Evening star., 1932-10-16

further, for She had drifted off into the thick
comfort of sleep.
However, during the three days that re-
manned of her current posing enga cement Nikki
was informed by Alphonse that frequently Dave
McVernie was member of the spectators
viewing her. With her gaze fixed unwaveringly
always we'll above the faces of the throng,
Nikki, Of course could not him. She did
peep through the drawn curtains at him once
when she was not on view
And she recognized him instantly when,
on leaving the theater at the close of her
engagement, he was on hand bright-eyed and
grinning beside her taxi at the curb. However.
had she not recognized him, there was Alphonse
suddenly alongside saying: "Nikki Colbeck-
David Mcvernie,' and then gone.
II gave him 10 bucks to do that!" beamed
the boy. With tenuous tanned hands, he
fumbled his hat. The light in his hazel eyes
looking down into Nikh's face proclaimed that
this adventure.
A ND he went on: You don't really mind.
do you?" His glance roved brightly over
her IF you do I1l-In blow-see? But,
gee! I think it would be swell If you'd ditch
this old taxi and pile into my bus instead
There it is-over there across the street" He
still fumbled his hat his unease definitely on
the increase under Nikki's serene regard I'VE
could GO and get bite somewhere" he finished
hopefully.
Nope" sad Nikki, but she was dimplng II
have date"
Break it," he instantly teased. His hand
was at her elbow now. "Cmon, break it. Gee.
I think you're swell. Honest! And I'm falling
for you-just like that" He gave her arm
quick little squeeze-stood there bold-shy, grim
ming down at her.
"-Well-" That something which
young and joyous in Nikki stirred Stirred, and
swept out of her mind the vision Of the we'll
groomed hand of J. w. sedately pushing the
button at the door of her apartment. Or, II
it didn't sweep out the vision exactly it some
how presented the vision in less important
light for the moment We'll, all right, Wen
go for just sandwich. But you'll have to get
me home in not more than an hour" The
dimple flashed in and out of her rounded young
cheek
Promise" His delighted glance devoured
her. But only for a brief high moment and
then he had caught her makeup kit from her
fingers, had slipped bill into the waiting taxi
drivers hand and had swept her along with
him across the street and into his distinctly
ordinary automobile.
The hour that followed one that Nikki
would probably never afterwarA be able to
recall, except with a reaction bordering on
breathlesSneSs Never before had she met any
one like Dave McVernie.
Chicken sandwiches and cocoa at the orange
and black coffee shop and then, shoulder to
SLOulOtT, III SlleuCe CQey IOueQ toward Qer
apartment. Once or twice during the journey,
he threw her that brilliant young glance of his.
At the curb before her door, without warning,
he caught her into his arms and kissed her
breath-takingly. Then:
'Oh, boy! Am I crazy about you," he
laughed out shaky.
Nikki had pulled herself free. She was shak-
ing, too-and speechless.
''Oh, gee, Nikkil" His hands held hers now.
Lets 60 together-steady-wi you? And
then pretty soon-they told me at the studio
I have good chance to get into the big money
so. pretty soon-after a little, you know-if We
keep on liking each other lot like this-why-
perhaps we could get married." He stopped,
out of breath.
Who said liked you lot anyway" Nikkis
voice was no steadier than his and, strangely,
1t was several keys too high and sounded al
most as if tears were pushing up into it. why,
I scarcely know you'll"
But he only kissed her again. And he came
next day. He came without invitation
came unexpectedly-a scant half hour after
the plump, well groomed hand Of j. W. had
waved lover-ike good-by to Nikki from the
shining big town car that had set her down
at her door and then slid smoothly silently,
away.
IN lIKKI, do you remember that kid you
Y ditched-that Dave McVernie-just before
you moved out Of here to live with your
swells last May?" 1t was Byrdie speaking. The
two girls sat-Nikh just arrived, and lovely lii
new Autumn furs-over a Sunday afternoon
cup of tea in the little kitchenette of the cheap
walk-up apartment Byrdie still called home.
YES" Nikki crumpled bit of toast be-
tween her fingers. "YeS, I remember him."
glance was. on the toast "Why?"
e kids down and out-that's ALL" Byrdie
gavee the toaster q brusQue shove and swept
away . crumb.