The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-05
CHAPTER VII

k1aS AIluIc MdoVcAo ocSA "S"AA' Molly asked again, with curious panic-stricken glance.
 "What in the world has Andre Masters got to do with thls?' Johnny wanted to know. He took In her blank, blue stare, the nerv- pusness of her slim fingers. Jean did say he was being nice to you. Is that it?"
 Good heavens, after that scene I just interrupted - you kissing Jean - that's a fine note to hand mel" She spoke mechanically as if something were still bothering her. Or was she merely evading?
 T told you. Jean was only say ing goodby. We always kiss' somehow :"
 SOh. yes. casually" she sniffed.
 'Tisten, Molly, don't get of the point. Is Andre Masters taking up the few spare minutes you used to give me?" He was sur prised at the rage which rose within him.
 T told you I haven't any time for romance" she snapped. Il like you and I like him. If we've got to strain that remark - I like you most. Oh, why can't you quit harping?" :,
 You like me. Sounds as if I were a recreation center. What am I to you, anyway? Summer time diversion?"
 "Oh, stop being so intense!"
 She went on hurriedly, Mar riage and love will have to be secondary with me for long time vet, I can't believe in anything bus the theater. Even Masters is strictly business" She was speak ing seriously. Johnny's hopes dropped. She hadn't changed her mind about him. The theater, that's all she talked about with any degree of earnestness.
 I'd hoped you'd see what hard work it all was, and
 She changed the subject abrupt ly. "You never did tell me whether Jean had seen Andre. He wants the and I don't want him to know yet that it belongs to her"
 It was Johnny's turn to wheel on her suddenly. "What are you talking about? I'm in charge ot that cameo. Jean said she lent 1t to you for the play. When the play is over, I'm to get 1t back and send it to her." .,
 "How perfectly wonderful said Molly, plans working behind her eyes.
 what do you mean, wonder full? I'm about that brooch the way the Louvre is about the Mona Lisa. Anyway, it's bad luck for you."
 She turned her violet eyes up to him and the sternness went out of his voice. She was so lovely, so irresistible. If only he could make her see something besides the "business."
 Bad luck? How fascinating Tell me about it." :.
 Johnny shrugged. "Just an oio story. It was fashioned especially for Jeans great-grandmother. Her fiance was bringing it to her from Italy. He wagered the thing in a card game and lost. He handed it over to the winner, and the mans mistress killed him that night. Reynolds got the pin back Bad luck number one.
 But it's not unlucky for the Reynolds. It fosters love, under standing and all the rest of that muck. But on all the occasions when it's ever got out of their hands, something terrible has happened to the one who has worn it."
 "Andre will love that" she said
 Johnny drowned. What have you got on your mind, apprentice? Tell me or I won't let you wear the cameo even in the play"
 Molly laughed. "It's nothing te get up set about. Remember what | told you about wedge to gel in on Broadway? Well, Andre i! my wedge. He's interested in mt now because he likes the cameo By the time I give the cameo back heIl be interested in me because I'm potentially a great actress And it's all wonderful, because there's no hurry about getting i back, now that you're responsi' ble."
 Johnny shook his head. You're wrong there, so you might as vel come clean with Andre. Wher the play ends that cameo goes back to Miss Jean Reynolds with my compliments"