Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE “No mademoiselle.” “It’s early,” said Connie breezily. “Do you care for some coffee?” “T’'ve already had a cup but I could stand another. Bring it to me in the living room. I want to get out of these clothes.” : She changed into lounging pajamas and came back into the living room a few minutes later. Yvonne brought in a cup of coffee on a tray and served it. ; “Tonight,” said Connie, her eyes sparkling, “I’ve got big plans.” Yvonne smiled questioningly. “Tonight,” Connie repeated, “I want you to be with your Gene. Go anywhere you like, only don’t come home.” “IT understand,” said the maid. “Tonight I’m going to have heaven. And I don’t want any- body to interfere. You don’t even have to come home to fix breakfast in the morning, Yvonne.” ; “But I must come home some time,” she laughed. “If you’re here by noon that will be plenty of time.” ice ae is really planning a big time,” Yvonne admir- ‘ly, “You bet I am, and it’s only the beginning!” Connie smiled determinedly. “From now on things are going to be a lot differ- ent around here. Mr. Philip Hathaway is due for a shock.” Blithely Connie finished her coffee. She went to her bedroom and spent an hour treating herself to a luxurious bath. Later Yvonne came in and gave her a facial massage. She worked over Connie’s hair then gave it a soft, soothing brushing. at Connie spent the afternoon lazily in bed, dozing and dream- ing. Toward evening she got up, feeling like a new person, That night at the theater, the lucky ticket holders were treated to one of the finest performances ever put on. Miss Constance Carter was in excellent form. Her dancing was superb and her enthusiasm inspired the other members of the ballet to put forth their best efforts. Never had the Libretto ballet been rendered with such verve and excitement. Everyone, on both sides of the footlights, was Keyed up for the great climax. And when Connie and her part- ner arrived upon the powerful scene even the wings backstage were crowded with spellbound onlookers. 78 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE During the first few moments of it, the nymph almost made “a monkey out of the satyr by the nimble dexterity with which ‘she eluded him. The whole thing might have turned into a farce had not the satyr, his professional vanity suddenly irked, taken out after Connie as if he really meant to catch her. In the orchestra pit, the conductor, seeing what was going on waved his baton wildly in an effort to keep the music abreast of the rapid action. Out of sheer mischief and exuberance Connie fled about the stage with the satyr whispering after her frant- ically to slow down so he could catch her. He was so winded that. he almost didn’t make it when it came time for him to fling her onto his shoulder. And he was really in a bad way when it come his turn to flee. Connie did three magnificent leaps while her partner ambled doggedly about the stage. The audience was already applauding before she executed the final leap which landed her astride the exhausted satyr with such force that his collapse was supremly realistic. When the curtain fell she arose from him and had to help him to his feet so they could take their bows. Six curtain calls were demanded by the whistling and cheer- ine audience. In the wings when it was all over Connie was surrounded by admiring fellow performers who congratulated her on the greatest dancing of her meteoric career. Even her partner came over, still panting, perspiring profusely, and grudgingly complimented her. i “What got into you tonight, Connie?” he asked. She laughted delightedly. “You were great, Tony. If I hadn’t begun to feel sorry for you we might be out there yet.” “Another performance like that and you'll have to break in another partner.” He walked away shaking his head. Connie rested a few minutes in her dressing room. Her heart sang. In just about half an hour she’d be with Larry. She could already see him, proud and erect from his triumphant recital Jast night. Together they would select which of the most famous New York restaurants they would favor with their pat- ronage. Tonight was theirs. Wherever they went they would be pointed out as the renowned Miss Carter and the newly celebrated Mr. Brooks. She freshened herself and got dressed. After a final satisfied ECOMiIicbooks co im