The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-06-21


IN have the shrimp patty" she
said, "and watercress salad. Coffee
later"
They we're in a restaurant new to
Cherry. It was an attractive place,
obviously more expensive than the
establishments she and Dan had
patronized. Cherry looked about and
noticed there we're more men than
women diners.
All of them were fashionably,
prosperously dressed. The restaurant
had subdued, quiet air that was a
relief from the street.
Pearson seemed thoroughly at
home there. The waiter who took
the order greeted him as an &C.
quaintance Of long standing.
Now, then" Max said, when the
question Of food had been settled,
tell me what you've been doing?"
Just the usual things. Trying to
remember to salt the potatoes and
how to open a can without cutting
myself. I'm still one of the worlds
worst cooksl"
You are" Pearson began, and
then checked himself He did not
finish the sentence, but s d,
Where's that waiter? I want him
to bring some matches"
He began talking of the Office and
Cherry was interested. The sense
Of Wariness-the feeling that she
must be on her guard with Pearson
left her. There was no use tell
ing herself that she should not have
been there.
Cherry knew very we'll that she
was enjoying this luncheon. 1t was
pleasant to sit across the table from
such an attractive, entertaining
young man and it was certainly a
treat to eat food that she had not
herself prepared. Yes, she was en-
joying the luncheon.
She told Max about the kitten
and he seemed amused at her de-
scription. Somehow, Dams name
entered the conversation. Cherry
had a sudden inspiration. She
leaned forward.
There's something I'd like to ask
you," she said. 1--WE wanted to talk
to someone about it for long time
I believe you're the person"
Fire away!"
Pearson was holding lighted
match to. the tip of his cigaret. His
eyes, intent on the flame, did not
Waver.
Its about Dan" the girl went
on earnestly. Il want to know if
you think he can write. I don't
mean just things for newspapers.
1 mean do you think he might be
able to write short stories or a
novel?
Dan says there isn't any future
for him in reporting. He wants to
write for magazines-maybe books.
Do you think he can do it? I don't
mean right away, but some time.
Do you think he can do it if he
works hard?"
THE cigaret was glowing now,
Il Pearson exhaled a cloud of
smoke before he answered.
That's difficult question" he
told her. Hard to say. Practically
every newspaper man in the country
woman, too-is sure that he or
she can turn out the great Amer
lean novel. All they need is little
time. A chance to get, away from
the grind and write.
They keep talking about it for
years, but somehow few of them
ever get anything done. Oh, I'm
not saying all this about Dan, I'M
derstand! I'm talking about the
great majority. You see, writing is
hard work. I know, because I've
sold few things myself.
He mentioned a couple of essays
that had appeared in a magazine
Of high literary standing.
They'd take more too," he went
on, "but I just can't seem to get to
work. Lazy, I guess"
But about Dan" Cherry per-
sisted.
He's clever" Pearson went on
Dams written some swell news
stories. Has an original way Of
putting things. I don't honestly
know if he'd be any good at fiction
though. I didn't know he'd ever
tried it.
THE only way to find out if hi
can make the grade is to try. Hell
have to be willing to work."
Then" said Cherry slowly, "that
will have to be my part. To hell
him work"
Its discouraging business" Pear.
con wal led. Even the most sue.
cessful authors get lots of thet
manuscripts back. When you're be.