Evening star., 1942-02-08

Livia.
There was to be big party at
Ciro's after the premiere. Magnifl-
cent Pictures had taken over the
restaurant for the night. They had
also taken over Livia. No objection
was raised when Livia included
Elizabeth and Judge Nolan in the
group with which she would see the
picture. But Publicity Boss Samuels
objected to Bruce.
"You can do what you like after
ward. But tonight we must have
you with a big-name star from the
studio"
Bruce grinned and said, do as
they say, Livia.'
The meeting between the Judge
and his son was easier than either
of them had expected 1t was now
more than four years since they had
quarrelled. Bruce and Livia called
on the judge at his hotel and re-
mained with him two hours.
Father and I will never again
disagree about anything-until the
next time" Bruce told Livia.
Now back to the house with Eliza
beth An army of hairdressers
and wardrobe girls from the studio
surrounded Livia. waiting to dress
her up for the premiere.
But we have an hour and half, "
Livia protested when Smithy, fidget-
ing nervously, suggested they should
start. Her hair had been washed
and was covered with a mesh net
showing glints of red-gold.
Excited, darling" Elizabeth asked.
"It's dream" Livia said. why
Is it that when something important
is happening. you can't grasp it?
You can look forward and look
back"
Il know" Elizabeth said softly,
Remember how I felt when Terry
Davidson-Im over it now and can't
believe he ever existed for me. Is
he still in Hollywood"
I'VE haven't heard anything about
him since that awful time with Al
Jonas. Bruce tried to find him. But
he must have left the country"
Elizabeth Engaged.
Elizabeth was now engaged to the
son of wealthy neighbor rancher
in Colorado.
Mrs. Sayles tried to get the two
girls to eat something. But neither
could do more than nibble at the
sandwiches she prepared.
1t was time now for Livia to put
on the dress of white stiff brocade
silvered with cleaning thread. The
strapless bodice framed the white
ness of her shoulders. The gown
hugged her figure to the waist, then
flowed to the ground in a starched
swirl.
A white camellia was placed in
her loosened red-gold hair. Excite
ment frightened her cheeks and
eyes.
Samuels had made all the ar
rangements, and Livia merely had
to obey. But she was nervous as the
car inched its way to the long red
carpet and the banks of flowers.
A corps of publicity men immed-
lately surrounded them. The star
with whom she would walk up the
carpet to the microphone waited.
She had expected to escape un-
noticed into the theater. But she
was recognized and the crowd
roared her name and her COM
panion's while they walked on the
seemingly endless carpet to the
microphone.
Smile at them," the star whis-
pered. Livia, her heart beating fast,
turned her head and smiled at the
blurred heads on the bleachers.
How long ago was it that she, too,
was face in the bleachers, dream
ing that one day she would walk
down the carpet, star among
stars?
And Bruce-where was he now?
She thought she saw him in the
front row of the bleachers, but
wasn't sure. She waved anyway, and
was rewarded with a howl of de-
light from a hundred adolescents.
She stopped when she saw Alice
Delaware. Hall Schneider, her hus-
band, was few steps away. He was
trying to indicate to Alice that
she had already spoken over-long
at the microphone. She glared at
him, then turned with sugary
smile back at the microphone.
Goodbye. everyone, Alice cooed
and stumbled over her dress.
And now" shouted the announc-
er, Il want to introduce you to
Hollywood's newest star-and the
heroine of our picture tonight"
Police to the Rescue.
Livia tried to keep her eyes open
as a bombardment of flashlights
exploded in her face. She suddenly
felt alone, lost in a glare that cut
her off from human contact. She
heard her voice far away telling
them that she was happy to be
there and that she hoped they
would not be disappointed with her.
Then, somehow, she was inside
the theater. People filled the aisles,
and girls and boys passed in a
never lending stream, seeking her
autograph. A policeman came to
her rescue.
Later" he told them all. Later" I"
Livia had sent a ticket to her
father. But she had not expected
him to be there. He had just left
the hospital and was to go to the
Santa Barbara sanitarium the next
day. She was fearful for a moment
when she saw him. But he was
sober. He was sitting between Vera
and George. They had returned
from Mexico a month ago. And
George had a job. He was a detec-
tive with local bureau. Her father
nodded and smiled, and brought
his hands together in the manner
of prize-fghter takeng applause.
She smiled back, initiating his
gesture.
Good luck, Livia," a voice said
In her ear. Charles Fordyce patted
her back. E.
GOOD luck" she whispered back.
Then the lights in the house