The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-03
Chapter 10
why Did I Gomez

Chapter18
why Did / Gomez
a LLAN'S boat arrives Thursday
= and ] shall be in New York. al
the Lancaster Wednesday"
Noel had been expecting it, but
somehow the significant written
words before her set her heart
beating wildly. She re-read Mrs.
Marchand's letter from Claiborne
until sentences danced before her
eyes.
VIII it always be like this?--she
thought despairingly - will every
mention OF him hurt as much? She
knew an emotion like this wasn't
fair to David, and tried to steel
herself into calm acceptance of
Allan's return.
Allan's coming on Thursday
Going to the theater in the eve
ming, the wheels of the cab seemed
to whir out the message-never
stopping until it was like a ham,
merbeating against her brain. And
N the third act reunion scene with
Gerald, she almost forgot for a
moment it was Susan welcoming
Paul. Her heart wished it so fer
vently, she felt for an instant as if
it were Noel and Allan coming
back to her.
1--we got a headache" she'plead-
ed to Anita Swanstrorn when the
producers wife came to her dress
ing-room and invited her to Join
their party at the Cairo.
you're becoming a hermit"
Anita admonished her. When
Douglas added his persuasion and
told her David was waiting in the
Office for them, Noel surrendered.
She put on one of her evening
gowns she kept at the theater for
just such emergencies and pinned
on the orchids which David sent
daily.
Don't you feel well, my sweet?"
David held her hand in the car as
the four were driven to the club.
They were meeting Anita's friends
at the Cairo.
"Just slight headache" Noel
replied in a tired voice. She wished,
just then, David didn't make such
q display of his affections before
other people. And Immediately she
was penitent for the disloyal
thought.
II shouldn't have come" Noel
thought distraitly while she danced
with David. This is the spot, her
heart was telling her, as they
moved slowly around the crowded
fooE where he kissed me a few
months ago. 1t made tonight and
all that had happened since New
Years Eve disappear into a vague
unreality. =
In spite of Noels resolutions to
remain for a little while it was
nearly four when David left her
on at her hotel They'd gone on to
Riley's for breakfast after leav-
ing the Cairo and because David
seemed to have such a pleasant
time, she stayed on with the
others.
Some day soon I'll see Allan
and maybe when I do, it won't be
30 bad. And some day won't feel
anything at all except love for Da-
vid." That's what she said, trying
to coax sleep. And believed it--she
had tol
Noel stayed in her dressing
room after the Wednesday matt
nee. She sent Clarabelle out for
some hot soup and coffee, tried to
take short sleep, and that fail
ing, read internationally. Mrs. Mar
chand called her there.
81 don't want to disturb you If
you're busy, Noel" she apologized.
"But ] couldn't reach you at your
hotel"
Noel warmed to the sound of the
pleasant mature voice. Mrs. Mar
chand explained she was seeing
again Susan Is Waiting. I've
asked Mr.. Whittaker-po6r man,
4 don't think he gets out much"
You'll come backstage after
wards, and bring him?" Noel
asked cordially.
"A Fine Actress
A RICHIE, the Mouse, as Allan had
"A called him affectionately. was
warmly enthusiastic when he
greeted Noel. 81 had no idea you
were such q fine actress, Miss Mar
chand, and the pla.' is delightful"
"Yes. it's lovely play" Noel re-
torted. ANY experienced actress
would be good in my part"
81 won't have you saying that,
Mrs. Marchand interrupted. "You
are perfect in it. I liked it even
better tonight than at the opening.
ft grows on one. And ] cried again
ct the end Of the first act"
Noel exchanged polite converse
tion with the 'ex-school teacher.
~Tf you'll give me a few moments,
I'll getof this makeup and change
into my clothes" she remarked.
As Mrs. Marchand started to
leave with her escort, Noel sug-
Eested:
Td like you to wait here, if you
want TO-"
We'll Join you shortly" she
added TO Mr.. Whitaker.
Sitting at her makeup table,
rubbing cold cream over her face,
Noel said, staring into the mirror:
81 always feel better, just talk
ing to you. ! can't believe that q
few months ago. ! hadn't met you"
Mrs. Marchand shook her head