The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-02
CHAPTER V


 Peaceful, methodical days in tho Monterey suite had come to an end Any and every hour of the day ol night Rosie descended upon tht locked apartment. She was rehears. ing for the new play and hinteC that her part in the red-heads wal meager and allowed no opportunity for her special talents. With a pro. prietary manner she dragged Dor out for dinner night after night, in. vited herself for lunch and for tea And Don seemed powerless against the surge of her attentions.
 Inwardly, Pats was a seethinl torment She looked on Rosie with an all-consuming hatred more than that, she feared her Rosie was working toward a goa! She was brazenly clever, openly seductive. Some day Don woule find himself married to her. Pat. was sure of that. Already gossir columns in the newspapers were linking their names; Don Monte. ray was distinctly that way over one of the charming red. heads. Rosie was extremely smuf after that It was as if she hac the sanction of the press.
 Pats was unable to sleep, un. able to eat She was in an i'm. possible situation. Her hand! were tied, her lovely personality Aost in a wig and pair of tinted glasses. Inwardly she kicked anc screamed at the fates.
 But she had underestimatec Don's will power. One morning while Rosie was rehearsing, he called Pats into the living room and closed the door.
 I'm at the end of my patience. ne blurted out, pacing back ane forth, his jaw set determinedly Pats knew he referred to Rosie but she said nothing. She had come to the place where tears trembeled behind be- eyes every time Don spoke to her. I've got to make the next move and I'm going to make it right now" he went on. Perhaps you'd better sit down while I tell you about it." Pats sank into chair, her beWildered eyes never leaving his face.
 ' need wife" he said flatly "If I had wife I'd get some peace from designing females. You've seen me suffer-" He laughed shortly. That's why I'm asking you to be generous enough to marry me-"
 Fats gasped, as if he had thrown ice water in her face.
 ThiS is my proposition, he continued in a business tone. "You are the only woman know who does not irritate me, who al- lows me a little life of my own. You have protected me from that office like a good fellow and I'm asking you to extend that protec- tion to my private life. If agree able to you we will go quietly and be married. You will live in this I will introduce you as my wife. The world need never know the facts, that it is merely business arrangement, to be ended immediately at your wish or mine."
 Pats sat still. Objects in the room whirled about her head. In vain she sought to steady her reeling brain. desperately she tried to hear and understand what he was saying.
 My lawyer has drawn up these papers" He indicated legal document on the desk. "It's some think like a partnership or 8 cor poration subject to almost instant at the wish of either party"
 When Pats remained silent he continued. For this service I shall offer you five hundred dol lars a month and your living will be taken care of. If the agree ment is ever ended by me, and promise you on my honor that you shall have your freedom without question if you desire 1t, I will settle substantial amount upon you. Does the idea appeal to you?"
 Pats came out of her daze to ask, What would my duties be?"