Evening star., 1932-11-13
Illustrated D.
PAUL KROESEN

Tony begged for o chance TO meet her
even for her photograph, but he begged in
vain.
TITS no use, Tony" she'd tell him. I'm
not giving anything away. II We could see
each other Just whenever we wanted 10, it'd
spoil everything. And don't want that to
happen. I'm enjoying things too much as they
are"
But Tony refused to be satisfied
For several weeks he'd been listening TO
very beautiful voice. voice which appealed to
him immensely. He knew absolutely nothing
about the owner Of the voice, but his magma
ton had built up q perfectly clear picture of
her. And since he'd always been In love with
the voice. it followed naturally that he imme
diately fell in love with the picture.
He explained all this to Daphne one day
about four months after their first meeting"
1T may sound mad but it's all perfectly
true" he concluded, And I must see you,
Daphne-Tve got TO. II want to ask you
to marry me-"
There was q little silence before Daphne re-
piled rather breathlessly:
But that's ridiculous, Tony-impossbleI
You don't know thing about me. Supposing
I'm married?"
Tony blinked. Here was something he hadn't
thought of before.
Married." he repeated blankly But
are you?"
The dismay in his voice seemed to amuse her
little. He heard her laugh softly and was at
once immensely relieved
"No-Tm not married" Then she became
serious again But frankly, Tony you don't
really love me. You know that You can't
You're just kidding yourself into thinking"
"Oh no. I'm not. I know the real thing
when get it,
But are you quite sure you've got it?"
I'm positive"
There was moment or two of silence
nriU - oh cad har x.0;na
seemed suddenly to have grown little tired
"I'n arrange something. But I'm afraid it's
going to spoil everything, Tony"
CO it happened that at 5 the next afternoon
- Tony was ushered into Daphne's sitting
room in a Park avenue apartment.
The room itself was small and cozy and
there was cheerful hearth fire with two COM
Portable looking chairs one on either side of it.
The curtains were drawn at the two tall win
dows, thereby shutting out rather misty twi-
light, and the room was lit by several softly
shaded lights.
Tony had been there just minute when
girl of about 25 slim and dark-haired, came
walking briskly into the room.
Hello, Tony she said cheerily. Come over
and sit down."
He followed her over to the chairs by the
fire. and. for the moment, was saved the neces-
sity for any comment by the prompt arrival of
tea. But he sat watching her keenly as she
SCperintended the placing of small table be-
tween their two chairs and the setting of the
tea tray ON it.
well" she asked, her fingers busy with
sugar and cream pitcher, what d'you think
of me?"
Tony tilted his head to one side
Just little bit different" he smiled. "But
infinitely more lovely, of course"
She laughed softly and held out his cup.
"Ffattereri" she murmured.
NO. said Tony frankly. "F1attery wouldn't
be possible. And now let's hear the worst.
How about me?"
Daphne laughed again and shook her head
at him spiritedly.
Nothing doing" she said. 'I'll not answer
that question. I've always found that If ever
you flatter a man he remembers it too well
and holds it up in evidence against you at
some time or other. But you can take it that
I'm satisfied. Will that do?"
But Tony was staring at her.
For an amazing thing had just happened.
Soon after she had begun to speak-just as
she had reached the word "question"-the
lights had nickered slightly and the whole room
had been suddenly plunged into complete dark