New Britain herald., 1929-01-07
THIS HAS HAPPENED

THIS HAS HAPPENED
 Ashtoseth Ashe l. spending the most exciting evening of her life in . little house on the top of a with . man who appar- sntly is wiling to make love ex- auisitely.
 Ashtoreth is . stenographer from Boston. The man is Hollis Hart. her multi-millionaire employer. They have met by accident in Dom- mica, a little island in the West h. dies.
 Ashtoreth, who has been i'll. is taking a cruise. Hart has stopped off, en route to South America. and found the place so charming that he has taken a house. and means to stay a while. They are delighted to see each other. And Ashtoreth purposely misses the boat in order to stay on the island. She pretends. pf course, that 1t was an accident. And MT. Hart seems not to suspect her little ruse.
 They have been sitting on the gallery for hours. exchanging con- tidences.
 NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 CHAPTER XXNII
 They sat in silence. And the only sound that broke the stiffness of the night was the mournful coo- ing of a lonely little mountain dove.
 Ashtoreth shivered. And, pres- ently-for no reason at all-she be- gan, very quietly. to cry.
 Why, Ashtoreth - my dear - what is the matter. child?" Hollis was all tender compassion. "Iou're not frightened, dear?"
 III don't know" she sobbed. 'It-i-its n-othing."
 You're nervous" he said. Its that plaintive dove, sobbing in the dark. I think there's not a sadder sound ill the world"
 IT guess I'm I-lonely myself" she whispered. Sometimes l miss daddy so much!"
 "Of course you do." he agreed gently. And no wonder you're up- set. little girl.'
 Its not just daddy either" she said. Its Mona-and everything
 T know" he murmured. And that little dove up on the moun- tain was simply the last straw"
 You're the understandingest man. she told him. and pressed his fingers gratefully. T won't be silly any more. Don't you hate girls who cry?"
 "Well, usually" he admitted, "they are rather sloppy. But l think you're adorable. whatever you do."
 Ashtoreth powdered her nose viz orously.
 I'm glad it's dark" she con- fessed. My nose always gets red when I cry and there's nothing adorable about that. I assure you. I wish I was one of those women who weep artistically. It must be a great asset"
 Y should imagine" he laughed, "it would take lot of home work" J
 "Yes, I suppose so," she sighed. and I've no technique at all. Movie actresses practice in front of their mirrors. Maybe that would hclp. It must be wonderful to just have your eyes we'll up with tears that never spill. And your mouth sort of quiver, and your throat pal- pitate. And your nose never get red at all. Nor your face homely."
 Hollis Hart smiled in the dark ness.
 "An artistic triumph" he con- ceded. But not much of fling, emotionally speaking. suppose, though. that when a girls weeping for effect its not an emotional de- bauch at all. Part of the act, as it were. And the whole blooming show put on for the benefit of some hard hearted male. After all. a woman hasn't any weapon like tears. Now dry yours, like good child. and I'll sing you a song"
 He picked up his guitar. and strumming softly. sang, Don't cry. little girl, don't cry. They have broken your heart. know. :"
 "Stop it," she threatened, "or I'll cry some more"
 "Well. talk to me then" he com- manded. Tell me some more about your mother. Does she still dream about Cleopatra and Dldo?"
 But Ashtoreth had told all she proposed telling about Maizie.
 No, I don't think so.' she said. Anyhow. she doesn't talk about it, if she does.'
 Does she still believe in rein carnation?" he asked
 Well. not exactly. That is honestly. hardly know. She never mentions if. you see. But she still insists that Ashtoreth is a lucky name. and that I'm 10 be blessed with love and happiness. Gifts. suppose. of Lady Noon"
 That's a pretty notion," he ap- proved. And I think Ashtoreth is . beautiful name, you know"
 i've always hated it myself un- :il lately" she confessed. Tt made me fearfully self-conscious when l was little. I always had to explain it to everybody. People were for ever asking what it meant Even tually. of course, it was shortened to Ash. And that's such a grubby name. I simply abominate it."
 Tt doesn't suit you" he said, and fell silent for a while.
 After a few minutes he spoke again.
 T know a lovely name for you. Shall I tell you?''
 "A name you made up yourself?' she cried. Just for me-"
 Its something you reminded me of he said, the first time I saw you. It's name that wouldn't fit another girl in all the world quite as it fits you"
 What is it?" she demanded ex- citedly.