Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-02-04

of the fun she has. Nothing like
good race for excitement.
How much money does Earl
Dixon still owe you?" Livia said
abruptly.
Nice place you have here-and
in a good neighborhood."
I've paid him about $500 now"
Livia continued. Terry Davidson
said he owed you $3,00O-so-"
"Terry's head for figures is bad.
Your dad owes me $4,000 and $50
a-week payments is taking too
long"
But I can't afford any more"
Livia said helplesSly.
That's no way for the daughter
of fine, outstanding man to talk"
said Al, reproachfully.". He brought
out pencil and paper from his
pockets. Lets see." He wrote some
figures. IF you pay 5000 a week it
will be all cleared up in three
months"
You think I'm as crazy as my
father?"
Blackmail Threatened.
oh, no. That's why I'll expect
your check for 5000 next Thursday.
You get paid Wednesday, don't you?
And" he added at the door, make
it payable to me We don't need
Mr.. Davidson now"
Il Shant pay a cent"
He came back into the room.
And" Livia continued angrily,
'if you bother me again, I'll turn
the whole thing over to the police"
Il have a friend on a downtown
paper" Al grinned. 1T would make
good story. 'Honoria Lewis, the
daughter of Earl Dixon, famous ex-
director, eX-jail bird"
But this is blackmail!"
I'VE don't say that word. lady.a
His gray eyes looked contemptu-
ously beyond her, I'll expect the
check on Thursday?"
Wait a minute" Livia begged.
Her thoughts whirled helplessly.
She wanted time to think. I'D like
to see my father"
1t was all right with Al. She
could see him in his Office any time
she liked.
Tomorrow EVENING"" she said.
That was okay, too.
Somehow the day passed, and in
the absorption of her role Livia
tried to forget the coming ordeal.
But 1t was hard to keep her mind
on the picture.
When she left the studio she drove
to Jonas Office. A few men were
sitting at the bar of the Club and
they looked at her curiously.
Where is Mr.. Jonas?" she asked
the bartender.
Who wants him?" he asked. She
hesitated.
That's all right" said the voice
OF Jonas suddenly. He was framed
in the doorway to the left of the
bar. She had not heard the door
open and the deep voice startled
her.
Come right in" he invited. and
LlVla had the feeling that If she
once went into the room she would
never come out again.
Her father was sprawled on q
worn, brown leather couch. She
thought he was asleep, but his eyes
suddenly opened and with difficulty
ehcompasSed her form. He smiled
and struggled to his feet.
"Llvia! My daughter" he said
to Jonas. I'm afraid" he con-
tinued as Livia stared without
speaking. I'm fraid she does not
approve of my habits. All right" He
struck a noble gesture, III never
touch the stuff again"
He staggered to the table, took a
long swallow from the bottle, slipped
against the table and banged his
head. Jonas caught him as he Slid
to the floor. One of the men at
the bar came in.
Get a couple of the boys and
take him home" Jonas commanded
AL right, I'll pay" Livia told
Jonas.
Sign here" He gave her a pen.
she glanced over the typewriter
document.
How will I know you won't want
more money!" she asked him.
I give you my word"
"As a gentleman" she said sar.
castically.
NO" he said and grinned. "As
a businessman. I don't want to
worry you-too much. You've got
to make good in this picture-now
that 1 have a $4,000 stake in your
success"
Two days later Fordyce bawled
her out before every one on the
set.
You'll never be an actress" he
shouted. Dye want me to get
Alice Delaware for the part?" He
Immediately regretted saying it.
But Llvia was enough to try the
patience of a saint. Perhaps Bruce
knew what was the matter.
Il guess it's a case of nerves :"
Bruce said, and then suggested,
It's none of my business, of course.
but why don't you go bit easier
with her? think she's just scared
OF the part"
All right" Fordyce agreed.
But it made no difference whether
he was harsh or kind. The spark
that Livia had shown In the first
weeks of production was gone. And
the front Office demanded that
LlVla be removed from the picture.
(To Be Continued Tomorrow
Copyright. 1941. by Sheilah Graham.