The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-06-01
CHAPTER "

The days passed quickly, beconi- ing more clock-like with every pass ing hour. Pats ran her little office with a master hand. She wrote let ters, answered the telephone, hand- led love-sick fefI1ininity, reporters and budding authors with tactful efficiency. And she learned to wait with feverish anticipation for the rare times when Don sent for her, when she found him tumbled as to hair, exultant with creative prowess.
 At these times he needed a lis- tener. His self-imposed exile lack ed the one thing to which he was accustomed, companionship. To him she was not personality, simply a human being who would listen. Stubbornly she clung to her self effacing role.
 She was desperately lonely. As the plain and capable Miss Warren she dared have no contacts with anyone and so carefully did she live her part that her own gay, fun- loving self became almost a strang- CT. Night after night she sat in some obscure theater where one of Don's pictures was having second or third run and at these times she was neither Pats nor Miss Warren. She was dreamy eyed woman in love.
 One evening, remaining late to finish her work, Pats went to the drug store for a sustaining matted milk. Stepping from the elevator o nher return she saw a girl en- ter her office. The living room door beyond stood open. As plans for the circufnvention of the girls obvious intention fitted through her mind, Don appeared in the act of closing the door.
 Rosie :" he gasped and Pats received the impression that his cordiality was more than a little forced. Rosie-that was the name of the girl whose letter he had refused to answer. How are you?" He extended his hand but she girl ignored it. With a glad cry she threw her arms around ais neck and kissed him lingeringly.
 
 The girl was pretty in a hard, brittle way. She was tall and willowy, her hair was definitely red, her eyes luminously brown. Pats, busying herself at the desk, could not help hearing every word that was said. She thought the gi4l a trifle ovepdone, too perfect as to lipstick and rouge, the waves of her hair too painfully even, the little curls in front of her ears too obviously arranged.
 "I thought you were in Holly wood," Don said, extricating him- self from the girls embrace. ''What happened to your con- tract?"
 s1t was a beastly contract" Rosie complained. T walked out on it."
 "Not a very wise procedure in the picture game" Don com- mented mildly.
 Rosie's tone became Sweetly ag- grieved. T was lost without you. Don." Hesitating the fraction of a second, she asked, childishly wistful, You wanted me to come, didn't you?"
 Naturally I'm glad to see you," the gentleman in Don responded.
 knew you would be, Don," she went eagerly on. T have an idea. You know Baker is produc- ing another red-head show in New York. It's the chance I've been waiting for. You'll help me get in, won't you?"
 "Now listen, Rosie" Don's tone was faintly exasperated.
 T knew you wouldn't fail me-" she interrupted. You're my own darling and of course you'll help me" Her voice fairly dripped with ingratiating sweetness.
 Honestly I'd like to, Rosie. You know I've always helped you in the past, but I have no drag with Baker"
 Don't be silly, Don" Out of the corner og her eye Pats saw the brilliant Rosie cross the room and perch herself on the arm of Don's chair. A consuming fury suddenly possessed Pat. "Don, darling" Rosie cooed, with her cheek pressed to his. You would- mt let me down. All I need is an introduction to Baker"
 Sorry, Rosie" He disengaged her clinging arms and got to his