Evening star., 1932-02-28


Where Is your home?"
Mostly in Paris. have q villa two miles
out. I'm French on my mothers side-Ameri-
can father"
Il see You know, Mr.. Taylor I have
vague recollection of seeing you somewhere.
just can't place YOU.
That SOP" interestedly. I'm I've never
met you before. If had" looking her full
In the face, I'D recall it. You know, think
you are one of the loveliest girls I have
ever met"
Penelope glanced up swiftly. Perhaps it was
the moonlight. Yet she conscious of a
little thrill as she met his eyes. She
strangely at ease in the presence Of this man
who was only a stranger to her. Her worries
began to fade like the line Of the horizon under
the haZy moon To her 1t seemed to cast
path OF light over the water-a magical path
that led to an enchanted place somewhere,
far away.
"An enchanted moon-and an enchanted
seal" she whispered. Her companion leaned
toward her.
"A night for love!" he replied.
Her mood passed. She rose quickly She
felt an exhilaration, a breathlessness she could
no. explain
Il think I'll 60 down now" she said slowly.
SEQ you in the morning."
The boat was beginning to roll slightly. She
sat down by her opened trunk to finish un-
packing. Bart's picture stared reproachfully
bacl. at her She hastily turned 1t over I'll
not start thinking' she said impatently.
"Barts too cold and Unconditional to thrill q
girl-as some men can"
The next morning she seated herself for
breakfast she glanced at the table at the left.
beautiful girl there was intently looking at
her
Verne Taylor slid into the seat opposite with
a murmured greeting She aware Of the
girls lock when she avoided looking her
way. She felt that the girl was listening to
their conversation.
That girl looks as If she thought she knew
mel" said Penelope "She stares at us all
the time"
He carefully turned his head, casting a sur
reptitious look at the averted fact Of the gil
she indicated Then he smiled into Penelope's
eyes, his own warm with admiration.
You can't wonder. can you?" he murmured
COR didn't you look into the mirror this
morning."
Penelope blushed, suddenly confused. She
did not reply; but all that day the memory
Of the girl kept coming into her thoughts
THAT night she went into the tongue. She
| was surrounded by men who wanted her
to dance She was little intoxicated by her
sudden popularity.
She suddenly found that it was good to be
alive to be young, vibrant, beautiful,
popular.
staying close by her side, warded Off two
three college boys who resented his usurpation
of the prettiest girl on board. Penelope smiled
sweetly, bantered with them, but refused to
dance with any one else after Verne had come.
Alone in her cabin at last, hanging the tulle
gown she had worn on its perfumed hanger,
Penelope laid her face against its fragrant
folds, her eyes misty with happiness and
glamour.
MY gown that brought me happiness!" she
whispered. "Oh, wonder If it is real love that
is coming to me at last? Bart could never
make girl thrillingly happy as am tonight.
He is too cold, too Unconditional too prosaic.
want happiness-love."
Later, much later, she opened her door to
speak to a steward. She was restless, keyed-up,
unable to sleep. She intended sending him for
a bromide. She a couple talking earnestly
down the corridor. The girl was crying in a
hopeless sort of way. The man. after hasty
glance around drew her into his arms.
She stood immovable. listening to the CONVEX
sation that was carried on in low tones.
You know better, Marie" said the mans
voice soothingly. why can't you be sensible
and not let your jealousy make trouble?"
But you make love to her!" she walled.
you are in love with her.
II don't love her!" angrily. Don't you
understand? I am trying to keep any one from
connecting us together-you know why! AS
we get to Southampton
II can't stand it, Toni! I just can't!"
He forced her head back, showing the long
lines Of her lovely throat, petulant tone in
his voice. For Gods sake, be sensible!" He
kissed her hard on the mouth. "It's not love.
even admiration, dear" he said thickly.
Its diplomacy. You know I'm crazy you"
They went on down the corridor, the girl
clinging to his arm
Penelope sat down on the edge Of her bed,
her face deeply troubled, her confidence
shaken.
at couldn't have been," doubtfully 1T just
couldn't have been Verne The girl called
him Toni . But who were they talking
about? He can't make fool of me- protesting
love- pretending he doesn't know that vamp,