The Wilmington morning star., 1940-04-15
THIRTY-SIX

The next day tnOllV a IunCF
in the Interstate restaurant. She
was looking for a place to sit doWr
when Jane Martel motioned to hel
from a table where she sat with
two other actresses.
Join us, Miss O'Neil," she invit
ed with her warm smile.
She introduced Cholly to Della
MYERS and Katherine Barr. Della
was short and plump, Katherine q
drab, dramatically CARRIED young per
son with large, blue eyes and pale
brown hair.
I'VE were just talking about the
television contest" Della turned
with a friendly smile to Cholly.
"Are you going to enter it?'
"Oh, nor Cholly said quickly
smiling. mo ones ever heard OF
me-! I'm just a beginner
IT heard about your fan mail to-
day" Jane locked up from the
menu. You're a sensation, toots.''
Kate said enviously: ooh. are you
getting fan mail so soon?"
Tons Of it," Jane answered for
Cholly. "Have you girls listened IN
&c Miss O'NeilIs program? Plays
the piano like F'adcreWski II
sings like an ANGER
On, now" Cholly protested. I'm
not that good, Miss Martel. But
everybody has been SO kind, It's
been a wonderful surprise TO get
mail"
Kate asked: what conservatory
did YOU graduate from, Miss
O'Neil?"
I've never studied music any
where except with a teacher i'll
Lceville, Indiana. And it's a little
town you've probably never heard
Of"
mo, l never have" replied Kate,
a shade loftily. you're very for
tunate, with so many well-trained
musicians around, to get a job
ooh, L know it." Cholly was not
in the least perturbed at the shaft
Don't think 1 don't thank my
lucky stars. I'm really only an
amateur"
Think nothing of it, Kate
shrugged. The woods are full OF
them. [ think you're smart not to
20 in the television contest. 1
wouldn't think of it, Contests are
so c~aeapening."
ooh. now, Kate".' Jane protested
mildly, sThis isn't a bathing beauty
contest"
,"Td go in if 1 didn't know l
would make a fool of myself" sigh
ed plump Della. Maybe some day
they'll have a contest for stylish
stouts."
Everyone Of the girls gets a
screen test" said Jane. Its worth
a fling at the title just for that. 1t
might lead to a screen career
"Anybody can get a screen test"
Kate put on her superior air again.
"Some Of these days they'll be beg
ging me to have a test. I won't
have to go into a contest. They'll
ask me - because I'm a great ac-
tress."
Cholly opened her mouth to
laugh, and closed it hurriedly, real
izing Kate wasn't trying to be
funny. The girl actually meant It.
And she hadn't the slightest claim
to good looks or talent. Not even a
pleasant personality. Jane smiled
dryly.
"Oh, sure, Bernhard. 1t won't be
long now"
Della giggled, and Kate said
Ioftily:
You can laugh. I believe in my
self. You'll see.'
Cholly was giving her order when
Della remarked yer her chops:
at sure looks as though that
Halle girl is giving Myra Noyes a
u for her money. I'll bet Myra's
fit to be tied!'
Miss Halle is pretty enough to
win anything" Jane spoke up
quickly. "And she's got the talent,
too"
Kate raised her brows.
81 guess lots of US could get
places if we had a man paying our
bills! Didn't you hear that Brent
Nelson has spent a fortune trying.
10 put her over in the television CON
sest?"
Cholly was stunned. Jane Martel
broke in hurriedly:
"Oh, now, Kate, that's only Cos
sip! You don't know what you're
talking about"