The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-01-13

Paris hoping they will lend her the allure which she herself now Lacks. New York society eager Iy takes her bait. But Drake Farrelly, whom she really likes is repelled by stories of her ad- ventures abroad.
 Chapter 37
 BITTER ALMONDS
 "It isn't that" Venice blurted "You're the incest person l know. Drake smiled wryly There wa something derisive in his haze eyes.
 That's probably what you tolt the Marquis at one time"
 T never did" she protested re sentfully.
 "No?"
 The sarcasm of his tone engulfec her with hopelessness.
 There isn't any use, Drake. You refuse to believe I am what I am I haven't been able to make yot see the emptiness of all those ru. mors. You insist on reading some thing important into them, some. thing that makes you think Tn not-well, oh, I don't know"
 "Never mind, Venice. You're 2 very charming girl whatever I be. lieye or don't believe
 What an important compli- ment," She tried to laugh.
 Charming"
 They talked of the weather an( in desultory way of books ant plays and one or two people tha they both knew. It was like con versation on the stage. Careful, enunciated and unreal. And the. were like inexperienced actors. A times they fumbled for their lines
 And now I really must go," h said.
 The curtain was going down.
 Twill you come to dinner som evening soon?"
 If I haven't my nose in ; drawing"
 She closed the front door afte him and leaned unhappily agains it., Tears burned close behind he eyehalls. 4 curious thing, she ha' achieved all for which she had s long striven and it had separate, her from the one person she want ed most. The mystery of manu factured past had brought he popularity but it now turned t bitter almonds in her mouth. Sh caught her lower lip between he teeth to stay it's trembling. Woult Drake ever bother to try to SC her again.
 I don't particularly admire gir who leads on a married man o who gets chap in such stat that he kills himself when sh turns him down.
 God, make him see that I'm tn same shy girl on the stairs he like at first. Make him see how empt all the rumor is. I do so war him to be a friend.
 In the ensuing weeks she mad herself belive that Drake woul credit her explanation of Guy an Rene with sincerity. She came hope and even expect a telephon call.
 One attractive invitation followe quickly on the heels of ancthe She moved smoothly from one ga party to another, sought after an desirable, but in her heart was seething ache, an undeniable emu She enjoyed people liking her bl the continual meaningless chatte the quick exchange from one par uer to another at a dance, left hs as barren as the days when she ha felt inferior, even humiliated, sf nov suffered boredom and a haun' ing sense of unreality,
 Molly was married on Decemb' eleventh at four o'clock. It was episode that made a bright spot Venice's memory down the year m the midst of empty gaities ar shallow friendships it stood o' genuine and fraught with worti while emotion.
 waking across the Park afte. wards. eager for the cold, keen ai she vaguely hoped that she migl meet Drake.
 No Drake Farre1ly. Nora opent the door to her ring.
 Any telephone calls for m N6ra?"
 s.16rs. Goadby. She wants you dinner next Tuesday" Veni dialled Mrs. Goadhy's number.
 ssHello."
 "rt.s Venice, Mrs. Goadby."
 sOh, yes, my dear. Did Nora gi you my message"
 "Yes. I'm sorry. I have ( efigesement with Roald Wail Wrie9k that night
 Nvvhat a pity. Drake FarreliJ an extra man. Whom shall I g for a1im?"
 <V46ice's heart turned over.
 ~Let me see. I-I might tel