New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1929-01-08

room enough within its trunk Tor
two to sit and love-"
He put his arm about her shoul-
ders, and they passed into the
gaunt embrace of the great tree.
Gray moss, like the boards of patri-
archs. hung from its branches and
swayed in the breeze.
ITS like Druid" whispered
Ashtoreth, and pressed against
| him.
He held her closely and ran his
hand across her shoulders, in their
satin jacket.
Give me your lips" he whis-
pered. Just once"
And when he had kissed her he
held her away, with his fingers
gripping her arms so tightly that
she WINGED.
That is all want" he said.
His voice was stern, as II he were
trying to convince himself that it
was the truth. He even repeated
it. And his mouth frightened at the
corners,
THAT is all want, Orchid. Only
your lips, dear. Your lips - just
once"
Ashtoreth's heart was beating
madly. Throbbing in the hollow of
her throat. where Monty used to
press his kisses. Her eyes were wide
and frightened. But she smiled with
her red lips. And was, at once, fill
ed with fear and rejoicing.
Because she knew that Hollis
Hart lied with his twisting, hungry
mouth.
GO put some clothes on" he
told her harshly. His voice was
very rough. But that was because
he was trying to keep 1t even.
She smiled again. And brushed
his cheek with her lips.
"Once more" she whispered.
She put her arms about his neck
and drew his mouth to hers.
His breath was hot on her face.
And his blue eyes were flashing
like Mona's. He bent fiercely and
fastened his lips on hers. And she
felt his teeth, hard and cruel.
She tried. impotently. to shake
her head. He hurt. when he kissed
like that. As she struggled he
drew away.
Il never meant to kiss you like
that" he told her. For days I've
been steeling myself against
"Why?" she asked.
He ground his heel into the soft
ground. And put his feet apart and
his hands in his pockets.
Why" she repeated innocently.
My God" he exclaimed. Don't
you know why?"
She shook her head helplessly. A
strange breathlessness welled with
in her, filling her body and her
throat, SO that her breath came in
little strangled gasps.
He looked at her steadily, until
her face crimsoned,. and she
dropped her eyes.
LOU hllOW why, Ht SdIus
yes she whispered.
Then please" he besought her,
go get dressed"
She laughed like naughty
child.
Il haven't any Clothes" she re-
minded him. They're hanging on
a hickory limb, or something. Hor-
tense said So"
Hortense was a big, ebony laun-
dress. Ashtoreth left her clothes
each night on the floor as she
stepped out of them. Some time be-
fore she woke, Hortense washed
and ironed them. But this morning
there was a shower, and Hortense
had explained that little Missy must
wait. Ashtoreth had no other
clothes. and wore Hollis pajamas
and dressing gown through neces-
sity.
TN put on your raincoat," she
offered. ''if this boudoir scenery
bothers you"
You'd better" he told her grim
ly. Saint Anthony himself
couldn't look at you in that out
fit
She secured her hibiscus firmly
in the great coils Of heavy Lair
that Rugged her ears. And wound
the silk gown about her hips.
Hollis appraised her critically.
'If Mr.. Ziegfcld could see you
now" he informed her. there'd be
a pajama brigade in the Follies.
Tall, slim girls. with red flowers
behind their ears
She laughed delightedly.
II always wanted to go on the
stage she confessed. Il suppose
every girl does read story once
about a famous Follies queen. you
know. 1t said that she was quite
a poor girl who lived in Boston.
She Was a bride and her husband
wanted TO have picture Of her In
such thrifty little thing she
wouldn't let him spend the money
She said they'd buy some linoleum
for the kitchen. or some curtains
cor the bedroom, instead. But he
coaXed her to a studio, and when
she heard him tell the photogra-
pher that they wanted the very
cheapest picture they could get, she
consented to have one taken.
But when she wasn't listening
her husband told the man to finish
great big beautiful one. And Ii
was such a perfectly lovely picture
that the photographer asked her
husbands permission to submit il
in some beauty contest. Helen al
most had a fit because it cost sc
much money. She didn't feel any
better when they told her she haG
won first prize either, because shc