The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-01-11

the Park so she hastily nookeo her cuffs again"
 MT Farrelly, Miss Venice"
 Show him into the living room. I'll be right there, Nora"
 She mustn't hurry. She stood in the window an instant and tried to take interest in the moving stream of cars below, then slowly, as il it didn't matter, she saun- te-ei into the living room.
 Hello, Drake"
 Hello, Venice"
 She liked the way he always shook hands. So few people did nowadays if they saw you more than once in few months.
 Shall we have cocktail before we go?' she asked It was sud- den inspiration from out of an un- i, expected shyness that was creep ing over her. His gaze was so analytical, so searching. She was sure he had heard something some thing about her since they last met.
 Just the thing. I thought we might try the Lafayette, and I doubt if you can get them there It's one of my favorite haunts. It's so un-New York, something un- hurried about it.n .a 4s
 "I'd love to go there. I've never been. And it's so old-almost his toric, isn't it? But wait minute while I see about the cocktails. ? Returning to the liying-room she sat down on the foot-stool, her back to the fire, and uncomfort- ably sought for words.
 T though you were going to tel ephone me ages ago., she man. aged.
 T thought so too, but I've been working like a fool on that sky scraper. Got my plans in yester- day. I think have pretty fair chance in the contest" He sat opposite her on the big sofa.
 How splendid. I wish you could win"
 50 do T."
 Nora came in with the cocktails and appetizers.
 "Funnily enough, met Lola on my way here. I haven't seen her for ages | What did she. have to say?'
 9'I told her was taking you to dinner. She had lot to say" Venice's heart leaped. He had heard. Lola could never resist spreading and exaggerating the fragrance of gossip. Drake's inter est was ensnared at last. She smiled gaily.
 tsWhat about?"
 You
 Don't be so crytic, Drake. A l full expose, please" 2 af
 "An American was ardently on your trail all summer and a Marquis killed himself because you wouldn't marry him" x
 You put it so badly" q
 Isn't it all rather haldq"
 She stared. His tone was flat almost disappointed. He showed nc bright interest in the rumors at- tending shy girl who had always appeared too quiet. She could no, fathom his reaction to this news She felt a trifle baffled. l Another cocktail?" she sug. gested.
 He refilled their glasses.
 Lola exaggerates, she said.
 ''Of course. But didn't she hay, something to build on?" \ Just c few bricks and straws.' She was sparring for time. ShI must understand what was goin, through his mind before she coult show off the new and dashinl , Venice.
 There was silence. l "A most attractive apartmen you have" he finally said. An, : how jolly the fire is. Open fire are like friendships, warm and al ways showing different lights am ' colors."
 , What nice idea. I don't thin I have any really important friend } ships except Molly Spalding. An I've fooled her a little about my r self" Why had she said that? Wa | she going to angle for sympath : again? She was icing stupid. g How"
 l If she explained she would h
 giving herself away. g Little things" she evaded.
 T won't pry." he laughed. "Sha 2 i've go to dinner now?" "YeS."
 : Back in her own room, donnin y her hat and coat, she felt puzzle e and at sea. Something had CT g tered their relationship that wa e unnatural She felt it. An unsul e touch in Drake's treatment of he n Did he perhaps think himself UT q altmportant to. a girl who had broa