees your manager. But don't give her any of the money" He handed the check to Mona who lstowcd 1t in the top of her stocking. And if Joe horns in on an" of those meals" she said "I'll feed him rat poison. I'd like to, at that"
 She settled herself once more on the floor at Morton's feet.
 Lets talk about you and me" she said, dropping her flippant air, Harry, would you rather I'd just drop out of your life. so you wouldn't have to sec me any morc?"
 He did not answer, but looked at her, smiling little.
 "I know you don't love me" she went on. You never SAY you love me. Why don't you, Harry"
 "I never tell any woman I love her, except Audrey" he answered.
 She leaned her head against his knee, But you don't love Audrey the way I mean. You love her all right, but I've watched you--you lovc her like you would some little child.
 Harry. even if you don't love me, can't you say you do?" She raised her eyes, anXiousiy. "It wouldn't hurt you just 10 say it."
 He shook his head, and dropped his fingers on her dark hair. Were Iyou thinking of getting out of my life"" he asked.
 "I thought maybe you wanted mo to-" she told him. Tt must be ar awful nuisance, having a woman crazy In love with you, and follow ing you around all the time. when you don't give snap for her!' She hreathed a deep sigh, and lifted her head.