New Britain herald., 1926-01-18

parted. She shut the door after them, walked across the room aNd sat down heavily in an armchair.
 The Footlights office became more interesting, Stage celebrities dropped in frequently to talk with Miller, or to pose for pictures in the studio. Press agents of the higher circles were constant visitors,
 Barbara saw nearly every play ou Broadway during l~r first three months on the staff, Shc became ac- duainted with the great windy spaces behind stage, where she stood In the wings, waiting 10 see men and women stars in their dressing rooms. She. had tea with persons whose names would have thrilled her q year before.
 Coming into the office onc alter noon just before Christmas shr caught Miss Furnivull's eye through the glass partition. The woman smiled and heckoncd 10 her.
 "Nat Bhmield is with the boss, just now Think he's discovered 4 second Dusc down in the Village. She's been doing pantomimo nt ono oc those freak stable playhouses tho Villagers affect. Writes free verse. acts, paints cubistic horrors and all that. My bet is that she cant do any one thing well.
 Put 1t would be interesting for VI to meet her. You haven't seen much Of Bohemian New York yet Ii you hang around when HlUmfeld comes out, where Miller willsco you. he'll probably give you the assign ment."
 Thanks for the tip, Betsy. Pd like 10 do the story II happened as Miss l'nrnivall had predicted. Miller caught sight of Barbara as he was ushcrng Blum fold out of the office and gave her the story.
 Barbara caught q bus for Wash ington Square. The address Miller had given her proved 10 be in a street lined with blank-faced old brick buildings, who stair railinGs climbed in parallel lines for bloc, after block.
 Barbara found tho number at tho head Of one Of the innumerablc staircascs. on whose top step sal "a black cat.
 The animal blinked indolently at her as she let " the little brass kncckcr fall. The blow l;nockcd flakes of venerable paint from the door. The door was opened by girl
 whose corn-colorcd hair stood in a miraculous havrick about Der head.
 May I sec Miss Olivcro" Barbara
 asked. gazing at the hayrick,
 Sure thing! But she's having her
 hair done just this minute. Won1
 you come in?'
 Barbara advanced into the hall and the girl stepped closer, smiling.
 You're a newspaper woman, aren't
 you? I'm Daisy's watchdog. l take care of the newspaper people and the unwelcome suitors - AND the bill collectors sometimes. Come or in here and have cup of tea while
 Daisy gets ready for you.' She led Barbara through great , sliding doors of paneled walnut into . a large room filled with tea tables .. Pretty good little tea joint said .. the girl. Handy to have 1t in th' ,, building. I sometimes bring the col. :, lectors in here when they get ram :. bunctious. Nothing like food tc calm 'em down. My names Maria :. Capri"
 ,. She led the way 10 table and floppcd into a chair. Barbara took the chair opposite 7. her. The girl lit cigaret. Througl the curling smoke. she looked a
 Barbara. Say" she said, you lool :. like q Villager. born and bred. Wh, | don't you move down among us \ I know where you can get peacl
 of & place 10 live, plumbing an' everything. You belong down her"
 you know"
 (To Be Continued)