The Coolidge examiner., 1935-01-25


Ian. fought fuulcly against suaw-
lng Illustration. To Nainlie Dean he
scarcely spoke.
Starting for the studio next morn
ing however. his mood WIS altered.
The affair. be determined. could
and should be settled at once.
Natalie Dean reached the Office
ten minutes after his own arrival.
and without preamble he said:
Il want you 20 have dinner with
me tonight"
Powdering her nose. she turned
10 throw him a quick little smile.
That's sweet Of you" she replied
but I'm sorry Roland and | ar,
going to the Colony this evening
Hope and happiness went out Of
him completely then
There was. Of course, nothing FUR
ther 10 say or do.
Day after miserable day dragged
by. while the scenario progressed
not az all aud Lang's gloom enor
mousiy.
Within n week. Natalie Dean and
Carlisle had been seen together In
all the clty's exclusive night hauuts
Gleefully. the movie columnists Of
each paper reported their appear
nncc. and freely termed Il Holly
ffsnN.sffr ssas.-r.sss r.Teurraa
Toward Lang. the girls pleasant
manners didn't vary.
Bitterly he reelected that 20 her
their association meant undiluied
business. Ills own attitude bad be-
come constrained: be knew It and
knew she noted the change. but was
powerless to conceal Il.
Then. lunching alone In the com
mlssary one day. Lang saw Carlisle
enter with a striking blond
An air OF Intimacy was between
them.
Later. pausIng at the cashiers
desk. he stood for a moment near
their table and the woman's voice
reached him:
stll. wanted to scratch
that womans eyes out, Rollie"
Carelessly Carlisle answered !:
Now. June darling. don't be absurd.
You know all about that and that
It's done with. Last night was the
end"
In puzzled amazement. Lang re
turned 10 the Office
Natalie Dean was ~ his desk.
writing. and she rose as be came ia.
Lang searched her face. but found
lgs cheerful loycllncss unru0led
With an almost dimdent look. she
came toward him and said
"WHl you forgive me II 60 very
frank7 There's something want 10
say that perhaps / shouldn't"
Lang perched on the desk edge
aud told her. eco 10 g."
Well she continued. standing
close 20 him now. 1--WE been think.
INK about-about things. and I've
decided you're working too hard.
Let's call lt a day and go somewhere
--nnyw here-and not care when we
get back"
For moment. NIs heart leapt
with glad longing ihen, remember
lne, he turned abruptly away
So THAT was IL. be thought an
grlly she wanted him 20 divert her.
to help her forget Carlisle she was
Offering him second fiddle. Ills tone
hrueque. he answered:
"No. I'm afraid / wouldn't care
to. thanks. Need the time, anyway. "
A second of silence followed
THEN suddenly Natalie Dean was
running toward the door. a queer
little sound breaking from her lips.
Lang glanced around, saw cheeks
that were shinily wet, and sprang
after her.
In another instant the girl was
caught In his arms. held close. and
with reckless anguish be was say
Ing:
''Uh. don't care-I haven't any
pride! Natalie. look at me-llsten
10 mel love you ?"
She raised her tear-stalned face
10 his with a smile he couldn't
fathom.
MY dearest :" she said softly.
1--WE been SO terribly afraid I'd
never hear you say that. Didn't you
want toT''
Lang ayerted his eyes. a brief
twinge OF hurt returning.
~FOr a week" he answered. 1--WE
wanted nothing else. But-well.
you've seemed pretty thoroughly
taken up with Carlisle. and T."
Her hand quickly cupped his chin
and lifted 1t.
You're not serlOus;" she asked.
her eyes Incredulous. and, as Lang
was silent, went on: "You-you
mean you didn't know the studio ar
ranged the whole thing just to give
our picture publicity? Why. my
dear, Roland's hancee. June Allen,
drove US home from those places
every night"