Evening star., 1940-03-02
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W. VSsAA AARS - RSNA VI oCA4NA~
mental old ladies'" Betty snorted as
they walked into the store. "Of
course Eric will make good"
Elaine was silent. She found her
self wishing she could be as sure
as Betty that everything would turn
out all right.
"Day-dreaming?" Betty asked
with a pert little grin. But her eyes
were soft and understanding as they
entered the elevator. Eric will be
all right Elaine"
Betty Is Casual.
Although Elaine had often heard
Clara speak Of her father, she lad
never been introduced to him and
she was surprised when she walked
into his office to find q gray-haired,
gray-bearded man sitting before q
glass-topped mahogany desk. Some
how she had always imagined him
to be younger; certainly Clara had
always referred to him more as
comrade and chum than as a father.
She felt awed by his stern, dignifled
appearance and was surprised to see
Betty walk nonchalantly across the
room, perch herself familiarly upon
the desk and snatch the letter he
was reading from his hand.
Pleasure before business" Betty
told him, unperturbed by his frown
as he glanced up. And don't look
so cross, you grumpy old bear. You
should be glad that three beautiful
ladies condescended to call upon
you"
He laughed dryly and stood up as
Elaine and Clara approached the
desk. 'The only time beautiful
ladies call upon me is when they
want something" Eyes twinkling,
he extended friendly hand to
Elaine. You don't mind if call
you Elaine, do you? Clara talks so
much about you that I feel as
though you're one of the family"
Elaine grasped his hand firmly,
looking him straight in the eye, hk-
ing him instantly as she realized
that Clara inherited her love Of fun
from him. She knew now why it
was that Clara spoke of him as
treasured chum rather than as a
parent. Despite his dignifled ap-
pearance he gave the impression of
being man who would enjoy frol-
licking with a spirited daughter.
Mr.. Blanchard Frank.
She took the chair he offered and
sat down, suddenly becoming aware
of that same feeling of nervousness
which had pervaded her being the
first time she sang for Monticelli.
But the nervousness on that occa-
sion couldn't begin to compare with
the breathless, empty, distraught
condition she felt now. She looked
anxiously at him as he sat down on
corner of the desk-Betty had
usurped his chair and from all ap-
pearances was determined not to
relinquish it.
II suppose you know the reason
for this VISIT" Mr.. Blanchard began
after a brief moment. THE other
evening I was discussing with Clara
some plans the directors and I had
made concerning a broadcast. and
she Immediately demanded that I
give you an opportunity of trying
for place on 1t. Would you care
to sing over the radio?"
Elaine nodded her head silently,
surprised at how swiftly he could
change his manner. One moment
he had been kind, gracious and
friendly; now his face was stern, his
lips were compressed into a tight
line, his eyes were keen and shrewd
as he looked intently at her. But
after all, one did not build up such
an enormous business with nothing
but good nature as a workable asset.
"Of course, know nothing about
these matters" he continued slowly.
Il do know, however, that you are
the type of girl we are looking for.
We want some young, attractive, un-
known singer for our program. We
seek an unknown singer for two rea-
sons; first, because this is only a
test program which will be given
for period of 13 weeks over a small
station, and secondly, because we
want singer who will work for a
comparatively small salary"
Simon Legree," Betty intoned
solemnly. Nov I can understand
why you have such an enormous
store. You starve your workers to
DEATH"
Betty Smokes Cigar.
Mr.. Blanchard chuckled and
turned his head to face her, but in
stead Of uttering the scathing re-
buke Elaine had expected, he sprang
from the desk. Elaine glanced at
Betty and the sight which greeted
her eyes almost caused her to fall
from her chair in surprise.
docs your family know you
smoke?" Mr.. Blanchard queried.
Betty shook her head sadly.
"Once, when I was a very little girl
in Nebraska daddy caught me
smoking corn-silk cigarettes. He
gave me a good hiding with his
razor strop and 50 I never smoked
again. I was just wondering what
these tasted like" With q gamin-
like grin she settled herself COM
fortably in the chair and puffed
away at the stubby, black cigar
that protruded from her mouth.
Elaine managed to stifle a laugh
as she glanced at Mr.. Blanchard
wondering just what he would do
about this, but with a tolerant,
knowing smile, he simply turned his
back on Betty and again perched
on the corner Of the desk.
$50 If you're willing to work for
about $50 a week and want to sing
over the radio, I'll call my adver-
tising manager and well 60 over to
the studio for your auditor. But
I might just as well warn you in
advance, the advertising manaser
makes the decision. He knows about
voices, I don't"
Elaine rose hastily from her chair.
anxious to force Betty to discard
the cigar before she became i'll. I'D
like to try it," she told him en-
Enthusiastically. "And really ap-
preciate the chance"
"It WAS C1ara'S idea Mr. nlopnI,