Evening star., 1942-01-24

walnutS, ngS and vine bushes, and
named for a pair of famous screen
lovers. The house was strongly
built, with oak beams supporting
living room that covered the entire
ground floor.
When will your 1ancee be back
in Hollywood" the agent asked.
Il have another prospective Gus
TONER"
She's in Colorado now" said
Bruce. But I know she'll like
the place. I'll pay deposit now
Hold the property for me-"
Bruce was due back in San Diego,
but he stopped OF at his bungalow
to pick up some clothes. And found
Livia!
"Darling!"
He held her close In his arms,
kissed her eyes and hair, then put
her at arms length to look at her.
1--WE just bought house for you,"
he exulted. you're coming with me
to San Diego. and we'll be married
tomorrow in Mexico"
"Sit down a minute" Livia said.
I've something to explain"
About Elizabeth?" he inter-
rupted. How is she?"
mo, not about Elizabeth"
"Father?"
mo, not your father. It's me-"
Bruce waited, his face still glow
ing with the surprise of finding her
there.
I've just come from Monarch
Pictures" Livia said slowly. She
waited for him to grasp what she
had said, but Bruce was still smiling,
and she continued quickly: 1--we
just signed contract with them.
I'm not supposed to marry for three
years"
you signed that contract?"
I'VE could be married-secretly,"
she pleaded. mo one would have to
know. Bruce, love you. But this
chance"
Sure. this chance-okay," he said
suddenly. Tell me about it." She
explained about Frank Macdonald,
the talent scout. And she thought
she had won Bruce over because
he was silent. But when she said,
Well get married tomorrow" Bruce
replied gently: Il guess not, Livia.
I told you once before I don't like
secrets. Have your movie career.
I hope 1t makes you very happy"
He was gone before she could
think of anything else to say.
1 n \ ~ -
There were five other girls under
stock contract at the Monarch
Studio. Anita Clark had been a
telephone operator before a talent
scout found her in Atlanta. She
was dark-haired and pretty In ORR
entail fashion. Doreen Grant had
sung in a small night club in De-
troit. Wilma Herman once played
"Portia" in little theater in Dallas.
Blond, statuesque Bertha Kramer
was an ex-model. Verne Arrowhead
was a debutante with an indefati-
gable mother.
The drama coach, Edda Robin
son, a thin woman of IS, had taught
some of the biggest names In the
business the difficult art Of being
themselves in front Of a camera.
When Livia had been a few days
under contract, she was called to
the publicity department of the
studio and interviewed by Jack
Tenant. Jack was bald, fat, had
small, bright eyes which he closed
when he spoke. He smirked ap-
preciatively at Livia and motioned
her to sit down.
"Cigarette?"
Livia shook her head. "I don't
smoke"
Drink"
"Very little"
What are your vices them"
Haven't any"
Are you engaged-or anything
like that?"
I'm a way I am-and in a way I'm
not"
Make up your mind, sweetie pie"
well, suppose not" she said
finally.
Good, have just the thing for
you." he said. Livia was alarmed.
What do you means" she asked.
Don't worry your pretty head
about anything" he said. After
few more questions the interview
was over.
A Lot of Publicity.
Livia watched the local papers
after that. but very little appeared
about her, except in the Gazette,
where she was once again publicized
as the Charm Girl" And now If
Bruce would only see her or merely
answer the telephone, she could be
happy.
1t was thrilling adventure
going to the studio every morning.
The gateman knew her and tipped
his cap and smiled. 1t was FUN to
belong.
Sometimes Edda Robinson took
Livia and the others to a set. and
explained why this star could act
and that one wouldn't last. The
afternoons were for publicity chores.
Livia posed in every known gar
ment-from a swimming suit to a
fur coat that didn't belong to her.
She had to meet trains and put her
arms around the necks of visiting
male celebrities and attend con-
ventions.
Soon she was promoted to nom
speaking roles in which the girls
were supposed to be cut above the
extras. 1t was exacting and trim
and the girls must always be fresh.
eager, and cooperative. The hours
were long and the work harder than