The Wilmington morning star., 1940-03-19

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Romany's hardest task was get
Ding up in the morning. But sh'
.orced herself out of bed at six tn
next day to make certain she woult
be in the studio at Interstate be
fore eight. She would have beer
there just as cheerfully at five. He
first dramatic part. Dreams coming
true at last!
She was surprised to find Bren'
waiting in the hall near Studio 3
He grinned, taking her hand.
"Early, I see. Excited?"
Terribly" Romany sighed hap
PLY. 81 don't know how to thank
you"
"You don't have to-" The an
decided any girl who coulc
look like Romany before eight in thu
morning deserved a medal. Come
along, I'll introduce you to Trot'
ter. I'm announcing with YOU"
ooh, I'm glad!" Romany followed
him down the hall. II won't be 81
nervous"
Myra Noyes came around the cor
ner from the other end of the hall
She stopped, and Romany realized
with chagrin that she and Bren'
were still holding hands. Myra's
eyes narrowed.
"Wel1" Her little mouth hard
ened and curled sarcastically. "You
two must have spent the night TO-
gether to be getting in so early
Romany felt Brent stiffen beside
her. She was too surprised to find
her tongue. Nelson measured his
fiancee with cold blue eyes, then
took Romany's arm.
Come along, dear. I'll talk with
her later
Blind with fury, Myra followed
them into the studio. She stumbled
in and sat down, fighting her anger.
Romany was a little pale when
Brent took her into the control
room to meet Trotter. None of the
rest of the cast had arrived. Trotter
looked up from the script he was
reading, and rose quickly when he
saw Romany. She observed that the
famous radio director was small
and dapper and dark, with a little
black mustache. He smiled warmly,
holding out his hand.
You must be Brent's great dis
covery.'
This is Romany Halle, in per-
son." Brent grinned. Miss Halle,
may l present Mr.. Trotter, the best
director in radio
Romany found it hard to smile,
after her encounter with Myra.
But she managed to hide her emo
lions. Hal told Nelson:
"Myra is cast into the show to.
day. New lead the author decided
to throw in for confusion. Oh, I see
Myra's in the studio. I'll"
Never mind calling her just
yet Brent spoke up quickly. Ssh
and l have just had one of u lit
tie tiffs."
The director pursed his lips.
"Oh, I get it," he grinned. "Wel
I'll have to admit she wouldn't DC
human if she could stand this com
petition without a struggle"
Romany's sun-tanned cheeks col
ored, but she maintained a dignifleo
silence.
You guessed it," Brent said
shortly. But she's going a little
too far. Tripping over her tongue
Hal Trotter decided it was best
to say no more. Obviously, Miss
Halle was embarrassed, and toe
much of a lady to comment. He
handed Romany a script.
"Have you ever read a CONNER
cial?" he asked then.
"A-commercial announcement
Romany's face fell. "N-no,
haven't"
Nelson, sensing her disappoint-
ment and shock, smiled encourage
ment.
Good way to cut your eye teeth
Eighteen bucks for about fifty
words. Not bad"
It'll Try 10 10 IL. IlOHldHS
tried to hide her confusion.
But glancing at the announce
ment she felt a sinking sensation
in the pit of her stomach. A hare
working scribe in the continuity de
partment had written pa%ssionatel!
of his product. Romany read slow
ly, under her breath:
when I found Mrs. Laurel
Soap Flakes, it was like pennie
from heaven. Believe you me, whel
my clothes hang on the line owe
the cool wet grass I'm proud as
peacock. I always hope the neigh
bors are looking at my snow whit
pillow slips, sheets and towels. Mrs
Laurel's Soap Flakes make wash
dav the most pleasant day OF tn
week. I look forward to it. Mrs
Laurers suds are such fun!'
Trotter, sensing her feelings il
the matter, grinned.
Makes you feel like getting
Job writing commercials, rathe
than reading them, doesn't it? Blu
that's sweet music to the sponso
who pays the bills"
Il suppose So" Romany sighed
"But I wonder what the womel
think about it."
Trotter laughed.
"Oh, they eat it UP. They're no
looking for art in their wash tubs
Most of 'em don't know the differ
ence."
Romany disagreed with him, bu
kept silent.
IF you'll go into the studio, We