New Britain herald., 1928-06-16
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with hard satisfaction. 'NoN We can discuss the matter intclligently, Just what do you want with Oliver. Virginia 2"
 He was helping me speculate on Wall Street." Virginia told her with simple truthfulness.
 Jeanie jerked the cigaret out Of the holder, tossed it away and crushed in another. Her motions betrayed suppressed anger and her face was flushing darkly.
 There is absolutely nothing to be gained by trying to make a fool of me" she exclaimed at last. ''Oliver does not conduct his busi- ness with clients who slip out of the back doors of hotels and sneak into his office after everyone else has gone.'
 Virginia cried out in protest But we had to do it that way Jeanie. If Oliver told you I am sure he must have explained why We had to be careful about it.
 You know perfectly well he didn't tell me. My information came through the mail. Anony- mously, of course. but the writer said you would understand if told you his initials were "F. D."
 A low moan of despair answered her. Virginia was leaning back in her chair, white and trembling. +, ;e pered after while.
 Jeanie had sat motionless. watch ing her unpityingly. When Nir- ginia looked up at her she shook her head. "No,' she said briefly. T believe you and l can settle this"
 But he must know" Virginia declared emphatically. Hes in danger. Jeanie."
 Really, Virginia, your acting is very clever but I assure you I am not deceived by it, The situation is dramatic enough without any theatrical touches"
 "Oh, don't misunderstood me, Jeanie," Virginia pleaded ''Oliver have been helping me make some money that need very badly. We had to do it secretly because some one who doesn't wish me to have it threatened 10 ruin him for it."
 Nirginia's words rushed out in frantic appeal, but Jeanie curled her lips in a smiling sheer as she listened, her cigaret holder poised gracefully between them.
 Surely you don't expect me to believe such a silly fabrication as that?" she asked lightly. Though I suppose you couldn't have done any better on the spur of the mo- ment.'
 But I tell you it is the truth" Virginia insisted. her voice and eyes filling with tears of eXaspera- ton. Ut isn't fair 10 take the word of an anonymous correspondent against mine" she added impa- tiently.
 Your own word is quite .suffi- cient to prove all that ny corre- spondent told me-" Jeanie snapped back at her. You have admitted meeting Oliver in his office after business hours. And no one but an idiot would believe your ridic- ulous explanation"
 Virginia dropped her hands with a gesture of hopelessness.
 .I asked you here to talk it over because ! gave you credit for too much intelligence to attempt to blind me, but it seems l was mis- taken" Jeanie went on with de- liberate cruelty. Tt is mistake you may find very painful, if you persist in it. let me. warn you. I have no intention of giving Oliver his freedom unless am driven to it. and in that case it will not be pleasant for the woman who is named in my suit.'
 Virginia sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing and her hands clenchcd white.
 "How can you be such a fool"" she cried furiously. Ask Oliver why we met and see if he does not give you the same explanation. II is not likely both of us would make up an identical story on the spur of the moment as you said."
 "No?' Jeanie drawled. "l wasn't informed Of the number of times you've met but l dare say you found moment or two 10 prepare your stories to correspond
 Virginia gasped.
 Don't make it so hard" Jean,e advised her calously. After all there are other men of wealth. I suggest, however. that you choose one who is unmarried. unless. of course, il happens that you are in love with Oliver She lifted a questioning eyebrow and got lan- guidly 10 her feet, Hes dear" shc went on evenly. But shouldn't say he's worth q scandal. Better drop it. Virginia
 For her answer Virginia turned and walked out Of the room. Jeanis watched her go with thunderclouds in her eyes but a sense Of victory rising soo'hingly over her.
 When the elevator reached the floor ~her" Virginia waited. Oliver stopped out Of it. She did not rec ogilize him and moved 10 enter but he stopped her hy speaking her