The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1936-11-30

/ open the ciuD. ~ m nVt bVVu
then the word win get around
and It will give his dream
frightful setback"
Payson laughed. Don't wor-
~ about Garland. He knows
what he's doing, Julia. And as
for your not being q Knockout
that's nonsense"
One thing seemed certain - the
opening night would be q success
Already Garland had issued his
publicity and newspaper advertis-
ing, and the reservations were
flooding in. Smith Garland was
known as a night club owner who
gave the customers something
extra for their money, and his
two existing clubs were popular.
Julia hardly recognized herself
in the advertisements and posters.
She hadn't seen proofs Of the pho
tographs for which she'd sat all OF
one morning. They were sent to
Garland for acceptance or rejection
and he had accepted, Julia saw,
only the most dashing and provo
cative ones.
Nobody would ever dream
that was Julia Craig she told
Amy one afternoon, pointing to an
advertisement which featured her
picture.
"It isn't" Amy said comfort
ably. TITS Nadine White. And
you know, ! think I'd better start
calling you Nadine, before I slip
up in public some time"
"If you dare stop calling me
Julia I'll - I'll install another
mirror In the bathroom!"
On the opening night the town
realized that the White Club was
everything Smith Garland had
promised. Illuminated by search
lights mounted on the building
across the street, the new club
shone resplendently with its tall
white pilasters and wide doors Of
Mediterranean blue. And the in
terror struck the patrons breathless
when they first glimpsed its simple
beauty Of line.
The walls were high and white,
seeming to reach a summer night
sky Of dark blue. The chars,
and the settees along the wall.
were in white leather, and even
the carpeting was white-the lat
ter representing Garland's vic
tory in a strenuous argument
with his head janitor,
Walters wore white jackets,
and the band white evening clothes
But wherever this stunning absence
OF color threatened to become mon
otonous, Garland's decorator had
inserted a touch of blue. It was in
deed a triumph Of setting.
But the public Is critical. Those
who had paid good prices for first
night tables would be quick to see
where Smith Garland had missed.
Garland knew this; and all he had
to comfort him was the parallel
knowledge that the public is as
quick to accept and acclaim.
In Julia's dressing room he
told her this. But I'm not say
ing 1t will be easy" he added.
They like the place, and they
like the dance music. They like
the food - and now they're out
there wondering how they'll like
you. Yours is the hardest Job of
all, Nadine. You have to cap the
climax"
Good grief, SMITH" Julia
heard a familiar voice in the
doorway and looked up to see
Tom Payson striding toward her.
Don't scare the girl to deathl'
Payson touched her shoulder.
You'll knock 'em dead, Julia"
Thanks, Tom." said Julia
shakily.
Just one song" Garland warn
ed. And an encore If they beg for
1t. This first night Is tough on you
and II you're weak we don't want
them to get onto It," Then he left
the dressing room In his quick nerv-
Gus stride.
Payson laughed. Don't mind
him, Julia. He's so excited he
doesn't know what he's doing"
Hes excited?" exclaimed Julia.
What do you think l."
She stopped quickly. A tiny
gren light flashed on the wall.
She stood up, quickly arranged
her long white gown. Its my
number" she whispered.
Good luck, kid. I'll be out
there leading the cheering"
As she walked out into the spot
light there was no applause as
there was that first night on Tony
Latta's gambling ship. Suddenly
Julia realized that Garland's pub
licity has been so extended as to
arouse their skepticism. In effect.
their silence meant, I'VE know no.
thing about you yet, Nadine White.
We're waiting to learn If what we've