Evening star., 1934-06-24
A wealthy lady-kNer
q sLsnt-eyed besuty---and
a wise Oriental father

she wanted this very thing-she was % years
old, and deserved little fun out Of life.
How soon can you leave?" Tods question
came up sideways over the pot Of tea Ruby
placed before him.
81 work here until g." she answered primly
"Tn be waiting at the corner of Maiden
lane-in the yellow roadster" His eyes looked
at her frankly now. challenging her. Ruby
smiled her most inScrutable Oriental smile, and
scribbled the amount of his check on the pad.
BE seeing you," Tod grinned. Ruby went
back to the dressing room. Through crack
in the door she saw him, swank, oh, handsome,
she thought-paying his check sauntering out
the door.
Hell never watt" she scoffed at herself.
what a sap I ami" But she fingered before
slipping off the Chinese dress
Coming Ruby?" called Sally Wong.
"I have to check up my tags first" Ruby
evaded, and let Sally go on unsuspecting.
Slipping into the green sport suit, Ruby hesi-
tated.
Wonder If it's worth it-oh, sure-I might
just as well get thrill out of life-after all.
/ can take care of myself"
CHE stepped into the telephone booth and
- called her home. Lee Foo wasn't there.
Speaking in nasal Chinese. she told her mother
she had a chance to serve at a banquet, and
might be late.
She was glad her father wasn't home Even
the telephone she seemed to feel his calm
gaze looking right through her subterfuge.
Ruby's heart was humping with excitement.
although her high heels clicked a jaunty tattoo
on the sidewalk as she turned from Maiden
lane into Grant avenue. A swift glance as
sured her that the yellow roadster was waiting
And behind the wheel, smiling, assured, sat
Todhunter Ranleigh. He slipped out as she
approached and made a little bow. hat in
hand
"Ah, little Miss Lotus Flower" he saluted
her, and offered her his arm. will you step
into my chariot?" Ruby's smile and curtsey
reflected his gay mood.
I'D be delighted SIR" and she stepped into
the car. Tod climbed in beside her.
II thought we'd run down to Half Moon Bay
there's a pretty good place to eat and they
good wine" He looked at her inquiringly.
That's o. K with me-" Rubys manner was
breezly American. Tod laughed, and slipped
the car into gear.
before I take you home,' he ventured, as the
yellow roadster sped citywsrd along the high
way later that evening.
But it's very late-Tm supposed to be serv-
ing a banquet you know
"LateI It's only 10:3o!"
That's very late for Chinese girls. If I am
not home before IL my father will beat me-"
Ruby looked up innocentiy at her escort.
Never in her life had Lee Foo struck her with
the bamboo cane-but she didn't tell Tod that.
She had quickly sensed that his knowledge of
Chinese life and manners was drawn entirely
from fiction.
Good graciors-do they beat grown girls?"
Tod was startled.
only when they are dishonored." Ruby's
voice was tragic.
But my dear" Tod laughed. wen stop
only long enough for drink won't hurt
you!"
"It is the same" Ruby's voice was still
solemn. IF I called at your apartment-that
would be dishonor I have risked much by go
ing with you this evening. If my father finds
out" Her voice trailed off. Tod was in
credulous-but, after all, there was no hurry.
20. K. sister, I'll drop you wherever you say
But look-have dinner with me again, won't
you?" Ruby looked doubtful.
IT will see-f all is well"
CEvERAL evenings they had dinner together
- One night Tod escorted her to Bohemian
gathering on Telegraph Hill. He enjoyed the
mild sensation he created by staggering into
the room with a Chinese girl on his arm. Ruby
gave only heetfng glance at the Chinese serv-
ant who passed the trays of cocktails. That
one glance disconnected here, but she gave no
sign
1t was a gay evening She almost accepted
Tod'S invitation to his apartment after the
party She was in reckless mood After all,
why not? But Tod, she suddenly realized, was
pretty drunk In a panic she slipped away
from him and hurried home through the dark
streets.
1t was a couple of days after this that Tod
strolled through the gathering dusk toward