Smyrna times., 1932-08-24

Peters blue eyes swept the bright,
noisy room disdainfully. The sway
ing huddle Of humanity on the
dance floor. A night club trans
ported 70 a secluded retreat outside
big city. The latest venture of
Vance Graydon. their suave, sleek
haired host.
You're sweet, Peter. And Id
say yes in a minute If 1t wasn't for
the last half of your proposal. But
| couldn't live without this. With
out crowds Of people and music and
excitement"
But this isn't real, Anne, It's
only substitute. A sham. And
I'm fed up with living on the sur
face Of things. Anne, please give
me a chance. 1 can teach you to
like the things that | like"
Il do like them. Peter. But that
doesn't mean that we have to bury
ourselves somewhere. To give up
our friends"
Friends? | suppose that means
Vance. He's the god of gayety at
whose altar you Worship"
Anne shrugged slim bare Shout
ders. "And the answer to that one
is?"
THAT you'd probably prefer to
be hostess of a penthouse apart
ment and night club instead of a
home"
81 hope that's true" a voice cut
in Unexpectedly.
EngrOssed with each other, Peter
and Anne had not seen Vance Gray
don approaching. Now he stood be-
side their table, flashing black eyes
intent on Anne's dark beauty.
Vance. what do you mean sneak
ing up on US like this?" laughingly
demanded Anne.
well. there's always the chance
Of hearing something interesting,
for instance.
Having a good time?"
"Of course. It's a lovely party.
But for the Last hour it's been dy-
ing on its feet" Anne looked over
at Peter. That's wasn't a nice thing
to say, Of course, bur then Peter
really had gone little too far.
Vance intercepting that glance
leaned over Anne. Never mind
I'm going to see the musicians
about some extra features, then I'D
be back for my dance with you"
''I'll be counting the minutes"
Peter SAT silent Anne. suddenly
repentant. leaned toward him
I'm sorry, Peter. | didn't mean
what | said to Vance. Not really.
"Oh. that's all right. | suppose
I'm rather a wet blanket"
Suddenly he beckoned to waiter
to fill bis glass.
''Why, Peter Drinking?" Anne's
eyes widened. Il thought you never
touched liquor"
Never is a long time. Anne. AnG
| might just as well begin Because
if you won't play the game my way
I'm going to play it your way" He
drained his glass. slowly, deliber.
ately. Dance with me, Anne?"
After their dance the floor was
cleared.
When the last note died away
Peter got to his feet Hey" be
shouted. picking his way carefully
through the crowded tables. This
party is dying on its feet Let's
give the little play boys a hand
He grabbed the leaders baton
Whipped the orchestra into saw
age frenzy of sound.
The floor filled with dancers
amused, smiling. Vance came over
to Anne.
"Well, this sort of thing does
seem a little more than our friend
Peter can manage"
"Oh, Vance. hadn't we better dc
about him?"
mo. he'll run down after while
And now let's forget about him
shall we?"
Anne rose with slow grace
Drifted out on the floor in Vancei
arms. Two or three turns about
and he had guided her into one OF
the private rooms. Here be held
her tightly.
Anne, | can't live without yor
any longer"
He kissed her passionately, pos
sessively. And in that moment
Peter In his roamings came into the
room and stood for a moment sway
ng, unseen. in the doorway.
"But Vance. don't understand
Anne lifted grave, questioning eyes
There's something you haven't
said"
"Oh. darling. don't go provincial
IN me. I'm not the marrying kind
But don't you know that the sub
,titute | can give you will be more
exciting than the real thing with
my other MANI"
Maybe you're right" She
stopped, eyes suddenly intent upon
scene in the other room. Peter
lolding aloft a glittering ring.
around him a bevy of shrieking,