The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-01-20
Chapter Six
Supper Party

Chapter Six
Supper Party
COME Of the newly awakened
- Christmas spirit went out Of
New York with Mrs. Marchand--
Noel wouldn't admit Allan had
something to do with it too.
Mother and son went back to
Claiborne on Sunday. Allan sug-
gested he might return before the
holidays and would call Noel.
Torn between pleasant anticipa-
ton Of spending the holidays In
Claiborne and her avid desire to be
on with the new play, Noel awoke
early Monday morning. To hear
the bad news! Dixon, the play
wright, was Ill with influenza,
Swanstrom told her over the tele-
phone, and his doctor said it would
be weeks before he could resume
his writing.
isn't it the devii?" Swanstrom
exclaimed "Jdst when we've got
the money and are ready to go
ahead"
Couldn't we start the first two
acts?" Noel suggested, hiding her
intense disappointment.
mot on your life. ] wouldn't
make another move until I've got
the whole thing from Dixon. Wen
just have to twiddle our thumbs
now, until the first of the year"
NoePs thoughts were in tune
with the gray December day out
side. Through years of cheap stock
and her lettering e n on
Broadway she'd learned by too
many smashed hopes that an &C.
tress couldn't count on vehicle
until after the curtain went up
opening night.
When she talked 1t over with
David Norris. ne seemed as disap-
pointed as Noel
Haven't you had enough OF this
Broadway merry go round?" he
asked. "Ncel, my dear, why don't
you forget the whole messy busi-
ness and marry me now? Wen 60
as far away as YOU want. AMI when
we come back. there'n be so much
to do, you won't miss the theater
at all"
Even if | married you, David"
Noel responded with finality. "rd
never give up the stage. You I'M
derstood that from the beginning. "
She almost added. "And more than
ever. Pm not sure want to marry
you at ALL"
David was still petulant about
her Christmas plans, tried to per-
suade her to stay in New York. But
Noels mind was made up and
when David saw 1t was useless to
argue he dropped the subject
Casual luncheons, q cocktail par.
ty at a popular novelist's. dinner
with David and some of his friends
occupied the next few days.
David took Noel to a buffet sup
per party one OF his society friends
was giving over on Sutton Place
u want you to look your most
beautifully best tonight" he re-
marked ietly when he per-
suaded her to 90 with him. Noel
would have liked to 60 to bed early
and read the sad. lovely Howard
Spring book which was tlCn en-
crossing her.
But she put on her newest white
satin gown and just to please David
took particular care OF her groom
ing. She piled her grown out bob
in curls on top Of her head. catch.
ing them with a iewelled comb
And she pinned a single camellia
over her ear.
The strapless tight-fitting bodice
made her shoulders as creamy
white as gardenia petals and she
threw q red velvet cape over the
gown as she went down TO the lob
by where David was waiting.
Shocked Disappointment
MOST of the guests had arrived
IVl at the Runyon's penthouse
when David and Noel reached
there, The long. wide drawing
room was powered in white winter
flowers and lights from a huge
crystal chandelier caught the
CLEAN Of brilliant fabrics and
sparkling Jewels.
$50 many beautiful women here
tonight" Noel said to David. after
she'd left her wrap in one OF the
dressing-rooms and Joined him.
met one of them can touch you. "
David Whispered back.
Many others shared his admirinr
attitude, for he was continuously
approached and had to present
other men in the party to Noel. She
smilingly acknowledged the intro
auctions but stayed by Oavid's side
and when footman brought them
champagne cocktails, he found
seat at the far end Of the room. op-
posite the entrance.
Soon they were the center Of q
laughing group. as other couples
Joined them.
AS her eyes strayed across the
smooth floor t0'a group near the
door, Mel gasped in surprise. al
most got up. in, the pleasant UNI
expectedness of the newest arrival
Allan looking more attractive
than ever in formal, clothes. was
moving away from the door. Noel
had an impulses to call TO him but
shocked disappointment stayed
her gesture. Elaine Schuyler re-
splendent in black velvet and dia-
monds. took Allan's arm with Q
proprietary gesture. he wa
Elaine's escort. And Allan loved
Elaine Schuyler
From that moment some Of the