The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-07-23

N~@~
was healthily hungry. She ordered
dinner. And because she was lone
ly, and embarrassed at being un-
escorted, and needed heartening,
she ordered a cocktail.
It was a good cocktail. Potent.
A little color swept into the gar
denia-like pallor of her face.
Men were looking at her. Why
worry? Wasn't she professional?
Within a week they would be
looking at her on the other side Of
the footlights.
Lights were lowered. The cur.
tains parted on the wide expanse
of an empty stage. The orchestra
struck up a waltz. People rose
fro V1the tables and, laughing and
chattering in couples and in
groups, went to the rainbow-illunlN
mated stage to dance.
Toni ordered another cocktail.
feeling dreadfully alone, yet ex-
hilarated. The floodlights shone
upon her, dimming all surrounding
tables.
Then they moved.
And as they moved, she was con-
sciouS Of a man, seated alone at
another table, looking directly at
her with strangely magnetic eyes.
A dark and handsome man with
a strong, square face and a scar
across his cheek. As his eyes met
hers and held them for moment,
she had the queerest feeling-as
though floods Of electricity washed
over her.
CHAPTER VIII
"say, even If you did fib to me
in the beginning, 1t was a darned
lucky meeting, Toni" announced
Cassie Doyle.
She was cooking scrambled eggs
and little link sausageS on an cleo
trio plate for their noon-time
breakfast, while the coffee bub.
bled. Toni had come to share her
tiny apartment.
Toni liked Cassie. She was often
amazed at her point Of view,
amused by her nonchalance, in
trigued by her bohemian ways.
The revue had been running two
weeks at the Casino, and they
were both still in it, at $40 per.
"Cute little place, isn't it?"
purred Cassie, her bright eyes COM
placently roaming over the living
room that was cluttered with use
less bric-a-brac and what-notS and
absurd souvenirs. A breeze jan
gled the bead curtains. They were
hideous, thought Toni. But she
wouldn't hurt kind, simple Cassie
by saying so.
you're a godsend, what with
Herman so much away on The
road. He's a swell locker, Her
man, and a slick business fellow.
One of these days." said Cassie
dreamily. che and neil get mar
RED"
Love?-thought Toni ironically.
She believed In love no longer.
Poor Cassie!
"say why don't you give Fatty
Gusheim a tumble, Toni?''-
Cassie dumped sausages and eggs
on two hot plates. Hes got a
crush on you, If you ask me. It's
a well known proverb, in show
business, to combine business with
pleasure"
RepreSSing a shudder, Toni
poured the coffee, measured the
right quantity Of evaporated milk.
my minds on my career, Cassie,
which has started nicely, thanks
to you and old Bridget"
But you can push the cared
along lot quicker If you're nice
to Fatty. You know, in his way
he's not a bad sort. Course, I
have Herman"
Toni sighed and Cassie deSisted.
There was something differenet
about Toni-a kind Of haughtineSS,
Righteousness. that stopped you.
You just couldn't take liberties. +"
Presently, the apartme n t
SCralgnCeneQ, Toni went OUT LOT
her early afternoon walk. Rain or
shine, nothing stopped her. Cassie
was lazier. But then, Cassie fig.
ured that her own work in TIE
revue was more strenuous, what
with the dancing.
In an hour, Toni was back, car.
rying a bundle. She was excited.
She had got a record bargain.
II was walking along Forty-fifth
Street, when mysterious car with
two men in it pulled up alongside
me. and one Of them leaned out
and, looking around to see that
there was no one near, told me ne
had a magnificent silver fox to
dispose Of. and would I look at it?"
Eyes. Go on. I've wanted one
myself, but they're terribly expen.
Sive," said Cassie practically, add.
ing: Nov if you'd only be nice
to fatty Gusheim-"
Ito Be Continued
Copyright, 1887. by King Features