The Washington times., 1937-08-31

to view her costume. According to
his instructions she was wearing
around her neck, the golden pen
dant hanging from its slender
chain.
"At the end of your first appear.
ance, you will join a lady and gen.
tleman who will be sitting at your
table against the wall. She is a
charming, wealthy woman. You
will give her, as souvenir Of the
occasion, the pendant and chain.
You will do it discreetly, mar
quise."
She agreed.
From a pocket of his suit, he
produced a pearl necklace. This
is an excellent imitation. You will
wear it at your second appearance,
at half past eleven. During the
singing of "Auld Lang Syne,"
everyone in the club will join in a
big circle on the floor. shall place
next to you beautiful, red-haired
young lady. AS the lights go out.
you will unfasten the safety catch
and in the darkness will give her
the necklace. That will be a grar
cious and unique gesture"
Seeing Toni look puzzled, he
went on: I'VE are distributing
souvenirs among our guests. But
these two ladies are very special
clients, so I arrange a surprise, a
little something extra"
THINKS OF PARENTS
AS she dressed, Toni thought Of
her parents at the ranch in Cali
fornia. She longed to be with them,
reassure them of her love.
The club had been transformed
for the Pastoral Fete.
A carpet of realistic.looki
grass had been stretched over the
dance floor, with haystacks here
and there, and live sheep-washed
and perfumed!-and ducks, and
besmocked farm workers!
Her first song won rounds Of
applause. She sang three encores.
Then she headed for her own
table. A lady and gentleman were
there, as Niklas had informed her.
Almost Immediately, the lady
admired her gold pendant and
chain. That gave Toni the required
opening. She offered them to the
woman who, protesting at first,
but obviously pleased, accepted
them. Toni helped her fasten the
trinket about her throat.
AS she did so, she was conscious
of a man seated nearby watching
this action closely.
A waiter came quietly UP to
Toni. May speak to you a min
ute, marquise?"
She had seen concern on his
face. Excusing herself, she moved
aside with the waiter.
"A telephone call from Cali.
fornia, for you, madame. 1t
seems your mother is very sick.
You were to be told to go to her
as soon as possible. Then the con-
nection was cut off. I am sorry"
Toni turned pale. you are
sure?"
Positively, marquise."
That hateful title: Her darling
mother. i'll. wanting her, and she
was 5000 miles away +. E!
She fastened to her dressing
room. Zephrine had arrived, bear
ing a telegram. Toni fairly
snatched 1t from her.
MOTHER HURT
CATCH PLANE TONIGHT
AS YOUR MOTHER MET ACCI.
DENT WILL MEET YOU AIR
PORT SAN FRANCISCO"
It was signed by her father.
The clock on her dressing table
indicated that it was now almost
half-past 8.
Toni, assisted by Zephrine, tore
off her elaborate wig and gown
and struggled into her street
clothes.
Her weeks salary had just been
paid by Niklas-$100-plus q Sec
ond hundred as a New Year
bonus. 1t was hidden at the bot
tom of her make up box. It
would suffice for the trip.
But you must inform Monsieur
Niklas," urged Zephrine. you
must tell him the urgent reason
for rushing off. marquise."
mo, mol" She stopped the
maid. HE would prevent my
going. Do not say anything. Just
get me ready"
A few minutes later she dashed
out Of the clubs back exit. She
looked up and down the street for
a taxi, but there was none in
sight.
( A long. low car was drawn up at
! the curb.
! Guv Halstead.Flagg was stand.
ing nv it, his chauffeur at the
wheel:
This was no time to think Of
ouarrels! Brokenly. she told him
her dilemma. He offered to rush
her to the Newark airport. They
got inside.
ITO BE Continued
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