The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-16
Chapter %
Visit to Claiborne

~"
The message came to Noel next
day from the New York Offices.
Feigers probably furious at me.
Noel thought as she followed the
New York Offices suggestion and
put in the call for Hollywood. And
he was, as soon as he spoke with
her.
why didn't you stay here, like
I told you to-" he asked impa-
tiently.
Il thought you'd forgotten about
me" Noel explained half-hearted-
ly She didn't say. II couldn't stand
1.-THE waiting in Hollywood when
everything was so uncertain"
"Come out-at. once" Feigers
voice was arrogant. Take the next
plane here. Wen sign the contract
when you arrive"
THE test was satisfactory then?''
NoePs hopes rose.
well, $685." came the nom
committal comment. But we'll be
able to do things with YOU" Then
he added casually. We've bought
the screen rights to Susan is Wait
ing" Maybe we can fix it so you'll
play the part you did on the stage"
I'D like that" Noel told him,
trying not to make her voice sound
too elated. She was excited-play-
ing Susan would be perfect for
her.
'@The boys in New York will get
busy right away" Feigel went into
plans Immediately. do what they
tell you--they know their bust
ness"
Their business" as Noel dis
covered almost at once, was keep
ing her occupied for the next ten
hours. Bill Smith of the publicity
department was at her hotel an
hour after her telephone converse
ton with Feigel. He took her to a
photographer, had dozens of poses
made-the proofs were to be
rushed through imm ediately.
There was meeting with eastern
executives at the Ambassador.
And a few special interviews with
writers from the papers and fan
magazines.
All the while Noel was thinking:
They're funny people, this movie
crowd. haven't signed the con-
tract yet. That didn't seem very
businesSlike to her. Douglas would
have had her name on the dotted
line first.
What about your romance with
David Norris?" one of the inter-
viewers asked Noel.
NoePs face showed her resent
ment. Bill Smith interrupted
quickly, THAT was all imaginary,
wasn't it Miss Marchand?" He
smiled knowingly at the reporter
Feigel evidently changed his
mind frequently. From taking
the first plane" Noel found herself
busy for several days. at the whims
and schemes of the New York of
fee.
We're leaving tomorrow" Bill
Smith said casually one morning as
though he were telling Noel
You're having luncheon with an
interviewer"
Tomorrow -
1T was then, as soon as Smith left.
Il Noel called Claiborne. She'd
been wanting to do it ever since
her return TO New York She would
say goodby to Mrs. Marchand-
that's what she :old herself Only
fate and the Criterion crowd knew
when she'd be East again.
"Noeli" Mrs. Marchand's voice
was affectionately berating her for
the long absence. 1--WE didn't know
where to reach you-why didn't
you let us known"
Il should have" Noel was peni-
tent. After all. she had treated this
good friend stability. I'm gong
out to Hollywood tomorrow" she
explained "rll be working there
at the Criterion Studios" She hest.
tated. then added regretfully. I'm
sorry / won't nave time 70 see you
await a moment,r Mrs. Mar.
chand interrupted. "Allan wants
70 speak to you"
Noel stood there, her heart beat.
ing strangely. the receiver trem.
bling. in her hand. Through the
brief interval. of silence at the
other end, she waited breathlessly
longing to hear his voice. ye'
dreading the conversation.
Hello. Noel" Allan was speak.
ing: What's this I hear about your
going to California;"
Tomorrow" Noel replied.
"Pve got to see you before that.
Allan's voice was, pleadingly in
sistent. I'D come right down t
New York. Noel-bu- I'm not com
pletely over the accident yet" Hi!
voice was lower, "Ive missed yol
terribly. Noel"
Noel decided at once. 'Perhap!
! could run up to Claiborne
FoolI her own common sense wa
telling her. Why punish YOURSELF
This afternoon?"
Noel agreed and after his Good
by, dear" she wouldn't let hersel
remember she had no right TO g
there.
Without notifying Bill Smith sh'
made inquiries about trains Il
Claiborne. There was one in al
hour. Carefully she dressed. for TIT
trip. wearing the lovely dark blu
silk, suit shed. bought for her ar
rival in Hollywood. A crisp lac,
and organdie blouse fell in grace
full folds from a low neckline. He
smart blue hat with the nose vel
gave. a mysterious shade to he
eyes.
Noel had a sense Of forebodinl