New Britain herald., 1928-05-28

downstairs to send up a doctor?'"
 The girl laughed harshly. "A
 couple of drinks would be better"
 Virginia did not answer until l she reached the door. There she
 looked back and said quietly.
 Would you mind telling me what
 kind of place this hotel iso"
 So that's what you're after. 1 Think I'm a snitch, eh? Well, say, listen buttinski. I'm a clam, see? Me and the management are friends
 "l only wished to know for my own information, Virginia declared.
 but I'm quite convinced I shouldn't care to stop here, so it doesn't matter whether you tell me anything or not
 Wait minute" the frowsy- her hand on the doorknob. There's something phony about you" she added threateningly, and I'm gon- na tip the office so you won't get away with anything; but if you're on the level and want a decent joint. whatd yuh come here for anyway"
 Because l didn't know anything about it, and I'm not interested in anything you may say to the man. ager,' Virginia retorted with warmth, and fled precipitately.
 The pseudo blond jumped up and followed her into the hall. saw her enter the room next door and bold ly walked in.
 "Repayin' your call" she said mockingly when Virginia wheeled upon her.
 I'm leaving" Virginia said shortly and reached for her travel ing bag.
 Well. take my hunch and get the real low down on joint before you register the other girl remarked with a touch of conciiation. 'I ain't sure yet that you're not after some kind of dirty info for some bull, but if you honestly want a respectable hotel. you're in the wrong place"
 Thank you.' Virginia returned stiffly. T shall make careful in- cred up her gloves and handbag in enc hand and. taking the travelling bag in the other. walked hurriedly out of the room. leaving her guest , holding the door open,
 The elevator boy carried the | heavier bag to the desk and put it down at her feet T wish to pay for my room." she said icily to the l clerk when he came to her.
 Why. is there anything wrong" he asked in astonishment.
 Nothing that you can rectify." Virginia answered with a positive emphasis. The clerk looked at her 1 a moment and then turned away with perfect comprehension, to get l her bill.
 Try the Ritz or the Biltmore," he suggested when he handed her 1 the change and summoned bell boy to carry her bag. Virginia di- rected him to show her to te}e- l phone and in a few minutes she was talking with Mr. Gardiner. She had thought of calling Nathaniel l but she didn't want to tell him by l telephone that she was no longer at l the Deans.
 Gardiner gave her the name of a respectable but obscure hotel, and very soon Virginia was being shown to another room. It was not q more pretentious hotel than the first, but the atmosphere was different. Virginia felt | she would be reasonably safe here from contact with sorddness.
 She unpacked her travelling bag and hung up her peach silk paja- mas and neglisee. Their fresh love- Illness made her wish she had lighter, cooler dress to change to. and she remembered that she had told Colette she would send for her things that morning.
 She called the office and gave Mir. Deans address. They promised they would have the things that after- noon.
 It was after one o'clock when Virginia decided to wait in for them before going 10 MT. Gardinor's office with the pearls. She Nas tired and hot and thought grate- fully of a bath.
 From her bag she got her bath salts and soap and went in to pre- pare the tub. The water ran rusty md lukewarm. Virginia shuddered and turned it oft Gin yerly taking cloth by one corner. she forced the last drop of it down the drain pipe and then turned on he cold water to rinse the tub She tried hard not to regret the spa ,ious, sunken tub she had been ac- ,ustomed to. with shower of per- tuned water, and thick, fleecy tow is. each as large as four of these hat hung in this bathroom. It wouldn't have been such miserable contrast if there'd been a shower of my sort. she thought She wouldn't plunge her immaculate body into hat rusty stuff and Virginia liked a not bath even in summer, and the ingle of rosy skin after the clear old shower to follow.