The Dayton forum. [volume] (Dayton, Ohio) 1913-1949, 1937-06-18
Love Was More important
to This Might Club Singer
Than +he
Spotlight Of
Acclaim

r AIRY BENTLEY was foremost OF
- the little cluster about the enter
tainers' entrance. His mouth was open.
His eyes we're wide with surprise. He
watched as every one from the cooks
helper to the most beieweled customer
was watching, the figure OF the slim girl
beside the piano. He listened. as they
ali listened. and II he trembled little
more than any other OF Virginia Cor
dons thrilled audience, it was because
he was losing very important bet
When she had finished her song she
looked toward Larry. Her eyes shone.
Her face was flushed. radiant She
started toward him through q wave OF
deafening applause. not the least Of
which was contributed by that young
man IN white tie and tails.
Then she was called for an encore and
another After that she ran off the floor
of the supper club and Larry caught her
In his arms.
..Darlingi" she exclaimed hreathlessly
as they pushed through the cooks and
hushoys gathered In the alley to the
dressing rooms.
His voice 9as husky jimmy You've
been holding out on a pal Where Gid
yon learn TO sing like that?"
Impetuously. she kissed his cheek
Come IN d minute, Larry, She said and
pushed open the door OF her room.
He followed, grinning broadly yet with
jast tinge Of fllrtiye pain In his eyes.
That bet had seemed such q good idea.
He shut the door against the familiar
strains Of the orchestra swinging tune.
@Well,' he said II conceds the bet.
i've been dong the yodling IN this place
SO long. guess got sWell-headed. /
never thought there might DO other
voices beside mine"
She looked back at him through this
mirror where she Was trying to effect an
arrangement between heightened natural
color, flushed with the enthusiastic ac-
ceptance Of her song. and her makeup
Larry she said happily, don't talk
like that. 1 love your voice.
We made d little het,a he reminded
with chagria, that You could take my
place on song and get better hand
than did. Or Il you lost then we'd get
married Well. you won. jimmy girl. So
we don't get married, But I'm glad Tor
you" he added with hasty. awkward
sincerity.
She looked at him archly.
Glad. because won't have to marry
you2" she asked But I'm going to
marry you anyway. You know wouldn't
hold you to such bet Besides, Larry
Bentley, do you think I want to do
nothing but work all my life?'
she said the words lightly, smiling into
the glass, Larry did not reply. He drew
cigarette case, extracted one and
tapped it thoughtfully Still he did not
speak. He ficked lighter and pulled
smoke slowly.
jimmy looked around curiously
"Larryla
He grinned bravely "Huh?s
You are going to marry me. anyway
wen talk about it later I've one
more song and then Well find a little
restaurant and eat spaghetti and cheese
with little.
Larry Bentley What are you think
ing?"
VI.
voice is big time, jimmy Big time. Now.
give me a kiss and stop arguing. I've
gotta go to work
She tilted her head and he bent to
kiss her. His lips just brushed hers,
then suddenly le crushed her to him. A
stif1ed sound escaped his lips, almost a
sob 1t was such kiss as a man might
give where he expected no more Of his
might follow
Then he wtirled The tail of his black
coat flicked in the doorway and the door
shut after his passage. He went through
his act thoroughly but without heart
He was not surprised that the applause
though generous, was far less than that
which had been the girls reward.
rTNHEN he went directly to the mussy
: little dressing room of his own and
quickly changed the white tie for one Of
black and substituted tuxedo coat and
vest for the more formal attire In which
he sang and danced. AS he Strengthened
the tie before his three-sided mirror.
there was a rattling knock on the door
He called and Sam portman came in
Sam had little black mustache, two
sharp little dark eyes. a generous figure
and nearly bald head
Larry" he said without preliminary
''you gotta help me"
The younger man did not turn around
She wouldn't sign your contract?" he
asked with faint bitterness.
THE ntIaar man ctarfed q II fIp nIiartir,,,
How did you know offered her one2'
ne asked suspiciously. did you-"
No. didn't" Larry said with an aii
OF weariness.
Hmm. She says she's going 10 gel