The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1935-09-20

as she looked around the lounge, to her
awoke.
Tonight some freak had prompted
tne m1ilionaires to appear in full eve
y dress. Hitherto, as though to
marx he difference between the other
guests and themselves, they had not
changed for dinner, appearing in the
0reeches and shorts Of the daytime.
although they were now far too Or
nate for the occasion they were x
ceedingly good to look at. The girls
were like a swarm of brilliant butter
lies, quivering with. color and life. Mitzi
was alluring and exquisite in an amaz-
ing backless gown Of black velvet; her
nails n lips were vivid coral, and the
loose waves of her silvery hair SHIN
mered like moonlight.
l. They have something which is
beautiful" thought Stella. "They have
youth"
She glanced anxiously at Ivan, who
was glowering at Mitzi as he sprawled
IN one Of the chairs which the mil
lionaires had grown to regard as their
especial property. Presently he was
tackled by one of Mitzi's special young
men whom every n called Pony"
This youth was the richest member
OF the party and incidentally not a
f~avorite dish with Stella; he was spoilt,
sophisticated, and brainless. His grin
Il say. Miss Cross wants her chair.
Do you mind frightfully?"
II do" snarled Ivan. But if she's
bought the chair she shall have it when
she shows me the receipt"
The youth started, stared, and then
turned away with a shrug.
WAS that necessary" asked Stella,
speaking to Ivan in a low, soothing
voice. "Why do you let these people
make you unhappy? Soon you'll never
see them again. Forget them"
passion. Look at them. Dancing,
drinking, laughing. They are always
laughing"
"And you're jealous because they
laugh. You could laugh, too
I'm not a hyena nor yet a grlnnlng
! ape .. Look at that girl. You're a
worker. Have you ever worn a oress
like hers?" l.,
mo, but I don't envy her. You and
I have the luck because we have JOBS,
while these people are all on the dole.
They must be so bored . Can't you
realize you're above them? You have
personality-power."
It was second nature with Stella to
smooth rough places. Her motel eXper-
fence had taught her to regard dis
satisfied guests as so many fractions
| children to be Gained. She fed Ivan
with spoonfuls of grossest flattery
through sheer force of habit.
It came to her as a shock of surprise
when he swallowed her bait.
you're right" he said. IT am o
them. I'll show them. I'll show them
"I can influence him." she Thought
as she watched him rise to his feet.
| She felt something of the thrill OF the
engine driver when he controls a run
away machine.
I'm going to give her one last
| chance" said Ivan. 1T is in her power
to save the lot of them"
Still acting in the grand manner ne
crossed to Mitzi, made a low boW, and
pointed in the direction of his empty
chair.
"It's yours" he said
Mitzi accepted the courtesy with quite
a gracious nod and half a smile. But
even as Stella drew a deep breath of re-
lief the girl gingerly picked up the
greasy cushion - against which Ivan'S
head had rested-and pitched it on the
floor.
AS it was not clean the action might
have been a precaution TO protect her
frock. Besides, Mitzi was the kind of
construed it as a deadly insult.
His lips quivered with fury as he
strobe from the lounge. There wa a
burst of laughter as he went, but Stella
shuddered, for she had seen his eyes.
She started at the sound of Lewis
voice.