The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-01-05
Chapter 30 ENIGMA

Chapter 30
 ENIGMA
 Her mind in the days before Lola's housewarming played about all sorts of contradictory pictures
 One moment she was her shy gauche self, struggling for bright conversation with one young mar who sat with her interminably. Tht next she was crowded on a sofa be- tween a dashing pair of males, an other standing before her and stil another at one side. She even wis., ualized herself stimulated by ths situation to brilliant talk. And Ro- land Wainwright, that dazzling young man, that debonair faun would he notice her now? Perhaps it would be months before she ran across him. As for Drake Farrelly he would never have a chance to be sorry for her again. The thought of him actually turned something over inside of her.
 She dressed with utmost care that day. A black silk dress, tight fitting and simple, real lace at neck and wrists A tiny tricorn hat with half veil that enhanced soft cop per hair at cheeks and forehead. A dash of that elusive perfume vaguely reminiscent of gardenias.
 Lola's was crowded when she arrived.
 Hello, darling, come into our humble bedroom and dump your coat"
 Lola left her in the doorway of a charming room made helter -skel- ter by innumerable wraps, bags and gloves on beds, chairs and chaise lounge. Venice dropped hers with the rest and stood a moment pow dering her nose with all the old m misgivings and embarrassed qualms. She went towards the liv- ing-room and stood uncertainty in the doorway. Venice as hundred parties as of yore. Jerry was pass ing cocktails and did not see her. Rolad Wainwright sat on a sofa between two pretty girls. He glanced up and gave her an indif- ferent nod. Lola was occupied in troducing some people over near the window The old humiliation swept her, turned her cheeks to deep pomegranate. I'll be just where I was if people haven't heard, she thought.
 Hi, Venice. When did you get back?"
 It was Donny Reese. She sum- moned quick, bright smile.
 Hello, Donny. A week ago to- morrow"
 Seems pretty flat doesn't 1t, after Montmartre and Ciro's and the good old Ritz Bar?"
 Tt certainly does" She must do better than this. "I-"
 "On dit you set some hearts afire in Paris, Venice?"
 She smiled Everything was go- ing to be all right now. Donny had heard.
 Tt was greatly exaggerated" she said, evasively.
 You can't fool the press" Dn- ny protested.
 "But the Press can fool you"
 q will say your triumphs haven't spoiled you bit. Venice"
 They couldn't" She was en- toying herself immensely. Her double entendre was only appre- ciated by herself and it made her limpid grey eyes sparkle and Ter small mouth turn up at the corn CTS. With her inevitable analysis she realized that Donny was talk ing in her figure and clothes for the first time. Here was an ensem- ble that had wrecked the life of Marquis. It deserved attention. a"Why, Venice, you haven't had a cocktail"
 It was Jerry before them with a laden tray.
 "Thank you"
 I'm glad you're back. Venice . Jerry pursued. You must liven things up occasionally for an old married couple" in
 "Il" exclaimed Venice in all sin- cerity
 Beware of this woman" Jerry laughed to Donny Reese. she ad- mitted to Lola that the best part of her was hidden deep"
 .4Oh, dear" protested Venice. quite insincere in her resentment, "did Lola repeat that?"
 'The truth is always valuable" said Donny. Come on, let's sit down, Venice" They dreaded their way to . window sea&.