Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-14

ct was standing at the curb rs Stacia left
the Office building She had seen 1t many
times before, but never without its still
faced, hveried chauffeur. She looked about.
but he was nowhere to be seem Stacia's
interest in the car was far more personal
than that OF the pasSers-by, who merely gazed
because the lavender limousine with all its
splendor was something to gaze upon Stacia
knew to whom the car belonged and she also
knew that it had cost $1,000. 1t ought not
to be left alone and unprotected in . street
where anything from bumped tenders to actual
theft could occur.
Familiarity with Jimmy's little tin can led
Stacia to look through the window. Yes, the
key was in the ignition lock and apparently
any one was welcome to the car. Something
ought to be done. She looked about again for
the chauffeur, then satisfied that he had not
merely run across the street for pack Of
cigarettes, she few back to the ONCE.
Mr. Kingman was still at his desk. He was
not working. Mr.. Kingman never worked. He
kept the desk because he thought it would look
funKv for a boss just to sit in comfortable
chair without desk in front Of him. He was
sitting with his head in his hands. His hair
was disheveled as though he had been running
his fingers through it. The ash tray beside
him was loaded with cigarette stubs.
mr.. Kingman," Stacia said, breathlesSly, II
thought 1 ought to tell you Miss Delaterra's
isn't there and the keys in the ignition lock.
I thought maybe it would be stolen or some
thing and I thought ought to tell you"
Ne stared at her pretty, flushed face as
though he had never seen it before.
"You mean the lavender Hmousine?" he
Asked.
Stacia nodded and Mr.. Kingman groaned,
then he smiled wryly. She sent it back" he
said. He got up and took his hat from the top
Of the desk. Come on, Wen have to take care
of it."
Old man Hiebler was still bending over his
accounts in the outer Office. He said Good
night, Mr. Kingman" as they passed through.
Mr. Kingman didn't answer Stacia gave old
man Hiebler an especially warm smile.
AS they waited for the elevator Stacia
glanced shyly at Mr.. Kingman. Her heart
pounded as it always did when she spoke to
MIR. Kingman or was near him. He was SO
handsome and smart. Like a movie actor, she
thought, only there was something intimidating
abo&p him. You wouldn't dare disagree with
him, but somehow it was nice to be inundated
by Mr.. Kingman. OF course she was going to
marry Jimmy and she loved Jimmy. Still Mr..
Kingman did make Stacias heart pound and
leap, but Stacia thought it was probably because
he was her boss and didn't bite his nails, as
Jimmy did
descended in the elevator. Stacia didn't
either At the street door she said, Good
night, Mr. Kingman."
He said, Wait
She waited while he went over and looked
at the car Then he opened the door and
climbed into the drivers seat. He started
the motor For few minutes he listened to
the motor with the expression on his face OF
a man who is trying to remember something.
Then his face frightened as his eyes fell on
Stacia.
ooh, yes" he said. Say, where do you
nve?"
ooh, away up town."
"Well, come on. I'll take you home" He
stepped out of the car.
Stacia hardly believed her ears. She was
going to ride in the lavender limousine and
with Mr.. Kingman. She squeezed in under
the wheel and he climbed in after her.
"This is awfuly nice of you" she said. "Are
you sure it isn't going to be . nuisance?"
He didn't answer. He was occupied with
getting out of the space where Miss Delaterras
chauffeur, in spteful mood no doubt, had
par6ad the car. 1t was fairly well heTnmed,
in, Mr. Kingman backed up and hit the car
behind q mighty wallop. He went forward
and hit the car in front q mighty wallep.
the one in front two, then they were On their
way
do you drive often?" asked Stacia, timidly.
Mr. Kingman answered the question she had
asked some minutes before.
IF it was going to be a nuisance wouldn't
do it," he said. II want to get out of this
pa. of town tonight. Everybody viii be ask
ing me what the trouble is between Francesca
and ME and don't feel like talking about it,"
Mr. Kingman passed a red light and o car
bolted at them from a. side street. i The
strangers car swerved in time and Mr. King-a