The Washington times., 1937-07-24

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"stolen!" said Cassie. "Of
course, it was stolen, Toni. You
must have know that"
How should I? I had no idea
where they got it."
"Of course not, kid. Let me see
it," Cassie tore off the wrapping,
and, to their utter amazement,
out tumbled what looked like a
NANCY old cat!
Toni was speeches.. Dumb
founded. The two girls stared at
the cheap imitation. 1t was ter
rible.
Finally Cassie found her voice.
Darling, the old sucker game!
You know there's one born every
minute!" she chortled.
FATTY" Gusheim. the director,
kept Toni a little late after the
show.
He had important business to
discuss with her. The principal
in the Monte Carlo yachting scene
had a touch of laryngitis. Toni
had a nice voice. He'd like to
hear it solo. Maybe, tomorrow
night, she could substitute?
He suggested a late supper at
Dawes Blue Room.
The Importance of her career
in mind, Toni accepted.
He ordered champagne. Toni
partook of it sparingly. He urged
her to take more.
Say, why can't girl Of your
good looks loosen up a bit?" he
asked irritably.
But you wanted to hear my
voice. Champagne won't do 1t
any good" she excused herself,
speaking placatingly.
You'll have the addition to-
morrow morning. Well set it
for noon. That'll give you plenty
of time for sleep. Don't worry"
There was something in his tone
and words she did not like. Nor
was she surprised. though consiu-
erably dismayed, when presently
he suggested that they go up to
his apartment.
IT have a piano there" he
added, seeing her look. We'll
have a preliminary try-out. What
Say?"
He waited for her answer.
"vYhy," S a m m cred TOT l.,
there's a piano right here in this
room. and an accompanist." The
place was rather empty at the mo-
ment. She was cornered. AS an
alternative she would rather sing
here than risk a visit to the mans
apartment. 1.-The accompanies is
sure to know my songs, and I
don't think the management
would mind. Do let me-"
At this moment, the manager
stopped for a word with the dl-
rector, and Toni plunged into her
request.
wed be delighted" said the
manager. Before Fatty could say
anything, he beckoned the man
at the piano, and Toni and he had
a conference.
She was anxious to sing now, to
get 1t over, before more people
came into this late night spot. Yes.
she knew French. She'd prefer to
sing in French, as did the leading
lady of the yachting scene for
whom, provided she gave a salts.
factory performance, she would
substitute tomorrow night.
Toni went over to the orchestra
stand. Her heart was thudding.
She would conquer her nervous
ness. The ripping cords ran up
and down the piano "J'ai Deux
Amours. Mon Pays ct Paris" sang
Toni, in her throaty contralto.
At the conclusion of the song
came a burst of applause. A slim,
Sallow-looking man, who seemed as
though he had been poured into his
evening clothes, so perfectly they
fitted, clapped loudest, from his
table in the restaurant.
Bis! Bis! core!" he ex-
claimed. Toni had quick confer
ence with the pianist. Then she
went into the exquisite strains of
'Parlez Moi d'Amour."
A curious, hungry sort of look
was on Fatty Gusheim's face as she
returned to the table. Thank
heaven the ordeal was over! And
by the applauSe-it was even now
ringing out surely she had acquit-
ted herself fayorably?
Mice voice. and nice delivery"
said Fatty. He added, suddenly
gripping her hand under the table
Lets get out of here. and go up
to my place." He. beckoned the
waiter and paid the check.
Please, no. I'm terribly tired.
I'll go right home" said Toni out
side, signaling a passing taxi and
holding her hand out to the direc-
tor. "I1l be at the Casino at noon
tomorrow, for the addition. And
thank you a thousand times for
giving me this chance!"
Fatty ignored her hand. He
mumbled something that sounded