The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-08-25
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| under the soft iieht re6tfuIly. ~Oh, if's wonderful to have rich friends. How much am l getting7 Oh, about half"
 ~Half what?" demanded Mona.
 "fIalf what tell the other girls. But as woman to woman, Mona, I'm getting ssD per. Not peradventure. either. Per week"
 You're worth e100." Mona de- cided re1ectively.
 Lottie shrugged. "Henri says there is q depression.
 Mona considered slowly. "How would you like to work for me '" she asked. "As my companion. I'll give you s100 and your wardrobe"
 Don't you think I'm companion enough now?" demanded Lcttie.
 The other girl smiled. What does it get you? You like good times, parties, men, admiration. can't ask you to share that sort of good time with me. That's out of the question. I wouldn't want 1t any other way. But" her voice grew serious, ''your friendship means lot to me. I really need you. Why not give up your job and live with me?" |. "I'd love to-" Lottie said slowly. There's the apartment though, and Sallie." E
 "You can't just walk out on her, of course,' Mona agreed. The days of trying to meet bills were not so far behind that she had forgotten ways and means. Anyhow don't x-,a rSk "a ~f~ ~rAa tA otUn fiat. You like 1t too much. Keep 1t and I'll see to the expense. Stay there any time you like, but work for me-"
 "Why, Mona, I'd love to!"
 Mona sat in the easiest chair and leaned against it. "Then that's set- ted" she said cheerfully.
 Now here is my plan." She rose and pressed the bell. 'I'll order dinner sent up. It's cozier. Listen. I want to close this house shortly. And you and I are go- ing"
 She broke off as the maid ap peared. Mona gave brief order for the meal which she asked to have served before the fire.
 ''Twilands?" asked Lottie, trifie dismayed.
 Mona shook her head. "Twilands isn't mine. John left Twilands to Elizabeth and Barry"
 He didi' Lottie' said scornfully. "So he did that much for Barry!"
 "That, at any rate. And I'm go- ing to do more." Briefly she out lined her conversation with MT Garretson earlier in the day.
 But what can you do for Barry" asked Lottie, puzzled, If the moneys all tied up this way?"
 "That's why I'm engaging you to1 be my companion and secretary" Mona pointed out seriously. "You can think of way!" l. Maybe" Lottie's tone was doubtful. Listen, Mona, if my job depends on finding a way to ladle out $10.00O,000 to Barry maybe I'd better not resign from Pilgrims. l don't see how"
 Don't be silly. I want you any, way. But I am hopeful"
 Dinner arrived and the girls drew easy chairs before the fire. The butler busied himself with cleaning silver and white linen. Then he left the two alone over their coffee.
 s.Its the life!" sighed Lottie. "I'n take you up on that offer. Mona"
 When the servant appeared to remove the remains of dinner Mona asked him to bring in a newspaper. She searched it carefully in silence.
 "Stock market?" asked Lottte, at ease on the chaise tongue, her arms flung over her golden head.
 Shipping news" said Mona quietly as the servant closed the door. ''It's to be a secret, Lottie."
 "A secret? ?"
 Mona, scanning the page, nodded Then, her finger on a single item, she rose triumphantly. "The Mi- randa sails week from tomorrow, Lottie."
 T don't get you, darling. The Miranda is for machinery. thought"
 "she carries passengers. How would you like to go to South America, Lottie. to see Steve"
 Lottie sat up straight, her blue eyes glistening. her hair ruffled from contact with the pillows.
 Mona Moran" she cried. I'm slipping! I've been your companion for 20 minutes and it's taken both of us all this while to think of that"
 (TO Be Continued)