The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-07-29
SenOrita
from
Chicago
BY VIDA HURST
CHAPTER SIXTEEN

AS they entered the studio at
the radio station Sheila saw only
a small group Of men then she
heard her name and saw Mario
Muller advancing toward her with
hands.
Where have you BEEN ne cried
extravagantly. I've tried all day
TO locate you"
His velvety dark eyes beamed as
he lifted her hand to his lips
You are more beautiful than
ever" he murmured as if they were
alone. How marvellous that you
should be here so that now at last
| can play for you"
In vain she tried to bring Raoul
into the conversation. Mario &C
knowledged the introduction with
the same indifference he had
shown to Jim. Raoul on the con-
trary bowed with an exaggerated
courtesy which Sheila suspected
foreboded trouble.
He stood smiling, waiting for the
Brazilian to finish. then he said,
II should like for you to meet my
friend. Sheila. Max Dickmann is
one of the foremost writers in
Argentina. He also is on the pro-
orar,, this avenincn
Sheila was conscious OF keen,
amused eyes behind shining spec
tacles as the famous author took
in the scene. He had not missed
word nor an infection of the
pianists voice.
1T is a pleasure" he said cour-
teously, Ito have you with us on
this occasion which brings to-
gether two great countries"
His remark bridged the ckasm
which Mario had opened and since
it was almost time for the broad
cast Sheila and Raoul sat down in
the chairs lined against the wall.
But Mario took his place on her
other side whispering so that she
was sure Raoul could hear, TO-
night shall be playing for you
alone"
He played with a restraint and
delicacy which made Sheila for
give him for his lack of tact.
Mario was an artist. 1t was use
less to expect him to conform to
the standards of other men.
She hoped Raoul would be broad
minded enough to understand but
she could not tell from his atti-
tude what his private opinion
might be.
AS Mario returned to his place
beside Sheila Raouls eyes were
fixed upon the writer who now be-
gan to speak like liquid velvet.
Sheila could not understand
much of what he said but the
sheer music of his words fsscinat-
ed her. She wanted to listen.
Refuses to Answer
1t was not her fault that Mario
continued to whisper in her car.
His rudeness was objectionable
and she refused to answer but the
melange of French and Portuguese
phrases bombarded her like
shower of gum-drops.
why did you run away ?" Mario
breathed. Didn't 1 tell you I
would telephone? And now l find
you in the company of another.
So soon you forget our hours to-
gether? All, Sheila. so like a
shower you are, Do you remcm-
Der the day l bought you the
ten orchids - one for each little
finger"
Never had the girl lived through
such embarrassing moments. She
would not have been surprised il
Max Dickmann had stopped in the
middle of his speech to blast the
experimental Mario back to his
native soil but the program which
celebrated the friendship between
Argentina and Brazil continued.
When it was over the partici-
pants together with newspaper
men representing both countries
agreed to visit a coffee shop, Mario
however did not go. He was too
exhausted from his trip on the
plane he insisted but tomorrow he
would telephone Sheila.
There was nothing to do but give
him her number although private
ly she resolved to answer no call
which came from him.
Storm Broke
She wished Raoul would suggest
leaving also but he stayed until
the end drinking cup after cup of
bitter black coffee smiling and
courteous as ever. 1t was not until
they were on their way back to
the pension that the storm broke.
The man is in love with you"
Raoul declared. While you have
been playing with him Just as you
have been with me No doubt il
Is most amusing 10 a rirl from
your country to have men like us
al your feet. To mock and torture
US"
oh, Raoul." she cried. don't
say that Mario has never been
To me.
Il only knew him few DAYS on
board the ship sailing from Rio to
Long enough" he reminded her
for him to have bought you 10
orchids, one for each little finger.
And I. Raoul Gsstalu. should have
n sif thara ara - L...ts.