Evening star., 1938-05-29


was gone before her mother could object She had
felt that the bald newspaper paragraph did not do
the subject JUSTICE it seemed to take Miss Horizons
tone. that actresses were always being robbed Doie
meant that one reporter should realize the size of
this story. A slight young man stood at bored
droop by the mantel shelf looking at photograph
of DIANA very beautiful enlargement of one taken
dozen years ago. At Dodies Il am Mrs. Par
tridges daughter, he turned and smiled
Obviously" he said, putting down the portrait.
But surely Mrs Partridge is not too upset by her
horrid experience to be interviewed? He had taken
the words out of Dodie's mouth, but he said them
with difference. The genialty with which he was
regarding her made her uneasy.
Il am afraid she is" Dodie spoke with rebuking
gravity. Reporters have been here in droves. But
l can tell you all about it,
Il shall enjoy hearing it from you" he said, again
with that effect of meaning something different
He had thin, clever face and his gray eyes had
seen so many things that nothing would astonish
them. 80 the press has been here in droves?"
Dode's head lifted. Il don't think you quite
realize my mothers importance in the theatre
What happens to her is news"
Diana Partridge has been great figure" he
assented "She is still far too good to have her jewels
stolen'
Dodie was puzzled. Il don't know what you
mean!' He looked into her candid face.
you were not with her last night"
''Oh, no. was away at school, But l rushed
home'
Il see." His geniality once more smiled on her,
but quite differently; real kindness was lit "Will
you tell me just what happened? From the be-
ginning? BY the way, my name is Leslie Gilbert
Leslie
Dodie still felt ruffled, but she forgot it in the
drama of her story. Diana herself could not have
done it better: outraged protest shudderng fright
bravely held down. the struggle over the bracelet.
the swoon, then the slow coming to and the diff
Guilty of getting her door open alone there with her
terror. Mr.. Leslie followed every word and he had
lost his bored droop. His comment startled her.
"Of course, you are going on the stage?"
"Oh, no. My mother does not want me to-"
"She can't help it and you can't help it. There is
small part in play of mine"
"A play you have written?" She was thrilled.
'Oh. are you playwright"
He smiled. Il shall be after February Il hope
should like to have you tried out for it. You would
have to work very hard you probably don't
even know how to walk yet! But you have got what
it takes.''
burning uprush of excitement met cold check.
mother. mo, can't" she said shortly. But don't
you want to ask me more about your story"
my story?"
THE stolen jewels!'
'''Oh, yes. OF course, they were insured?'
mo, they weren't"
well, that is news!" He spoke amusedly. 'Your
mother has not been playing this winter, has she?"
mo. She can't find part she likes
He rose and stood considering Dodie Il wish
you would think over my offer " he said. There is
no time to lose. And perhaps your mother would be
glad of it, now" He looked about the room. and
Dodie suddenly realized that this apartment was
not nearly good even last years. and that had
been come down. Il have discovered you, you
know, and think my manager will back me up
He is Sam Green he knows your mother have
feeling that if we launch you properly in time your
mother will recover her stolen jewelry Suppose
come up about eleven tomorrow morning and
read you the part. Think it over!" He shook
her hand. laughing to himself. and was gone
Dodie sat puzzling over what he had meant
The offer of part had left crazy elation,
h.,<c cI,o - 49,