Evening star., 1932-10-16
Dad ooks Ter Ov<
He was afraid his son
might marry the wrong
enL so he got busy

WALTER HOOD Sr, was approaching
Paris. Seven days before he had
been sitting behind his glass-topped
desk settling in crisp cracking SEN
J. tences problems brought to him by
subordinates. That was his way.
straight square -jawed, alert, young looking
man, he rode his work. His desk was always
clean.
That was why he was nearing Paris that
Tuesday afternoon. His golf partner had got
back from there a week before and told him
the news about J Walter Hood, jr.-Wally-
a lovable young man, inheriting his dead moth
ers gayety and charm, her esthetic sense, i'm
practicality and hatred of detail.
She had made ]. Walter Hood. ST.. sputter
with mpatiencc. But after she had died he
had been, in his loneliness not untinged with
remorse more patient with her-and his
growing son. Even when Wally had finished
college and had evinced a desire to study art
in Paris, his father had yielded.
Go ahead" he lad concluded, "be an artist
if you want to- I've got enough for both Of Us"
So Wally had gone and had been doing wel
his letters said. Ericsson the golf partner, had
had more detailed information.
He had seen Waly in Paris. he had said
He has q studio" Ericsson reported, "a girl
and everything He told me he was thinking
of getting married.
"The dickens he is snapped Hood. Some
little gold digger'N get him sure. Did you see
her?"
Yes Ericsson had. She was tall dark, at
tractive-talked and looked French-named
"Daymond Desmond or something"
Don't like it," said Hood, ringing for his
secretary. snappy young woman entered.
Book me to Paris on the first fast boat
Miss Edgecombe."
She was gone but minute. Then: lie
de France, IL midnight tonight, Mr.. Hood"
CO that was the why and how he was almost
> in Paris. As the train entered the station
]. Walter was standing at the compartment
door, bag in hand. cab whirled him to his
hotel Wally. he learned, had no telephone
After dinner he hailed cab and drove over
to Wally's apartment Guided by a breathless
concierge, he mounted the stairs and raped
on the door.
"Entrez," called feminine voice; and j.
Walter did.
tall, dark young woman was sitting at one
end of a sofa. reading a magazine and smok-
ing cigarette
Excuse me-" said Mr.. Hood. ST. Il am
looking for Wally-Wally Hood"
so am l." said the girl, smiling. Won't
you sit DOWN. He should be in very soon now"
The American laid his coat and hat on q
table fingered the careful knot in his necktie
and came around to the other end Of the sofa
He lighted a cigarette and surveyed the girl
So this was Wally's inamorata! Not SO bad!
Older than he had expected, and sensible
looking Dark hair under her chic hat-eyes
that were llstrous under long lashes-elive
compexon-nice smile-f1rst-rate figure. ].
Walter cast an admiring glance at charming
display Of knee and ankle.
May ask what your name is?" he asked.
MAY ask who it is that inquires?" coun-
tered the girl.
WALTER frowned. He was not used to
-. opposition. Then he smiled.
Fair enough" he said I'm Wally
Hoods father, from New York.
I'm Marie Desmond-of Paris" she replied.
know Wally?"
Certainly I'm waiting for him now to 60
to the theater."
known him long?" pursued j. Walter.
about two months"
Like him?"
"A lot-don't you?"
There was pause. All Of sudden it came
over Hood, ST., that the girl was speaking Eng
hsh perfectly.
"where'd you learn your Enshsh9" he de-
manded.
school" said the girl "Also my mother
was English"
Hood looked at his watch.
Getting late for the theater, isn't it?"
Rather" replied the girl.
She certainly had way with her. Snappy,
incisive comeback-quick thinker. Not SO bad
for Wally.
There was a step on the stair. The con-
cierge entered with a telegram for Marie. She
read it and passed it over to Hood. It was
dated from st. Malo and read:
Sorry can't make it. Tickets rght-hand
desk drawer If can use-Wally."
whats the matter with him?" asked his
father
went up to lease house." said the girl.
'@What for? Painting?" asked Hood craftily.
The girl hesitated for fraction of second.
"Yes" she answered.