The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-05-02
ORPHAN IN DIAMONDS

49, ~ NJ v w.
inwardly. with moan that actual
ly was silent, yet roared in her
ears, please let the telephone ring
and please let it be. Larry.
Two hours later she sat eating
avocado and orange salad and salty
little waters, while others at the
table did the talking. Not that she
was enjoying her lunch. She was
too miserable. She ached with mis-
cry / feel as If I'd swallowed por-
cupine, she thought to herself.
Slowly she lifted topaz eyes toward
Larry, who sat across the table
from her, between his hostess and
August Drake. He seemed entirely
unperturbed by the young girls
presence. still as unaffected rs he
had been when he first saw her
among the guests.
AS she watched, some remark Of
Lois brought a wide smile to his
handsome face, and his eyes spar
killed.. Encouraged, the debutante
put up a slim hand and gave him
quick, childish pat on the cheek.
Lyndon criticized softly. Il don't
see why my sister doesn't let up on
Peyton. She ran him ragged in New
York, then trailed him to Chicago.
l suppose she'll stay here until the
show closes" He laughed in an en-
barrassed manner. And she gets
absolutely nowhere. She should
realize she can't best August
Drake"
Anette did not answer. But she
looked at Lois Lyndon, bare-head-
ed, with pale blond hair nesting
above the mink collar OF her navy
blue velvet suit. and was jealous.
Her eyes shifted to August, dy-
mamie and magnetic in rust wool,
a tiny green hat perched atop red
curls, and though she knew the cas-
cading wells were TO soften a
droopy jaw-line and a too-pointed
chin, she was jealous of August
also.
In fact, the violence Of her 1eal-
ousy frightened her and made her
ashamed. No good, all that stern
advice from her grandmother, all
those embroidered notices that
had all but covered bedroom walls.
Be maidenly. Be sweet-tempered.
Softly insulting, such warnings,
when what she wanted to do was
scream and throw the dishes.
Lyndon was talking again. Lois
Is like a thrilled kid entertaining
these actors and having everyone
stare. OF course she would much
prefer a tete-a-tete luncheon with
Peyton, but that is a little hard to
manage. August does have a way
about her. you know. And what a
way!"
The girl at his side nodded and
smiled family. Il think 1 know
what you mean"
of course I respect the profess
sional admiration between August
and Peyton, but my sister will
make a fool Of herself over a con-
ceited actor-oh. say nowi" he ex-
claimed, as Anettes features
changed from pure white to pink,
forgive me IL I've tramped on
your toes" His clear blue eyes were
filled with concern. Il thought you
and our matinee idol were just cas-
ual friends"
we are Just casual friends
came her clipped agreement, as her
eyes returned to James Lyndon's.
after a purely lmpersonal encounter
with Larry's. Why. they were
strangers. Anette's heart shriveled
and as quickly began to soar until
II felt like a glistening plane in
brilliant summer sunshine.
Still wearing that impersonal
disinterested mask, Larry was talk
ing to his hostess. Lois, this is a
mighty fine lunch. I'll remember II
when I'm having my rabbit sand
wich before the show"
Rabbit sandwich? ?" the blond
girl echoed.
Rapidly Laurence Peyton ex-
planned his meager diet ITS a.