The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-27

knew Clem Shirley might be there.
 It was a sharp sensation, stimu- lating to the imagination, to go from the grim squalor of Bellevue and the morgue to the golden splendor of the Turf, with its creamy velvet carpets, crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls She remembered the somber bare ness of he medical examiners office when she walked into the quiet luxriance of the Turf and as she listened to the polite small talk about her, she heard once more the tragic testimony about the girl who lay dead in the morgue basement.
 Mary knew most of the people in the tiny little restaurant Qack of space was one of the Turf's assets) by sight. They belonged to an international set. There was the lavishly bejeweled Comtesse de Jacques whose husband sold champagne; the homely daughter of an American tool manufac- turer who'd married rascally Italian prince; the silly American boy who'd taken a showy Egyp- tian princess for a wife; and the alluring German dancer who was to star in 8 Broadway show that the millionaire across the room was angeling.
 Mary knew their histories. some were shabby, some great. There was the doll-faced Vien- nese actress lunching with that slippery German who arranged marriages, a little fat man with beady green eyes. She was hard and glittering and beautiful. In a day or so Mary was sure the actress would be announcing her engagement to the rich old banker the German was visiting in New York. Such pair as this actress and her matchmaking friend usually hunted on the Riviera. Shady people who liked sunny places.
 "A mixed green salad and a demi-tasse," she told the waiter.
 At sound of her voice, a girl at another table turned around. Why, Mary Franklin!" she ex- claimed. What are you doing, eating all alone. Come and join Jack and me-"
 "Clem!" cried Mary. "We run into each other all the time, don't wei"
 Vitality was Clem's most dazzling characteristic. Life surged through her veins with a radiance that left others breathless. Her dark curls were tucked under fuchsia red hat and she wore prim, rather Vic- torian-cut dress of red wool trim med in mink. Her blue eyes were dancing with the joy of living.
 "Oh, Mary! Last night was so exciting. I'd never seen China town before. We were really taken behind the scenes by MT. Martin"
 That's so. We did meet you last night" laughed Jack Burden, ordering a cocktail for Mary. "Is Chinatown one of your vices?"
 T go occasionally" she replied. But Clem was right. You both were being guided by man who knows it better than I. Duke Martin is the silent partner in number of local schemes
 Such as?" Jack looked at her with inquiring eyes.
 "Oh, fan-tan and opium rack cts"
 "Really" said Glenn. How fas- cinating."
 Jack took Clem's hand. "our little girl is learning about the big world. Don't get too close to the fire, darling"
 Your wings will be singed if you do," warned Mary. She told them of Janice French's inquest. Duke Martin stops at nothing" she repeated.
 You're just an old fogy, Mary" Clem tossed her head. "You and Jack belong back with the dow- agers. AS if I couldn't take care of myself"
 You're flirting with the same slab Janice French rests on now" declared Mary. T like your father too well to see you get into trouble"
 Mary fancied she saw look of worry in Jacks gray eyes, but his manner was light. T think you're over serious, Mary. The morgue,s got you down. I'll keep an eye on Clem. Forget the inquest. Come to movie with us."
 T can't" smiled Mary. "I'm 8 working girl"
 But as they put her in a cab, she suddenly asked, What are you doing tonight, Glenn? Perhaps you and Jack could have dinner | with me-"
 Clem hesitated. "I'm sorry, Mary, I don't believe I can"
 She's got date" interrupted Jack, "and 1t isn't with me, but [ I'm going just the same"
 "Oh, don't be silly, Jack" Clem's voice was impatient. "We're not married. Besides, you're not asked tonight"
 They were still arguing when Mary drove of. For the rest of the