The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-09-05
CHAPTER FOURTEEN

" A@4AAAE - - = AAHHAA AAAAAHA
when Jerry RadzeH came 70 the
theater that night Jerry wished
for the time that she had not
brought June along.
She had made = resolution not
to bring June along when IaRne
was IN = vile mood. but her plea
sure n her daughters company
shortened her memory Of an un-
pleasant scene.
After she's had a spell she's
usually rather repentant.- Jerry
whispered 20 Joan. but she GER
tainly doesn't seem to be tonight.
She almost snapped my head off
when ! opened the door. asked me
how happened 10 be late again.
Late again. Huh. June. I haven't
been late at all
Il know" Joan said. Just don't
let her get you down. Jerry"
Il won't do that. but il would
be happier for you IL you hadn't
come along. I wish you'd stayed
at home, June"
Well. I'm glad didn't. II
she's going to get rough I'm here
to back you in getting rough right
along with her. II you need any
help I'm present"
Empty Room
20. K. the dressing room is
empty. Why don't you go in there
and rest You look sort of tired"
Jerry was conscious-stricken- II
wish I'd made you stay at home
and rest. Is the store work get
ting heavier ?"
Il guess. a little" Joan was
thinking that II the store work got
any heavier she'd have to be car
ried home from work the next
night.
She had never realized before
how numb and lifeless feet can get
from standing constantly. Work.
ing in the Serv-U-Well might be
blithe for her sister. June. II was
anything but that to Joan.
There's a couple Of new maya
zines" Jerry whispered Go in
dressing room B and rest. Maybe
everything will be all right. May
be LaRue will calm down again"
But LaRue did not calm down.
She was in a biting. mean mood
Always OF an imperious, domineer-
ing disposition, success had made
her just that much more overbear-
ing.
Mixes Drink
She mixed a stiff drink for her
self and her hand trembled as she
held the glass. "One of these days
I'm going to get 80 sore at Art
Johnston that III walk out of here
and never come back"
Jerry tried to hush her employ
er's swift flow of words because,
sitting with her back to the door
drinking the cocktail. LaRue had
not noticed that door had opened
softly and that Johnston, the man
she derided had stepped inside the
dressing room.
Jerry could see. however, that
Johnston was in no gentle mood
himself.
Hello" he said. aware that he
walked on pins and needles as he
approached the temperamental ac-
tress. Feeling better than you
did?
Not especially LaRue sulked.
Johnston laid a folded legal
looking paper down on the DRESS
ing table. The contract is all
signed he said. trying to pretend
nonchalance as though he didn't
know the very statement ignited a
key of temperament powder. 1T
stpulates six road appearances"
LaRue shrugged her shoulders
and set the cocktail glass down so
hard on her dressing table that it
broke.
Take your rotten contract" she
observed disdainfully. 1T isn't
worth the paper it's written on. If
LaRue doesn't choose to honor II,
LaRue doesn't choose. And I as
sure you LaRue doesn't choose"
Johnston picked up the contract
from where it lay on the dressing
table and put it back in his pocket
Star or no star, LaRue had gone
just a step too far. II told you
what was what last night" he OBJ
served
This thing has got me down.
Either you do observe reasonable
contract stipulations or you don't"
Another Drink
LaRue observes such contracts
as she chooses TO observe" the ac-
tress said scornfully. mixing an
other cocktail.
II Was the beginning Of a very
unpleasant evening. Over the thin
wall Of the dressing room Joan
could hear the battle as IL ragged.
LaRue found fault with every
thing.
Nothing Jerry did could quite
please her. And all Of the time
LsRue kept mixing one drink af-
ter another.
In her timid way Jerry sought
Ito restrain her employer. Better
not drink any more Madame La
Rue until after the last act"
Il think" LaRue said tartly.
that when ! take directions I
won't take them from my ward
robe mistress"
I'm afraid you won't be very
well tomorrow II you don't stop"
Jerry said with no intention Of
nsgging. still hoping that she could
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