Evening star., 1942-01-12

say, IT love you, Richard"
LiviA tried to forget every one on
the set as she listened to the song
| In which the Britisher swore eter-
nal love to her. But despite her
concentration she was aware Of
every little movement on the set.
She was glad when the director
stopped them and explained to the
singer that he must look at Livia
time came for her to say DO you
really?" she thought Of Bruce and,
still thinking of him, kissed the
stranger at the end Of the song.
But she could hardly forbear an
expression of disgust. The Brit
isher was q lover of the onion.
It was over. Mr. Nevins told her
she was fine. So did the director.
"Was I, honestly?" she asked them.
you'll be hearing from us very
soon," Mr.. Nevins said.
A Welcome Surprise.
Then she was back at the studio
gates. Talking to the gateman was
| IuCS xNOldx1-1Ao Al Ia OtAAA 00AA-
daRed. She was delighted to see
him.
"why did you leave the hospitalf"
IT was bored"
But you shouldn't have" she pro-
tested, but she was delighted.
How did it go?" he asked.
They said it was fine"
where are you going now?" he
asked.
II don't know. I suppose It's
lunch time"
II live near here" he said. Lets
90 there-and have something to
eat. I'm a pretty good cook-with
. can opener"
Bruce led her into a small court
yard. There was a strip Of grass
in the center, and around 1t ranged
q dozen low-roofed bungalows, all
alike. In Nolan's home was q low
divan against the wall and two COM
Portable leather armchairs. And .
table. One side Of the wall was
covered with books. She picked one
up, Walt Whitmans Leaves Of
Grass" He smiled at her inquiry.
II brought them from home"
where was homer"
Colorado"
"A rancho"
MY father was a judge IN
Pueblo. studied law. got my de-
gree. And then I knew I didn't
want to be q lawyer. worked on
. cattle ranch. came to Los An
geles 1s months ago for a vacation.
I liked it here. And stayed" He
did not tell Livia that his family
was wealthy and that one Of his
reasons for coming to California
was to get away from the enervat-
ing influence of his fathers wealth.
Livia Turns Cook.
While Bruce spoke. Livia cooked
some eggs and made toast in the
tiny kitchen. Bruce leaned against
the door.
Say, those eggs look good!"
I'm starving" she told him,
when anything exciting happens
In my life, always forget to eat"
She should have been uncom-
Portable sitting there eating meal
with a man she barely knew, but she
felt happy and relaxed
"I1l wash the Dishes" she said
afterward, but he stopped her.
There's a boy who does all that"
She curled up on the divan.
"Just rest-don't talk" he said.
He fetched the pillow from his bed
and put it under her head.
When she opened her eyes. he
was sprawled in an armchair, star
ing in front Of him, smoking a
cigarette.
II wonder when I'll know about
the test" she said dreamily.
He called the studio and asked
for Mr.. Nevins. He talked about
his arm. then casually
"Oh, about Livia Clarkson-I said
Livia Clarkson-the girl who won
the Charm competition-when will
you know about her test? Tomor-
row? Thanks. Yes, I'm feeling
flne. Good-by and thanks"
He turned to the waiting girl.
Some big-shot will look at 1t
tomorrow, end"
Il thought Of you during the love
scene" she told him with a half
smile, and then to herself, I'm f1irt-
ing with him. but it's nice" The
day would be incomplete without
| this.
A Different Kiss.
"T want him to kiss me-" she de-
cided and walked defiantly toward
him. He was family smiling and
looked at her lips as she raised them
to him. He kissed them gently. And
then the corners Of his mouth were
laughing. She drew back offended.
That's what you wanted, wasn't
it?" he said. TITS fun. Let's do 1t
again"
But he was mocking her, and she
felt foolish. She had approached
him like queen conferring q favor.
His laugh was infectious. But now
he was kissing her differently; q
passionate kiss that left her breath
less. His uninjured arm held her
close.
I'm in love with you," he told her
casually.
Did she love him? She didn't
know. 1t had been such a wonder
full, confusing day. She gently dis
engaged herself.
Come on, I'll take you home In
taxi" Bruce gave her back the
green hat-"Put it on, you look too
beautiful without it,"
At the top Of her street she said
good-by to him.
We'll have lunch again tomor-
row?"
Eyes"
She watched his taxi turn the
corner. Her mother was waiting
outside the door of their home.
Nov for It," said Livia and slowly
went inside.
Continued tomorrow
(Cooyrisht. 1o41. b. 0heila dsahan.)
ks = = = = 3IISIIiI 4