Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE approbation of some new work. She stared back at him with Shining eyes. “Darling, it’s out of this world!” she exclaimed. Suddenly she jumped up and ran over to him. In her excite- ment and eagerness to embrace him she almost knocked him off the piano bench. She glued her lips to his. Surely no one in this world had such a desirable lover as she. She ran her fingers luxuriously through his thick hair. “Did—did you really like it?” he asked, while attempting to get his breath. “Like it! I can’t tell you how wonderful I think it is!” He smiled. For a moment he looked down at her. And he knew all at once that he was in love with this bewitching girl. He knew, also that he could not afford to be. Connie sought his lips again. He bent over and kissed her, holding her ever more tightly. She gasped for breath, yet struggled to get even closer to him, if such a thing were possible. “Oh darling, darling—” she breathed. Much as he loved her, then, his mind considered the fateful passion that was engulfing them both. How could such a thing as this go on without inflicting grievous wounds? With all of Connie’s plans working out, she would still be the great premiere danseuse of the Ballet du Roi, and he—? The telephone tinkled. “Let it ring,” said Larry. “Vd better answer it,’ she apologized. “It might be Philip , and it’s important that I see him tonight.” Larry put her down on her feet. The spell was suddenly broken. He watched Connie as she walked over and picked up the receiver. How practical and matter-of-fact she became all at once! He sat down and gazed at her in bewilderment, “Yes?” she said. “Connie, this is Philip,” came his voice in mini at Ute over the wire. “Shalt I pick you up for a bite of food before show time?” “No, Philip. T’ll go directly to the theater from here tonight. But I do wish yowd meet me afterward. I’ve something terribly important to take up with you.” “Really, my dear?” he cried, delighted. “I'll most certainly meet you in that event.” ; 40 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE _ “Good. And thanks so much, Philip.” She hung up, then _ turned and smiled at Larry. “Tonight I’m going to make pre- 4 liminary arrangements for your recital.” _ “Just who is this Philip Hathaway? And what’ s he got to do 5 with you?” _ “He’s president of the Ballet du Roi Association.” “But isn’t there something, er, more than that between you?” Zz He looked at her askance. “Nothing that matters, sweetheart,’ said Connie lightly. She _ joined him. She pulled him down to her. Folding her arms about his neck she closed her eyes and offered her lips. Expectantly she waited _ for his kiss. When it failed to come she opened her eyes. Larry _ was staring down at her peculiarly. Her brows went up ques- tioningly. - “I don’t understand you at times, Connie,” he murmured. “Sometimes I even wonder how much all this means to you.” “How can you doubt that?” she asked, hurt. ‘Oh, Larry, surely you can’t.” Sah age Connie stopped his words with her lips. The fire in her kiss sent Larry reeling again. “Oh, I love you, my sweet,’ Connie whispered in his ear. She meant it; meant it more sincerely than anything else in her life. - It was late when Larry left. Yvonne had even returned from her seventh afternoon off in the past ten days. She helped Connie get ready for the theater. : “Mademoiselle is very happy these days,’ Yvonne observed pleasantly as Connie hummed a ragtime tune. “The happiest I’ve ever been, Yvonne. Don’t you think Larry is handsome?” She breathed deeply and let out a lovelorn sigh. “He is. He is a most attractive young man, But, made- moiselle—?” “Yes?” Connie smiled at the little maid. “What are you going to do about Mr. Hathaway?” Connie thought that over a moment. “A good question, Yvonne. I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. Philip has been kind and I shall always be grateful. I hope to find someone for _ him. Someone who will make him happy.” - “Tt may be the kinder thing to—’ Yvonne paused and “COMME OAKS.