Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1938-03-21
CHAPTER z

xMY THOUGHTS aren't worth
a bright green stamp" Barbara
answered Jack Metcalf's careless
bet. She was remembering,
though. that there had been a
scene in one of Jacks books which
might have been played by him
and Natalie. He had even de-
scribed Natalie! That, then, was
why Natalie had wanted to come
along. Did she still care for the
man, or did she know his wiles too
well tt let any other girl risk his
charms?
Barbara dismissed the matter
with shrug of green-clad Shout
ders. A Japanese servant, squat
and old, was bringing in the tea in
a copper service, and the teaket-
tie, round and old, was bubbling
on an alcoholic flame. And in the
wake of the servant came Ray
Upton.
"Hello, everybody" he greeted
them. He. crossed to Barbara.
Remember me? I'm the guy
who wanted to know you better.
I had a bunch I'd find you here.
That's why I came"
Don't believe him, Babbs,"
Natalie's voice drawled. "He has
a way of making girl think he's
on a treasure hunt and she's the
prize package. But he's a good
egg. He'll treat you WELL"
Meaning what?" Jack asked.
Natalie, haven't I bought you a
winter full of dinners and first
night seats, my love, in olden
days ?"
Natalie made. a laughing remark
but Ray was speaking again so
Barbara didn't listen.
II do mean my words, Barbara
Kingsley. You met Garry Page
last summer one night when he
missed a train at wedding and
now you are going to out Disney
Disney or something of the sort in
rhymes for children. Garry didn't
miss a thing when he told about
you. Except" drew his brows to-
gether, ''he overlooked the dimple
in your cheek, and the freckles on
your nose. and that curl that keeps
getting in your eye. I change my
mind. Mr.. Page was not a good
reporter! Anyway, he's on the
high seas, and here am"
Three or four others came pres
emily. The waiter kept passing
trays Of canapes and minute sand
witches. The lights of the city
swung through the darkness. The
tall buildings became checkered
with yellow panes of brightness.
On the street, far below, the traffic
lights changed colors and their
brilliance faded before the onrush
Of taxicao lamps, throbbing Ian
terms that firefiies could no longer
carry. The rhythm Of the city
after dark began-haunting, in
sistent. a little lonely. sobbing as
though it had lost something.
Someone turned on the radio and
found a swing band. Far out at
sea, where ship went steadily
on, maybe another radio found
that same music. Barbara felt a
little sad suddenly.
Back in Martinsville Peter
would be going into the Shanty for
a steak, or ham and eggs. Peter
he was so remote tonight. She
wished she could slip into the
chair across from him and talk.
She must write to him before she
went to sleep tonight. x
you're half, asleer so you
didn't hear the plans we're MAX
ing" Ray Ldpton said. 1--WE are
all going on to dinner somewhere
and then find activities on Fifty
second street or elsewhere. Do
you mind?"
It'd like it." She liked Ray Lip
ton. too. He was SO genuine. and
his eyes had such a funny quirk
when he. laughed. He was good
looking. too. Not as good looking
sas Garry. Better looking than
Peter-dear, homely, lovable Peter.