Evening star., 1933-11-14
BARGAIN in L0YEs1
By JANE DsxONMSsIS

about didn't exist. I'm not such
fright. Average looks, and can wear q
size 16 without letting out the seams.
Also, I've proved have enough brains
to earn my own living and bit more"
ANY man who didn't find you an
eyeful of wholesome good looks would
be blind" Mathilda said.
Sue put down the plate, went into
the living room, studied herself In a
mirror. What she saw was reassuring.
In moment she was back to resume
her wiping.
II have q heart, too" she continued.
'T know because when I'm hurt it gives
me lots of trouble" A heart with q
secret In it that was exquisite pain
her love for jeffrey. II have emotions
envy, hate, love-how I used to envy
rich girls their smart clothes and their
expensive pleasuresl I hate Herman
Henschler so much the very thought Of
him sends me into fever. And love
-Tommy-and you"
1T is kind Of strange" Mathilda adj
mitted. She knew another answer, but
this was not the time to give it.
Maybe it's my soul that's missing"
Sue, thinking aloud. I'm shy one soul.
That's why agreed to sell myself TO
JEFF for money"
Are you thinking Of selling yourself
to Henry Hume-for money!"
"No. I guess must be sprouting q
soul. It's q little late, but If the sprout
lives through the weather ahead, 1t may
grow into regular tree. Eventually
it may even bear fruit"
Mathilda hung up the copper dishpan
and polished the bottom until 1t was a
glowing amber moon.
why worry about souls when you've
got stepfather who's an extortionist,
a cousin-in-law crazy with jealousy and
greed, and gigolo-chasing wife to keep
you busy. Polish them of first and
then worry about your SOUL"
Mathilda turned deliberately and sur
veyed Sues little, firm delicately round-
ed young figure, her fresh eager young
face, her hair that clung in shining
curl tendrils to her brow and neck.
You don't suppose men choose you
because Of your brain power?" she
twitted.
"Don't be absurd, Matty. I haven't
brain In my head. II had wouldn't
be what I am, target for every for
tune hunter. every pleasure hunter who
feels like shooting
"No one has hit the bull's-eye yet"
Mathilda said. Let's turn on the ra-
dio. I can always think better TO
music"
In the morning Sue wakened with q
start. Her nerves were a network OF
humming, vibrating wires.
TITS chilly" Mathilda said, deposit
ing a glass Of orange juice by Sues
bed. I'VE must wear topcoats. Smell
that coffee? Nothing like coffee to start
your right foot forward in the morn
II feel all keyed up" Sue, slipping
the orange Juice. "As If I were stand
ing on the edge Of high cliff looking
into a canyon, and not knowing weth-
er would fall backward or forward"
You'd better fall out of bed or Wen
be late to the Office" Mathilda advised.
I'm out, Matty. When you get your
coat, bring the beige one for me. It's
my pet superstition"
writer, became conscious Of an elec-
trically charged atmosphere in the Of
fice. simultaneously, shadow fell
across the page she was tipping. She
glanced up to see Mrs. Henry Hume
leaning over her desk.
Come into my husbands Office" Mrs.
Hume said, her eyes twin pin points OF
malevolence. Unless you'd rather have
me say what I intend to say here, for
the benefit of everybody"
"Im-that is-Tm very busy, Mrs.
OdCs 4CnC1IIS AQL tlAuC, lux
escape. "And Mr.. Hume hasn't sent for
me-"
Not too busy. I think" The pin
points went on stabbing. Never mind
about my husbands sending for you.
I've sent for you. Follow me at once"
Sue rose and followed.
Henry Hume looked up from his desk.
Seeing the two women. his wife advance
ing on him with derisive smile, he went
to the door through which they had
entered, marked Private, and bolted it.
Nov, then" Henry Hume addressed
his wife. why are you here? I warned
you to keep away from my workshop"
Workshop" The derisive smile be-
came q grimace. Hardly that"
Hold your tongue! I should have
twisted 1t out long ago."
Sue, helpless with fright. The cords
OF Henry Hume's neck had thickened, !
were straini1g against his collar.
&. You won't, though" The woman
went on grimacing. You're too soft.
Beside, I've plenty Of protection outside
that door. One scream and think of /
the headlines in the papers, Husband
attacks wife In presence of his para
mour. Lovely reading" 81
Ihe pin points stabbed at Sue again. (
What do you propose to do?" Henry
Hume thrust his fists deep into his
pockets
(To be continued)