Evening star., 1932-10-02

composite OF 0aSn1ng DlOndS and handsome
brunettes with a promise of intrigue glistening
in their eyes, But, of course, under the cir
cumstances there was alternative. It was
fun just the same to be admired for the men
stared after her as Curtis weaved their way
in and out between couples. Her mirror had
told her that she was dressed very effectively
in a soft black frock flowing her round
curves like water.
You act like this sort of party was an every
day affair to you Malarea. You surprise me.
/ was afraid you'd be stage struck at first and
lose your poiSe. After ALL this is bit differ
ent from Berg's Department Stores!" Curtis
went on, in light, humorous vein. You do
me proud! What honey you are! Every
man here is licking his chops over the sight
of you'll"
The result of movie extravaganzas," Mala-
nea confided. AN excellent school, indeed, for
those who do not have opportunity to practice
the social graces. feel quite at home, as
you!"
The song came to an end with terrific
crashing of cymbals. Virginia and her partner
drew apart on the last moanful note and found
themselves face to face with Curtis and
Malanea
"A lovely party. Curtis" Virginia said icily.
her olive cheeks devoid of color, her strange
green eyes narrowed.
Lovely, indeed" Curtis repeated even more
iciy. Miss Marshall, Miss harrington. Miss
mer, Virginia"
Virginia turned pair of angry eyes, with
hints of glaciers in their depths upon Mala-
meas flushed face Are you, by any chance,
one of the Marshalls of Baltimore? Wallace
Marshall, president of of the railroads.
That family?"
why! Yes =. why! MOI" Malanea stam-
mered in her confusion. THAT is
The same family, no doubt Curtis broke
In hastily, trying to defect the subject from
its acrid course. The Maryland Marshalls are
all related. Isn't that right, Malanea?"
"Of courseT she said, her cheeks flaming
vivid scarlet. Naturally"
'All relatedi" sneered Virginia, lifting a
quizzical eyebrow as though shocked. And
then she placed her cool, scarlet tipped fingers
on her partners sleeve and excused herself,
naughty and superior.
Malanea looked up into Curtis troubled face.
mot SO good, huh? She knows I just don't
belong! And to think nice chap like you
would be merits over girl like that" 1t didn't
seem possible that Curtis Worthington could
have anything in common with spiteful crea-
ture, an even dangerous creature, like Virginia
Harrington.
I've never seen Virginia like that before"
Curtis tried to defend her.
"Of course, not. She's jealous, and when q
person Is jealous their real selves always pop
up! She's simply horrid"
Now look here!" Curtis broke in, storming.
"You can't talk that way"
"Oh! Can't I? I can and I will She's
nasty cat Beneath all that beautiful exterior
she's terrible" Malanea retorted, her heart as
tempestuous as stormy with all her
emotions
THEIR eyes met and clung together charged
for battle But beneath the stare, Mala-
meas face softened. The blood few from
her heart to the farthest corners of her body
pounding wildly along her veins, and lovely
crimson crept into her cheeks. She lowered
her eyes and the great fans of lashes, that
swept sideways toward her temples, spread
out on her cheeks.
The music started again and Curtis swept
her into his arms, holding her smotheringiy
close his lips pressed hoty to her forehead.
"Malanea" he whispered, with all the sweet
fragrance of romance. Can I believe what I
just saw in your eyes?"
Malanea's cheeks burned with excitement
and the consciousness of his nearness. She
buried her golden curls in the hollow OF his
shoulder She couldn't speak, for the terrific
force of her emotions and the realization OF
what had happened to her had left her mar
ticulate. She had fallen in love with Curtis
Worthington. 1t didn't seem possible! Not
possible! And yet it was so
"Oh! Don't be silly!' she finally said, when
she found her voice, small, nervous voice. I
was just acting. Didn't you see Virginia
watching us?" That a deliberate lie, for