The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1941-08-18
Chapter ~
Bitter Praise


10! Not reallygn Alma gasped
IN land Henry suddenly real
lied that it was the first time he
had ever seen her show surprise.
Here's my elevator" he said.
"I've got to be going. So long!"
From Rockefeller Center Henry
went over to the realty Office.
There he spent the next two hours
going over the many notes he had
made in Chicago, explaining this.
and explaining that. He was glad,
in a way, that he didn't have to
face the situation regarding Lu-
ella just now, glad of an excuse
for postponing it a little longer.
Good work." said his superior,
Mr.. Smithers.
Thanks" said Henry.
Mr.. Smithers said. Il don't mind
telling you, Pell, that we were a
bit worried about you.
in what way?"
Eve were beginning to feel that
we'd made a mistake in bringing
you up to New York" Mr.. Smith
ers continued. ssThe way you
seemed for time to lose your
sense of balanee-that woman in
radio, those songs, all that sort Of
nonsense" He rubbed his hands
together and beamed. 'T'm
glad we were wrong about you
glad 10 find that you are still
capable Of doing good work in the
realty business"
Yes, sir rather listlessly.
"Now, trot along home, and get
some rest, said Mr.. Smithers.
well go into matters more thor
oughly Monday morning" He pat
ted Henry's shoulder. And my
best regards to that charming lit
tie wife of yours. s. I've never
forgotten that grand dinner she
cooked for the MisSus and me
shortly after you got settled. Re-
member
Eyes, sir" said Henry. II re-
member" Luella, all excited over
entertaining his boss, but glad she
had "practiced" on Tommy and
Marie first. 'She enjoyed having
you and Mrs. Smithers as guests. =
I'VE must get together more
frequently" said Mr.. Snlithers,
again beaming. Socially, I mean.
Mrs. Smithers often speaks Of
Mrs. Pell. Arnold she says to
me, Young Mrs. Henry Pell is
just the sort of wife a man needs
to help him on toward success.
She's right. too, Pell--very right,
| indeed
Eyes. sir said Henry. Thank
you"
Why must everyone talk to him
about Luella? First Rector.
Then Alma Latham. . And now
Mr.. Smithers.
Give Mrs. Pell our best re-
CARDS, my boy" Srnithers was now
saying. Wen have a get-together
real soon.
Our regards to Mrs. Smithers. :
| Henry said. "Pl see you bright
and early Monday morning.
Henry made his escape, for he
felt that that was just what il
was. He had felt like a prisoner
being backed iii corner and tor
| tured. Luella this and Luella that
Oh, Cod
His thoughts were interrupted
by an Office boy calling to him that
he was wanted on the telephone
Il said I'd try to catch you be-
fore you reached the elevator he
said.
Thanks, Bill" Henry said.
He went back inside and picked
UP the receiver. 1t was Tommy
Mcintyre calling him.
Il hoped I'd be able to find you,
he said. "How about lunch?"
Henry hesitated. He was in nc
mood for lunching with anyone
And he didn't feel like talking
especially to a man who haG
grown much too fond of his wife
And yet he dreaded being alone
dreaded going up to that lonely
empty apartment.
sfOkayp he said finally. Where
shall / meet your"
cat Jack Dempsey's place." said
Tommy. "On Broadway"
"Rightl What time?p
cas- soon as you can make it,
"TH be right over. It's only &
| few blocks. =
Jolt From Tommy