The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-04-06

CYLVIA fell In love with Jerry
~ Peterson year before he be-
came aware Of her except as a sub
dued, mothlike presence in the
bizarre apartment that was suit
able frame for Mazda Arnold's
exotic beauty.
The actress had introduced them
casually; Jerry, this is Miss March,
my indispensable secretary. She re-
lieves me of so many unpleasant
duties"
Her subtle way of Boosting that
she need not consider a pretty
blond. IS years her junior, as a
possible rival. In fact, she made
point OF having Sylvia present at
her cocktail parties. Apparently it
amused her to flaunt her power in
the face of youth.
Sylvia knew this and did not care
much until the attractive young
playwright was presented to her.
But, met with Jerry Petersons po-
lite, empty gaze, smoldering re-
sentiment Of five years standing
famed up in her.
Had she indeed become a colorless
nonentity no man would look at
twice? What had become of the
self-confidence she'd once possessed?
Why, in Mazda Arnolds atmosphere,
did she permit herself to fe' Moth
cred, defeated?
II 5iCkened her to recall now her
earlier ambitions had been gradu-
ally and effectively stamped out by
this woman. Five years before, she
had come to Mazda Arnold with
such high hopes of being chosen an
ingenue in one OF the popular star s
productions.
But the actress, after convincing
her that she lacked sufficient expe-
rience, had softened the blow by Of
fering her a secretarial Job, until
something better turned up A
small part, say. But that part had
not materialized. And here she had
stuck for securitys sake.
CERTAINLY she no longer had
~ any illusions about her en-
ployer
What. she wondered, was to be
Jerry Peterson's fate?
AT that time, Sylvia did not know
the reason for the black depres-
sion that swamped her after their
first meeting. Did not realize she'd
fallen hopelessly in love with the
quicksilver young man.
AS result, she very nearly con-
vented to marry her one and only
faithful sutton the following day.
Now Cole Gerard had loved her
before she graduated from dramatic
school. So years of patient waiting
made 1t simple for him to know at
a glance when something was trou-
bling her.
why won't you marry me, Syl-
via?" he pleaded, his kindly face
eager. Il may not be an exciting
fellow, but think could make you
happier than you are now"
Cole was dear, but it would be un-
fair to use him for safety curtain
when she could not return his love
in kind.
Tn the days that followed, Sylvia
j. saw the old cat-and-mouSe
game enacted between Mazda Ar
mold and her new young man. AS
6nr florn nf Int in Dot
son waned, she wantonly broke
engagements with him. She practi-
cally yawned in his face. And when
he ragged that he wouldn't enudre
such treatment, she would laugh
amusedly.
The hours they spent together
discussing and rewriting that play
deepened a chord of intimacy be-
tween Sylvia and Jerry. The girls
warm sympathy had a tonic effect
upon the discouraged young man
You're SWELL" he told her one
day. MAZDA never listens when
talk to her. You make me feel
we'll, interesting"
1t was not long before he was
noticing that her fair hair turned
golden under a kght. that her eyes
were deeply blue. and her mouth
when she was not talking, had a
tender appeal. 1t was not Ions
before he was kissing thai mouth
and discovering the yielding soft
ness of her.
NEXT day, they we're wondering
IN how to break the news to
Mazda. For, they both agreed, she
must be told some time that they
were in love. But, as days passed
and Jerry said nothing, it became
evident to Sylvia that he was con-
tent to postpone showdown until
his play was read.
When she reproached him for his
delay, he took her in his arms ano
kissed away her tears.
sweetheart, you know I love
you" he protested. Its just that
] dread antagonizing Mazda at this
time. / doubt If she cares a boot
about me, but she's used TO having
me around"
Yes, as convenient GRAND boy,
Sylvia broke in holly. "As some one
TO show of when she wants a good
looking man by her side. But what
consideration do you owe her? Has
she kept her word and used her in
fiuence to get one of your plays pro-
duced?"
He redeemed. 'I guess I've still
got a lot to learn"
She wanted to shake him! ooh
Jerry, your stuff is Brilliant" she
insisted. But you'll never come
through until you pull away from
MAZDA. Don't you know by now that
she doesn't want any one around
her to be successful? She wants the
whole spotlight wherever she goes.
o.
LIE looked uncomfortable. well
Il j. you can't blame her when vol
know how hard she fought for hei