distant relatives.” “Gloria says we must be very distant relatives in 34order to be close friends,” said Ruth, dodging the invitation to tell the extent of her relationship to Gloria. 34 “As for the cigarettes, there should be some in the blue Ming jar over there, or, if you prefer, you can roll your own. There’s tobacco in the box—Gloria’s own tobacco.” “Thanks; I suppose I could have found it myself, but I was actually afraid to look around—George gave me such a wicked look—he did indeed,” said Terry. “What a wonderful woman Gloria Mayfield is,” he continued as he lit a cigarette. “I know,” said Ruth. “No wonder she has so many friends.” “Every one loves Gloria,” continued Terry. “You love her?” asked Ruth. She felt that this man was confiding in her. She wondered if he had proposed to Gloria and if his suit was hopeless. She felt sorry for him, but even while she sympathized she could not keep the three husbands out of her mind. Three husbands were rather overwhelming, but four! Somehow, it didn’t seem quite right, even for so amazing a woman as Gloria. “I should say I do love Gloria. Why, she lets me read everything I’ve written and always applauds. That’s one of the things I came for today. I’ve written that number for Dolly Derwent. Want to hear it?” “Yes, please; I’d love to hear it.” 35“Got to tell some one,” said Terry, and without waiting for further encouragement, he began singing in his queer, plaintive voice, that made his words sound even more nonsensical than they were, a song the refrain of which was: 35 “Do you think that’ll get across? You know Dolly Derwent. Don’t you think that will suit her?” Now, Ruth had never seen Dolly Derwent, and looking at Terry Riordan she suddenly decided to drop pretence. “I’ve never seen her,” she admitted, “and while I suppose your songs are awfully clever and funny, I don’t know anything about the stage and half the time I don’t know what you’re all talking about. You see I haven’t been in New York long and I spend most of my time at the Art Students’ League and I’m afraid I’m not much good as a critic.” For a few
Prev.
Back
Top