The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-08-17
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX


TRUE to Fragonet's promise, 10
l. telephone aroused her in the
early evening. When she had
thanked the operator and walked
to the window for another glimpse
of her new world she discovered
that the big sign on the foothills
was obscured by the gathering dusk.
10 bathed leisurely, enjoying the
exciting luxury of the tub set flush
with the floor, the cleaning black
and-gold fixtures, the soothing
aroma of the bath salts she had
found packaged and ready in their
special niche. But when she eX-
amined her scant wardrobe she was
a little sorry she hadn't overcome
her conscience and carried away
one of the evening dresses she had
bought for her job at Crest Lake.
The gowns of Cocoanut Grove,
she knew, were daring and smart.
How would her one, not-so-unuSual
evening gown look in those glamor-
Gus surroundings?
10 knew the answer as we'll as any
girl would know it-but like many
another girl she shrugged her pretty
shoulders and concluded that it
would have to do.
And when she had put on the
dress she had to confess, with a
shade of egotism, that she didn't
look badly at all. Somehow she
possessed a new radiance-perhaps
from the excitement of being a part
of Hollywood, of being escorted to
the rendezvous of picture stars by
one of the greatest Of the picture
stars.
Or was it true that there was
really a sort of magic in the very air
of Hollywood? There were per-
sons who had written that this was
true, and 10 had laughed at the abb
surdity of the idea-but perhaps 1t
wasn't so absurd, after all.
She had dressed in a hurry, for
Fragonet had been a bit vague
about about the hour he would call;
and when he did not appear at once
| 10 began nervously going over her
toilet. Then, realizing that in her
/ nervousness she was running what
/ ever poise she might be able to mus
ter for the evening. she sal down
and quietly lit a cigaret.
A HALF hour paSsed-an hour
N and still another hour which
/ seemed to drag out twice as long
/ as the first.
At last 10 could stand it no long
er and she took Up the telephone
directory, resolving to call Fragonet
at his home. She knew that his
residence was in Beverly Hills. but
to her disappointment she found no
Peter Fragonet listed in the book.
Then she remembered that the
more popular movie stars never
have their telephone numbers listed
or list them under other names.
But she did find the number of the
Atlas studio and she called there.
hoping she might prevail upon some
one to tell her Fragonet's number.
For long time the telephone at
/ the other end Of the line seemed
to be buZzing in an empty room,
but finally a weary night operator
answered. She told 10 that she
couldn't give out Mr.. Fragonet's
number, and that she didn't know
what it was anyhow.
10 refused to believe her. Il had
an appointment with Mr.. Fragonet
two hours ago." she explained. I'm
afraid something may have hap
pened TO him, and if you'd please
call his home and tell them"
Il don't know his home number
said the operator again.
Then have you any idea where
he might be tonight at this hour &"
We'll g.. should think he ought
10 be over at Grauman's Chinese"
"Where?" asked 10. puzzled.
"Grauman's Chinese. The theater.
They're having an Atlas premier
over there tonight. ard most OF the
Atlas stars are there"
But I'm sure-you see, he was
coming here"
The girl at the Atlas studio
laughed. We'll, sister, Mr.. Frago-
net always was absent minded
about those things"
Angrily 10 replaced the receiver.
He'll surely come" she thought.
he wouldn't let me down like this
the very first night. Something