Rash Romance

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3278, 12 March 1931, Page 6

Rash Romance

j=j By LAURA LOU BROOKMAN.

A FASCINATING SERIAL.

(Copyright.)

BEGIN HERE TO-DAY. Judith Cameron, typist in a New York publishing house marries Arthur Knight, executive of the department in which she works. Knight is a widower with a daughter, Tony, 18, in Paris, and a son, Junior, 16, at school. A blissful honeymoon in Bermuda is interrupted by a cablegram that Tony is on her way to America. Judith and Arthur sail to meet her. Then the girl ignores her stepmother. Later she tells Judith she must leave the house. Knight, overhearing, forces Tony to apologize. The girl spends much of her time with Mickey Mortimer, blase amuse-ment-seeker who she met in Paris, lie is separated from his wife and deep in a flirtation with Tony. As days pass a state of armed neutrality exists between Tony and Judith. Junior arrives home for the holidays and treats Judith with cold, aloof politeness. Judith is uncomfortable until the boy returns to school.

Andy Craig, a young man Knight has helped through college, calls on Tony. Craig is to be employed in the legal department of the publishing house. He has loved Tony for years—rather hopelessly. One afternoon Judith encounters Craig unexpectedly. She is annoyed at her embarrassment. Because time hangs heavily on her hands, Arthur suggests Judith should have the house re-decorated. Craig calls frequently and one evening when Tony refuses to accompany him to a ciog show at Madison Square Garden, Judith goes. Tony, left alone with her father, tells him it is Judith and not herself whom Craig comes to the house to see. Knight denies this angrily. Tony surprises Judith by asking her to have lunch with her in town next day.

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

CHAPTER XXI. Because Judith was eager to meet Tony’s unknown friend and to look her best at the luncheon, she took particular care in dressing. She selected a black crepe cut on princess lines, because it made her look older and because the dress happened to be particularly becoming. There was a touch of old lace at the throat. Judith was one of those fortunate souls possessing a figure which needed only to be clothed in well-fitting garments to give those garments distinction.

The princess frock fitted perfectly and had the correct neckline to display Judith’s lovely pearls—Arthur’s Christmas gift. She was to wear a small black toque, suede slippers with huge steel buckles and the fur wrap.

Judith stood, her head on on side, thoughtfully checking each item of the costume. She decided it would do.

She was humming a little snatch from a catchy waltz tune that had been on the air the evening before. It was 10.30 o’clock in the morning, early to think of dressing for luncheon, but Judith was in an anticipatory mood. She was pleased at the prospect of lunching with Tony and very anxious that the girl should feel proud of her.

So she wandered about the room, singing softly, pulling out dresser drawers and closing them as she selected undergarments and hose. Someone gave a slight tap on the door. Before Judith had time even to call out, the door opened and Tony’s head emerged through a narrow slit. “Morning, Judith,” she said cheerfully. “Aren’t you surprised to see

me up?” “Rather 1” Judith answered good naturedly. “What is it —excitement about meeting the young man?” “Oh, no I” Tony insisted, shaking her head in firm denial. “Much more important things on my mind this morning than men. Judith, I’ve an appointment at the hairdresser’s at 11.30. Carl is such a particular hairdresser, too. I simply don’t dare miss a date. You have to sign up for ’em days and days ahead. Will you mind if I dash on into town for my appointment and then meet you at one o’clock for lunch?”

“No,” said Judith, who did mind but couldn’t very easily object. “That’s quite all right, Tony. Where’s the place I’m to meet you?” “At the Rookery. It’s a litle place oq, Madison that I’m crazy about. Wait —l’ll find the address."

The door closed. Five minutes later it opened and Tony’s head appeared once more. “Here,” she said, “I wrote it down. And of course you’ll have Bert drive in. Taken me there lots of times.” Tony hurled a folded piece of paper across the room. It fell in Judith’s lap. The older girl picked it up and read the address. “Oh, yes,” she said, “I know where this is. All right, I’ll meet you at one o’clock sharp. “Just go in and say you want Tony Knight’s table,” the girl in the doorway instructed. “Mrs Wayne, who runs the place, knows me.”

Judith nodded her head. “I’ll be there at one,” she repeated. Thanks a lot. Bye byel” Tony disappeared and the door closed. Judith found her purse and jammed the scrap of paper into it. It was certainly very chummy and pleasant to have Tony visiting back and forth

across the hallway. Well, the luncheon should be a great success. Certainly no one could he in a more angelic mood than Tony seemed to be this morning. Very leisurely Judith continued dressing. She even took time for a shampoo which left her golden locks soft and gleaming.

Bert was instructed to have the car at the entrance way at a quarter after 12 o’clock. It was never more than a 25 minute run into the city, but noon traffic was slow. Judith was taking every precaution to be prompt At 15 minutes after 12 o’clock Judith Knight, feeling she was looking very well indeed closed the door of the house behind her, came down the walk and stepped into the limousine.

She gave Bert the address Tony had written and sank back against the comfortably upholstered cushions. Judith loved the car and always enjoyed the ride into the city. To sit back in the big car with a liveried chauffeur in front and glide over smooth pavements was a sensation which had not yet lost its novelty. Traffic delays which she had anticipated did not develop. It was 10 minutes of one when Bert brought the car up to the curb ir front of “The Rookery.” Judith stepped out and instructed the driver to return for her at two.

“The Rookery” was really familiar territory. Judith had never been in the place but she had passed it often during her employment at Hunter Brothers. It was not more than a block and a half’s walk from the publishing house. She had never ventured inside, knowing well that its a la carle price list was not meant for her purse. To-day she opened the door and stepped in.

“The Rookery” looked a good dea like a hundred other tea rooms. I

appeared to be a place where food of good quality was served at high prices. The walls were creamy brown. Wooden chairs and tables stood about and in place of sunlight there were burning candles. The outstanding characteristic of the place was its air of intimacy. There were such a number of tables for two set at angles which seemed to give them privacy. A smiling woman in a blue frock came forward.

“Gan I give you a seat?” she asked. “Yes,” answered Judith. “I came to meet Miss Antoinette Knight. I believe she reserved a table?” “Oh, yes,” the hostess assured her. “Miss Knight’s table is back here. Will you come this way?” She led Judith to the rear of the room where, standing well apart from the others, was a table laid for two. “But this can’t be right,” Judith protested. “There shoud be a third plate. Miss Knight is bringing a friend.

The woman in blue showed concerr

“How odd! Miss Knight particularly requested this table. She called me not more than an hour ago.” “Well, perhaps—perhaps I’m mistaken. It may be her friend was unable to keep the engagement.”

Judith took the chair which had been drawn back for her. So she was to have luncheon with Tony alone after all! There were still several moments to wait even if Tony were prompt—of which Judith was highly doubtful. She glanced about the room prepared to enjoy herself. Now eating places were always interesting to Judith. Iler attention was captured by a pretty waitress who looked so very much like a Hollywood celebrity she might have been the star’s twin sister.

“It’s the wavy line of her hair about her face,” Judith told herself. The waitress’ dark locks were parted at the centre, drawn back, then allowed to fall straight at the sides so that her face seemed very slim and her dark eyes were given unusual emphasis.

There were oilier pretty waitresses about. They wore pale blue frocks with fragile organdie aprons tied in floppy bows and tiny bits of organdie pinned on their heads for caps.

"Well, hel-LO I Mrs Knight!” The booming, mascuine voice startled her. “Why—Andy Craig! What in the world brings you here?" “Tony." “TONY?” “Why, yes, Mrs Knight. Any objections? You seem rather surprised.” “But—you mean you’re meeting Tony here for lunch to-day?” “Yes. If she’s anywhere within an hour of being punctual—which of course she may not be.” “But I’m meeting Tony here myself!”

“Well then it looks as though we’re .0 have a party, doesn't it? Mind if I :ake a seat?”

Judith shook her head in perplexity

“No of course not,” she said. “Sit down—only we’re going to need another place here, aren’t we?” Andy stretched out one long .arm, drew another chair toward the table and sat down in it. That was a little better. Judith somehow felt most uncomfortable sit-

ting opposite Andy Craig in the tete-a-tete atmosphere of “The Rookery.” She glanced at her wrist watch. “Tony’s late,” she announced. “It’s five minutes after one.”

Craig leaned back and smiled 10l-

erantly. “Oh, when you know Tony Knight as long as I have you won’t even start counting against her until at least 30 minutes have gone by. She’s a brilliant young woman but she never yet has managed to get wit enough together to learn how to tell time.” Judith tried to appear affable. She was beginning to feel certain that Tony Knight’s invitation to luncheon was not the simple friendly gesture it had seemed. “How about the pup?” Craig was saying. “Got him yet?” Judith shook her head. “No,” she said. “Arthur didn’t feel well yesterday. I don’t think he took time to see about the dog.” “Sorry to hear Mr Knight wasn’t well." “Oh, lie’s all right to-day. It was just a disagreeable headache." A shadow fell suddenly across the table. Judith looked up and continued to stare with amazement. Coming directly toward them was Tony Knight And behind her came—Arthur I For no reason at all a guilty flush crossed Judith’s face. CHAPTER XXII. It was one of those situations which seem so simple and easy to explain but which, in reality, often cause the most difiiculty. Shock and surprise at sight of her husband brought a hot colour to Judith’s cheeks. Then, aware of the flush, she became embarrassed. Andy Craig had risen, smiling. Andy looked as though he were trying to mend a bad situation.

“Well," lie said, “Tony—Mr Knight, this is a surprise.” “Yes, isn’t it!” giggled Tony Knight. “And —my goodness! Look at Judith’s cheeks, will you! Don’t tell me you haven’t been up to secrets, you two. Oh, but it’s becoming, Judith! Wasn’t it sweet of father to leave his stuffy old office and come off to lunch with me? But I never dreamed of finding you two here—l”

Arthur Knight had not spoken. Before Judith could get in a quick word of defence against the younger girl’s implications her husband said: “Hello, Judith How’re you, Craig? Tony and I seem to have interrupted a little party here! You —don’t mind if we join you?”

“Why, certainly not. Here, hadn’t we all better move to a larger table?” Judith arose and the others follow-

“So you got here at last,” Craig said to Tony. “We were beginning to think you weren’t coming!”

“You thought I wasn’t coming?" cooed Tony “Don’t be silly, dearie! You weren’t thinking anything of that sort, Andy Craig. You were staring into Judith’s eyes and I’ll bet you were making love to her, too. Was he, Judith?” She turned sweetly toward her stepmother. Inwardly Judith was raging, but the pink flush had died in her cheeks and she had regained her composure. She was fuming at herself for having fallen such an easy victim to Tony Knight’s scheming. Even now Judith did not understand the significance of the plot. She was angry at Arthur. For a moment his eyes had met hers and she had certainly read accusation in that glance.

Without allowing her a word of explanation Arthur seemed to have convicted her of coming to this place for lunch wlh Andy Craig. As though there were anything so very dreadful about that, even is she had done it! So she answered Tony sarcastically: “Oh, yes. Of course Andy was

making love to me. He was begins ning to quote the balcony scene from

“Romeo and Juliet.’ Most unl'ortun ate that you should have interrupted.’

Craig laughed shortly. He was uncomfortably aware of the unrest in the atmosphere.

“Don’t you believe her,” he said, addressing himself to Arthur Knight. “I believe I’ve succeeded in making your daughter jealous at last. Hurray!”

One of the blue-clad waitresses (it was the pretty one whom Judith had been admiring) approached with menu cards. Tony immediately turned the conversation into a discussion of foods. She named an array of dishes, waited while the girl wrote them down, suddenly changed her mind and issued a new order. It was some time before the commotion ended. Then Tony leaned back in her chair and glanced from one face to another about the table.

“Oh, you naughty, naughty dears, you!” she said, indicating Judith and Andy with a nod. “Did you think that you would just slip off by yourselves and have a quiet little lunch?”

She laughed in sly, bantering tone

“I know what they’ll tell us, father,” she continued. “They’re going to tell you, both of them, that they were waiting for me to come and join the party. A very nice alibi, my dears, but I’ve spoiled it for you by thinking of it first.”

Tony finished with a flourish of vindictive laughter “Say, Tony, what is this—a frameup?”

Andy, who had spoken, was clearly disturbed. The girl was quick to soothe his ruffled feelings. “Now, now, Andy. Mustn’t show »temper. Must be nice, good little boy ’cause then Tony’s going to let you take her to see the movies to-night.” "But look here, Mr Knight. You didn’t think —!” “Oh, no. Of course not,” Arthur calmed him. “I know Tony’s only talking nonsense.” Judith felt there was nothing she could contribute to this horrible luncheon. She wished it would be over quickly. Arthur was avoiding her eyes, glancing about the room in a nervous, uneasy way. The waitress brought soup and the dish of fruit which Judith had ordered. There was a long period of delay following this first course.

Knight looked at his watch.

“Great Scot! Nearly two o’clock. I can’t waste all afternoon in this damned place, Tony! What on earth did you ever bring me here for? Listen—excuse me, will you, Judith, Andy? I’m going out and get some real food. Here —” (he tossed a bill down on the table) “this ought to cover the check. Tell the waitress I couldn't wait."

Judith would not have stopped him if she could. With a sigh of relief she saw his broad back disappearing through the maze of diners.

At length the luncheon was served and eaten. Tony babbled on constantly, very cheerful and gay. Andy Craig had very little to say and Judith, of the three, was quietest. “Are you going to drive back with me, Tony?” she asked as the last dishes were being removed. “Like to,” the girl responded carelessly, “but I’ve got my own car outside and I’m picking up Lois and Jamie at three o’clock. By the way, Andy, I’m having dinner in town tonight but you can call for me at the house at 8.30.”

Craig agreed to be there. He was agitated over the delay and already late to report to work. At last all three arose and walked toward the entrance.

Bert was waiting at the curb in the

big car

“Goodbye,” Judith called as she stepped into the limousine. Tony aud Andy were to walk down the block. They turned, smiled and Tony even waved a gay signal of farewell. “You can drive me home, I guess,” Judith told the driver. Two blocks distant they were retarded by the tides of traffic and the girl suddenly changed her mind. She had been a fool, she told herself, to let Tony succeed with her evil mischief making.

Judith addressed Bert through the speaking tube. She asked him to drive to Hunter Brothers’ headquarters. When they reached the familiar granite structure the girl stepped out on the pavement and asked the chauffeur to wait. It would take no more than 15 or 20 minutes, she assured him, before she would be back. Judith went into the building, rode up to the tenth floor in the familiar elevator car and then approached Arthur Knight’s office

It was the first time she had been in the Hunter building since her marriage. How exactly the same the place looked! And yet—how different. It was satisfying to know she was wearing her most becoming outfit.

She walked directly to Kathryn Tupper’s office, which was in front" of Arthur Knight’s private quarters.

Mis Tupper looked up, started to speak and then checked herself. “How do you do, Miss Tupper,” Judith said quietly. “I have come to see my husband. Will you tell him Mrs Knight is waiting, please?”

For an instant it seemed Kathryn Tupper was going to remain in her seat. Then she arose slowly.

“Yes, indeed, Mrs Knight,” the woman said. She placed an accent on the words “Mrs Knight,” bringing them 'out unpleasantly. Miss Tupper left the room and Judith dropped into a chair while she waited. It was some time before the private secretary returned. “Mr Knight is in conference," she said tartly. “He said he could sec you in about JO minutes if you care to wait.” “But, did you tell him—” Judith began in a slightly bewildered voice. “Yes,” said Miss Tupper decisively. “1 told him Mrs Knight was here.” Judith arose.

“You may tell Mr Knight,” she said, “that I have gone on.” She was very pale and her chin was held high as she stepped into the car and directed Bert to drive her home.

Judith had gone to Arthur’s office in a repentant mood. She wanted to tell him the whole story of the luncheon episode. She wanted to make it clear that she had not been seeking a private interview with Andy Craig. And his answer had been that he would “sec her in 30 minutes!"

The young wife was more upset by this announcement than by the affair at “The Rookery.” That had been Tony’s misdoing. This was a thrust from Arthur himself.

Rebellious, feeling deeply abused, Judith rode home. She did not glance at the landscape as they passed along. At last they reached the house. Harriet opened the door for her and Judith entered. There were a few instructions to be given to the housekeeper. Then Judith Knight hurried up tlie stairs to her own room, closed the door behind her, locked it and threw off her hat and coat. With a little sob she sank to the bed and let the tears come. Twenty minutes later Judith had dried her eyes. She walked over to her writing desk, drew out notepaper, pen and ink.

A long time she stared at the blank sheet. There was the old look, the haunted look in Judith’s eyes. Suddenly she began to write: The words which she set down were: “Dear Phil—”