Evening star., 1942-02-08

there was shrill applause. 1t was
for him, of course.
Livia Feels Debated.
She closed her eyes and wished
she could creep unnoticed out Of
the theater. There was sudden
squirt of laughter, and she opened
her eyes. The comedian was getting
the laughs predicted by Fordyce.
You gave people so much drama,
then you brought them down with
a laugh.
Livia smiled and forgot that this
was her picture. She almost en-
joyed some OF the drama-if she
didn't look too closely at herself.
And she was just thinking that If
some of the early part could be re-
made, it might not be so awful
when they came to the last scene
and her death.
She lowered her head in embar-
rassment. Why was she making
those hideous faces? She was COM
pletely Debated of ego IF only I'd
stayed at home" she said miserably
to herself.
There was a sudden loud noise
in the theater They were booing
her, was her first thought, and then
she realized it was applause. The
lights were on and people were
clapping and stamping, and crowd
ing her.
You were wonderful, Livia," they
said in different ways. Her father
nodded his approval, then disap-
peared in the crowd which was
sweeping him to the exit.
"Livia, darling!" Vera kissed her.
"Be happy" she whispered.
Livia fought her tears. She didn't
believe them. Always at premiere
every one congratulated every one
else. Oh, no, they couldn't fool her.
Hadn't she seen the film herself?
But here was Charles Fordyce, and
he was smiling.
"You were as good as I knew you'd
be-" he said. You're the hottest
thing in the business"
But I was terrible" she said to
him unhappily.
Keep thinking that, and you'll
keep on improving" Charles said.
I'll see you at Ciro's."
Livia had forgotten about Ciro's.
Where was Bruce? She saw him
near the door and struggled, holding
on to Elizabeth and the Judge to
reach him. She had to pass Alice
Delaware to get to him. Alice re-
garded her with cold eyes, and Livia
braced herself for the encounter.
Even Alice Praises.
How did you do it?" Alice asked.
IT mean, how did you give such a
good performance? You were Won
derful," she gushed. II don't think
I could have done it better myself"
Alice was not girl to stay outside
the domain of public opinion. The
picture had proved that Livia would
be an important star.
All, there was Bruce!
He put his arm around her, and
she leaned against him.
The Judge grinned. IF you think
you can get out Of this mob, you're
crazy"
Everything is possible in Holly
wood" Bruce said and called
policeman to him and whispered in
divided the crowd.
"Mr. Bruce Nolan's car" Bruce
said to the announcer. Samuels
hustled up protesting.
She'll have to go with Mr..
Dunno" he said. Bruce repeated to
the announcer:
: "Mr. Nolan's car"
I'm sorry" said Samuels, "but
she must come with U.S."
BE more respectful when you talk
to my wife" said Bruce and laughed
in the astonished face of the
publicity man.
"When?" he spluttered as Bruce
helped Livia into the vehicle.
This morning" Bruce said calmly.
my father can give you all the
details. He married Judge
Nolan-you1l find him at Ciro's-
if you hurry"
They took the coast road to
Northern California. And when they
had left the town behind them,
Livia leaned against Bruce and said:
Lets take the top down. I want
the wind from the sea on my face"
After a while she asked, "You
saw Charles?"
Eyes"
How did he take it?"
HE wouldn't believe you were
giving it all up to be plain Mrs.
Nolan of Colorado. He said you'd
come back to pictures"
They were silent. Then Livia said:
II never really liked the movie
business. But I had to lick it,"
You did that tonight all right"
said Bruce. Sure you haven't
changed your mind? We can turn
back. All Hollywood is at Ciro's wait
ing for you" Livia drew her coat
around her shoulders.
IF you dare turn round"
she threatened, "I1l-I1l-" He
stopped the car and pressed her to
him.
You'll never be sorry, Livia," he
breathed into her hair. This is
reality, my Darlington and I for
ever"
Forever breathed Livia.
Charles Fordyce was wrong. Livia
did not come back to Hollywood.
THE END