Evening star., 1940-06-07
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late. She liked to make a tardy
arrival serenely poised and only
mildly apologetic. She like to keep
man waiting. Joan North knew
that well. He had waited often and
long for Laura Ward.
They were to meet In the lounge
OF the Carlton. John North, rest
less from waiting and eagerness,
stood at the bar and ordered a
drink. 1t was there that he met
Scott Lanning.
Scott ordered drink, smiled
genially. He said, Hello, john"
in an easy, offhand way.
John North said, How are you,
Scott?" trying to be civil.
Scott Lanning slipped his drink.
He said, Lets call off our feud,
John"
John North said, That's up to
you"
mo. It's up to you. I have Moth
ing against you. But you think I
stole your girl And maybe did,
o1tCI q ldSllAOll.
"As I recall it, you went out of
your way to do it."
'Well-all right, John"
They fell silent. Scott Lanning
finished his drink in hurry, but
then hesitated about going off.
He said. Il hear you are seeking a
loan for North Aircraft"
Yes. And you heard too, that
I've been turned down. Your father
turned thumbs down on it last
night"
We'll, you can't be a giant of
finance, John, if you want to play
with pennies. You should take ad-
vice"
Maybe you have some to hand
out"
Laura is Late.
Family mocking. a smile came to
Lannings lips. I'D 60 you one bet
ter" he said. North Aircraft is in
bad way. If you hang on, you'll
lose your shirt. If you sell out in
time, you'll do all right"
rs an offer coming?"
Maybe" said Lanning.
Your father is convinced North
Aircraft has the wrong policy.
Don't you listen to his opinions?"
Always. The old boy knows his
investments. But know what North
Aircraft needs. And I can put my
hands on it."
"A military plane, eh?'
Scott Lanning grinned Ever
hear of that job Jim Charters de-
signed? The experts figured it was
too advanced. They forgot that a
war steps up progress. Today, Jim
Charters plane is the thing. And it
happens to be just about my pri-
vate property
Nice for you" John North said.
But you'll have to shop elsewhere
for a plant. I'm hanging on to
North Aircraft"
Well see Scott Lanning said.
1t was more than an observation. 1t
sounded like threat. He grinned,
nodded and walked away.
Laura was 20 minutes late. But
it was worth waiting a lot longer
Just for the sight of her. She
held out both hands to John North.
She laughed softly a bit unsteadily,
when he gripped them.
Sorry I'm late, John. I did
hurry"
Its all right" he said. He had,
after all waited a year for this.
Thnv n fol i,, e..
ner of the lounge. They ordered
Martins.
Il didn't know if I dared call
you, John" Laura said.
why not? Old friends, you
know"
"Old friends, yes" Perfect teeth
closed over full red lip as she
frowned. 1--WE were good friends,
Weren't We-once?"
Laura Is Bitter.
John North said. Il saw Scott a
moment ago"
Scott? You did?"
Her tone was bitter. Like acid
John North thought. He said. You
were to marry him, Laura. What
happened?"
There was another girl. There
always is another girl in Scott's life.
But this was different. When I
discovered" She broke of, low
cred her eyes.
You're hurt, Laura" John North
said.
She looked up, her dark eyes wide
and glistening with tears. Not
| hurt she said Its my pride that
is suffering. I made fool of my
self over him. And it was merely
infatuation-not love. Can you be-
lieve that, John?"
He looked at her and believed il
Because he wanted to believe it. He
said. Its good you found out in
time, Laura"
"Yes-good for me. I've begun
to feel grateful to that Charters
girl for helping to open my ewes
To something that was horribly
wrong"
Charters girl?" John North said
Jim Charters daughter?"
Laura nodded her dark beautiful
head. "Yes. Jim Charters of avia-
tion,' she said. II understand Scott
has decided to marry her. Lucky for
her. They say she's broke. A good
catch, for a girl like her. Money
and position :"
And you have money and posi-
ton OF your own" John North said
You needn't envy her that"
NO" said Laura, looking directly
into his eyes. "All that I'm con-
cerned about now is-well, If you
still hate me John"
Il don't hate you, Laura. My love
for you was too great. :"
He didn't hate her. But he
wasn't sure he had forgiven her.
| Copyright, 1910.
The Chicago Daily News, Inc.
Tomorrow: John North announces
a serious change in North Aircraft
| oH He;x