The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-05-28
=: CONTRACT WIFE
,NCAc.o
BY LOUISE HOLMES

Yesterday: Pat, adopting a
stage makeup, decides to substi-
tute for her cousin as secretary
tosthe actor, Don Monterey. Her
cousin leaves to wed in Minnea-
polls.
CHAPTER II
Pat took TriSSy to the depot on
Monday morning. II had been a
weekend of hilal'ity, sudden
tears, gay conversation and long
doubtful SilenceS. When the train
finally Numbered out of the sheds
and Pats was left standing alone,
she felt her first dreadful moment
of panic. Gone was the necessity
of convincing TriSSy that her plan
was perfectly feasible, gone too
was any confidence she might
have felt in the wild scheme. The
imminent prospect of facing Don
Monterey caused little ShudderS
10 run the length of her spine and
now the whole affair seemed pre-
poSteriouS, fantastic.
Pats wa STRESSED for the part.
The sun glasses had been replac-
ed by hOrn-rimmed SpcctacleS
which, decidedly tinted, gave her
eyes a reddish Owl-likc appear
ance. All the way down Park ave
nue. she practiccd the prim pur-
sing of her lips, forcing herself to
play the part of the competent,
Self-etfacting secretary she was to
be. Determindely, she submerged
her own sparkling personality.
The thing TO do, she kept telling
herself. was 10 pretend that Don
MOnteray'S suit was merely
stage set. that the curtain was
about 70 rise. Thinking that made
II easier.
Reaching the Avalon she walk
ed briSkly through the lobby, con-
sciouS that TriSSy'S jacket hung
absurdly from her straight should
erS, that her skirt was much too
wide and Sagged a little, that her
dark blouse, with 4 touch ci re
heving white, accumulated the
grayiSh yellow Of her skin. that
her cotton gloves were diSpTItlug-
ly ugly. At Don Monterrey door
she heSitated. The sound Of volc-
cs came from within, one ShrlIly
feminine and inSiStent. the other
districted. pleading.
But | tell you Mr.. Monterey Is
in his bath" came the distracted
voice. "He hasn't had his break
fast. He's engaged for the morn
ing" The voice had nasal quail
itv. a decidedly British accent.
The valet without doubt. Pats
Knocked timedly, then again more
firmly. Ignored, she opened the
door and walked i'm.
Beyond the foyer. in the
center of beautifully furnished
living room. stood two persons,
the valet. slightly stopped with
deferential Servitude, and a wo-
man with a florid. aggressive face:
81 intend TO see Mr.. Monterey,
she repeated for the third time IN
Pats hearing. Il insist upon a
personal interview with him.
Placing her hat and coat on
chair, Pats stepped calmly into
the room. With a pleasant nod TO
the surprised valet she addressed
the woman.
"Mr. Monterey only gives inter
views upon appointment. Step this
way please and veil make ar
rangementS. Two minutes later
the florid lady departed. Alone
Pats looked about her. The foyer
was literally filled with unopened
mail. fan letters, she correctly
surmised. As she frowningly sur
veyed them the valet appeared
again. ..
"Has she gone?" he Kissed.
YES" Then: Il am Miss War
rem, the new secretary.
He bowed formally. i am Sims,
Mr.. Monteray'S man"
Pats nodded gravely although
a laugh ached in her throat. The
curtain had indeed gone up. The
preliminary business was well I'M
der way. She asked a few queS-
tions and Sims answered them.
1t seemed the previous secretaries
had occupied a desk in the living
room. A very bad arrangement,
very bad according to Sims. Very
ANNOYING TO Mr.. Monterey. With
his help Pats moved the desk to
the foyer and found that the Inv
ing room door could be locked.
As they rearranged the new Of
fee Sims talked.
"Tt'S the girls and women, Miss
Warren. They won't let Mr.. Mon