Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CROSSROADS OF DESERE “Of course. Go right ahead, my dear. I wouldn’t interrupt for the world.” Connie stifled an impulse to order her out. But that would only cause complications. Mrs. Switzer was one of the pillars of the Ballet du Roi Association. Connie decided to use force only as a last desperate resort. “I'm not accustomed to creating a choreography in front of an audience, Mrs. Switzer,” she said, as diplomatically yet as firmly as possible, The matron looked up quickly then burst into laughter. “Oh: my. You artistic people amuse me so. You are all so tempera- mental. But I understand your problems and far be it from me to stop the wheels of progress. What are you working on, my dear?” “Well, er,” said Connie, searching frantically for something to say, “it’s a sort of—well, a ragtime ballet idea.’ “Splendid! Mind showing me how it goes?” Connie could have killed her. Larry would be here any moment. But there was nothing to do but try and satisfy the woman. Connie felt utterly ridiculous as she improvised a few steps. “Marvelous. Simply marvelous,’ Mrs. Switzer exclaimed. “You've got the idea now,” said Connie and it was all she could do to keep from adding “scram,” All at once it was too late. The buzzer sounded again. Connie glanced at Mrs. Switzer angrily then walked to the door. This time she was not disappointed. It was Larry Brooks. But the best she could do for him was a mirthless smile. “Hello,” he greeted her, then his eyes went beyond her into the room and a queer expression crossed his face. “You remember Mrs. Switzer, probably,” Connie said. “She was here at the cocktail party yesterday.” “Yes. I remember. How are you, Mrs. Switzer?” “Just fine, thank you, young man.” The matron looked him over diffidently. ‘Do you have something to do with the ballet?” “He’s going to work with me on the music,” Connie explained hastily. “Oh, I see.” “Play something ‘for her, Larry. One of your ragtime num- bers.” CROSSROADS GF DESIRE Larry glanced at Connie, not fully realizing the situation, For a brief instant his eyes were distracted by her bewitching appearance. He went to the piano and sat down. He played for a few moments as Connie watched Mrs. Switzer surreptitiously. Presently the matron was convinced that Larry’s presence here was legitimate. “Tf sounds grand,” she said getting up. “I know the two of you have a lot of work to do. So Ill be trotting along.” Connie went to the door with her. In spite of the way she felt, she managed to be decent to Mrs. Switzer until she left. When she closed the door she turned around to Larry and smiled with relief. “T was afraid we might be stuck with her the rest of the afternoon.” “Who is she?” Larry asked. “A wheel in the Ballet du Roi Association.” He looked at her and tried not to let his eyes roam over her as they wanted to. Suddenly he looked away. He wagged his head and smiled. ; “Frankly, when you spoke to me about this last night, I didn’t realize you were serious.” Connie walked over and leaned on the piano. She looked down at him. Before she could say anything Larry went on. “T guess I owe you an apology, Miss Carter.” “What for?” “IT can see now that you really meant business. I hope I can produce what you expect of me.” “T’m sure you can,” : : Her eyes held his for a long moment. Suddenly, as if he were ashamed of his thoughts, he tore his eyes away. “Shall we start in on it? You said something about ragtime and—” “Yes, I guess we should.” Connie knew she had to go along with the little scheme for awhile. “Suppose you tell me what you had in mind.” “Something with good rhythm. Something lively. The sort of stuff you were playing last night. Why don’t you Just start in playing and T’ll go through whatever steps come into my mind.” Larry nodded and began thumping the keys. A lilting melody - comichbooks Eom