The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-04-19
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Steve had a roadster, very long,
very low. very quiet, To keep the
wind from blowing Hilda's hair he
took the square scarf from around
her neck and tied II over her head
Gypsy fashion. His hands fumbled
with the tying.
Guess I'm not exactly the tops
as a lady's maid" he laughed.
Hilda smiled into his eyes, so
close to hers, and dropped her
lashes.
Don't do that"
why"
Nothing TO Say
II suppose no one has ever told
YOU that you have the most de-
moralizing eyes in the world. The
skin under her chin was delicious
ly warm and soft.
Moo, in Chicago maybe, but
never the world" Her hands
touched his. Perhaps l should
tie it,"
There, it's done" turning from
her reluctantly. IAN set now ?"
They wound up the gradual de-
cline and hit Wiltshire. Steve
pointed out the hotels. the glitter
ing night spots, the Brown Derby.
We'll have dinner there some
night" he said of countless places.
Hilda was appreciative in a
quiet. restrained way. The effort
to be gay and talkative had been
great. She sat very still beside
Steve. small hands tightly clasped
in her lap.
Seething with thoughts of Keith
she wanted to talk Of him. Steve s
very apparent lack OF sympathy
toward his brother kept her
silent. With that topic closed to
her there seemed nothing left to
say.
They stopped at a swanky res
taurant on Sunset. Steve checked
Hildas cheap little coat with his.
She fluffed out her sleeves.
I'm frightened, Steve she
murmured. I've never been to a
place like this" Men and women
thronged the foyer. Laughing
chattering groups went down the
stairs to the bar, others came up
Hilda moved close to Steve like q
shy child.
A Spell
"Just keep in mind that you IA
the most beautiful girl here HI
encouraged her. THAT all thu
other girls are envious of you anc
all the men are wondering who 20,
are. Not one has passed without
at least two glances."
THE girls are envious because
I'm with YOU" she said prettily.
He laughed. And the men wan
to give me black eye
They were seated at small
table overlooking the lights o
Beverly Hills, Hilda looked an
gasped with pleasure.
Its beautiful. Steve - beauti
ful,"
"One of the most stupendou
sights in the world" he admitte
proudly.
Your remarks cover a lot c
territory, Steve. Ny eyes and tn
view" She laughed at him.
He glanced up from the menl
81 may be wrong about the vie"
but not your eyes"
Steve ordered. referring to he
for preferences. She made n
move TO open the menu. The
danced and. for few brief me
ments. Hilda forgot that sh
should be dancing with Keith.
Dancing they said nothing. tn
smooth floor and soft, enticin
; rhythm cast spell over then
They were one in delicious motor
Going back to the table Hid
said. You're the most wonderfl
dancer in the world and Afric,
Steve" Her engaging little tinkl
of laughter accompanied IN
words.
~ detect sarcasm in that re
mark"
only trying TO keep even wit
you" Her hair swished. the col
ners OF her eyes crinkled as sh
laughed into his eyes.
Then III leap ahead. As
terpsichorean partner you're tel
! rifle"
Il might take that either way.
, Someone called. Hi. Steve
. and he half turned. stopping, HI
, hand on Hiida's arm. Three pei
sons. q man and two girls. smile
at them from nearby table.
Cool Reception
That is. the man grinned. or
Of the girls waved and nodded, u
other only half smiled with watei
full eyes. The man. with hit
difficulty, got up. Hilda felt thu