Evening star., 1933-01-29

begging me to marry him by the time we reach
New York"
Daphne sat back in her chair.
Now aren't you sure of yoursef?' she
r.micked the calm, assured tones of the other
You actually propose"
Cynthia's smile became family contemptu-
ouS
Gold feet, Daphne?" she asked gently.
Daphne's eyes narrowed little.
Not at ALL she said. THE bets on. Well
make it thousand to a hundred. After ALL
its"
But just at that moment the dinner bugle
blared.
THEIR table in the Louis Quinze restaurant
was small one which just comfortably
seated the four OF them.
AS Cynthia unfolded her napkin she eau
tiously regarded her unconscious prey. He was
telling Simon about a transatlatic telephone
conversation he had had with the movie COM
pany president and how he had made better
terms than he'd hoped for. Also that he was
to have full command of the expedition.
And he agreed to everything?" asked Simon
Tony chuckled.
Not an objection he replied. II told him
that unless he gave me free rein he could call
the whole thing off. After all -
Cynthia's lip curled little.
Connected asst" she thought viciously TOO
busy talking about himself to notice any one
else"
by the way" she began casually moment
later, Il hear you're the man who makes all
these interesting travel pictures.
Yes Tony said curtly, that's right"
Rather exciting work I should imagine"
went on Cynthia thoughtfully.
1T is" he agreed, very exciting"
Another pause.
Cynthia bit her lip.
II went to see Tusker.'" she added desper-
ately, about week or so ago."
"Yes?" He obviously wasn't at all interested
"And did you like it?"
Cynthia, about to nod enthusiastically had
a sudden inspiration.
"As a matter of fact" she said slowly, II
didn't"
He set down his glass and looked at her
squarely for the first time.
That's funny he said. Il didn't like 1t
either"
Cynthia's eyelids fickered She certainly
hadn't expected that!
There seemed to be something missing" ne
went on. II noticed it myself" He looked up
at her again . Il suppose you can't tell me
just what was wrong?" he asked quickly
Cynthia considered.
Il believe I can," she said-and then
paused.
"Wen?"
The second inspiration came just as sudden
ly as the first.
"An entire lack of human interest,"" she said
promptly.
Human INTEREST,"" Tony's smile became q
little doubtful. You mean-love and er-au
that sort of thing?"
She looked at him curiouSy. IF that's what
you call it, yes. But why be so contemptuous
about it?"
well" he shrugged his shoulders.
She bent forward, her eyes suddenly full OF
amusement.
You don't mean to tell me-" she murmured.
that you're of those ridiculous woman
haters?"
Just for a second he hesitated. And then.
for what must have been the very first time In
his 80 years, Tony Chalmers forswore his gods.
"Well-no," he began. II don't think"
But just what he didn't think Cynthia wasn't
destined to know For at that moment Simon
butted in.
Every bad manners" he assured them, ITO
leave a married man an his wife to them
selves. They might start scrappin' or some-
thing''
Cynthia's laughter was out of all proportion
to the merit of Simons wit. But she wasn't
really laughing at Simon; it was her own sig
nal victory that delighted her so much.
COR five uneventful days the Paladin plowed
] her way steadily westward
On the late afternoon of the fifth day.
Daphne Hitler sat in her chair on the upper
deck, thoughtful frown between her brows.
She looked up suddenly and saw Simon making
his way toward her.