Evening star., 1937-10-08
CHAPTER XVII.
Adaptation and rrangement-copyrish by
Metrn= @ old uvn Ma ver Cnrn 1nac

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corp, 1887.
Waldo looked at Felice and said
erazily, II guess that's that" Felice
was pretty, blond and practical She,
too, had for long time felt the over
oppressiveness of Margit Agnew's
routines and schedules However,
she had been paid an excellent salary
and she had submitted to them With
no worse resentment than an occas-
sional grudging indignation. When
Waldo had asked her to luncheon that
day she had first requested permission
from Margit. And Margit, who was
facing graver things, had assented
only because Mrs. BLY, had suggested
it would be better to have Felice
look after Waldo than nobody.
Felice had always thought of Waldo
Beaver as nice little guy-a sort of
intelligent CaSpar Milquetoast-but
at lunch that day he had been full of
spirit. After lunch they had taken in
a motion picture, three cocktail bars,
q restaurant with good orchestra and
four night clubs. She had amused
herself by teaching Waldo the rhumba
Felce was a worldly girl, and her
first reaction to the news that Mar
git had departed was one of distinct
pleasure. After all, Waldo's fiancee
had run away. Waldo had presented
Irene to Charlie in fact. That put
Waldo back on the list of available
bachelors-and Felice had by no
means intended to remain Margit Ag-
news private secretary all her life.
She now took the arm of the shat
tered Mr.. Beaver and led him into the
drawing room, where fire was still
burning in the hearth. She made
herself comfortable and as appealing
ss possible, and she said, It'll be sort
Of a relief to have the house to our
selves for few days-won't it?"
Waldo drew quivering breath. "I
don't know" He sat down in the chair
facing the divan which Felice had
claimed. These things frighten me-"
Felice shrugged one shoulder and
smiled. They shouldn't, Waldo. For
3 whole year I've been thinking that
you were pretty swell guy. 1t took
lot of restraint to let Margit run your
life without protesting and you did 1t
gracefully. Now all that's sort of
smashed up. The thing to do is to
relax and have a good time. You've
got me for company"
Waldo was jittery and his eyes were
Tar away. Il feel just like an oyster
exposed TO the sunshine. My nerves
are a-twingle.S
She nodded sympathetically. why
don't you come over her and sit down
beside me?"
"Eh?"
IT said-sit over here" She made
her words emphatic
oh" Waldo was accustomed to
commands-but he sat down beside
Felice with definite reluctance.
She paused moment to plan her
campaign. You're pretty shaken
by finding that Margit has left"
''To the roots"
"But you were telling me at the
Sungle Club that you were going to
be independent from now on. You
said you'd found new courage be-
ieve it. I can see it in your eye. If
you'n just let me massage the back
OF your neck it will relieve some Of
that tension" She began to massage
and Waldo began to fidget more than
ever. She made her voice husky and
provocative Nov that you've found
this new courage, you ought to use 1t
to meet every situation. You ought to
give way to your impulses. Let your
self go. Do as you please. Be a
man"
Waldo sat up straight and looked at
her. She imagined that he was going
to seize her and kiss her-because an
expression of sudden determination
had come into his eyes. He said, II
will"
She leaned toward him. "Fine!"
II will do just as I please! !
hadn't ought to be frightened-had
r."
Felice made the great light dawn
In her eyes. "No-Waldo-dear
II ought to turn my impulses oi
fear into action!"
She whispered, "That's what
mean"
To her intense disappointment
Waldo stood up and took severa
angry steps. cts just what Charlie
said! I'm still under the influenc,
of Margit! I should fight that in
duence with every ounce Of M
strength"
YES" murmured Felice from tn
divan. And I can help you a grea
deal"
He studied her. II am sure 70
can. I've got to get mad! I al
mad!! You promise to help me?"
I'll do-anything-to help yo1
Waldo
Excellent" He stood for momer
silently arming himself with more an
yet more rage. Felice waited tremu
ously-congratulating herself upon tt
astute way in which she had manage
him. In another moment he wou
take her in his arms. From tn
point it would be easy to suggest tn,
they get married right away. She
move him up to Westchester-a charm
ing little house, pleasant people
play bridge with-cocktails evel
evening" dash of suburban intrig,
when Waldo got boring-everythil
cozy and rosy.
Waldo reached the apex of
emotion. Together We'll put an er
to Margit's tyranny. Shake!"
A shake was little disappointil
under the ircumstances-but, the
Waldo was a pretty timid person.
They shook Then he said. "Paci
IT was o. K. after ALL
"nl rout Paul out. He'll drive u
She was electrified, ecstat
'+Where are we going?" she mu
INJURED. He looked at her in ut1
ama1ement "Where?" he answert