Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Philip shook his head. ‘“‘There’s not going to be any.” “Oh yes there is!” she cried, flying into a rage. “I happen to have something to say about that!” “You’ve got nothing to say about the Ballet du Roi. When it comes right down to it, Connie, it’s my money.” “Tl quit,’ she screamed, “I’l] quit this very minute if that new ballet is not scheduled,” Philip gave a start. He looked up at her with surprise and incredulity on his face. It was plain that he didn’t know whether to believe her or not. She must be bluffing. Had to be. But he feared to call her hand at the moment. Connie was in Such a state that she might—just might—do anything. “The original point was, whether or not you’d see Brooks again,” said Philip in an effort to divert her, “I told you that was impossible if we’re to put on the new ballet.” “Then I'll tell you what,” Philip smiled generously. “Let's Say you won’t see him, uh, shall we say in a social way?” “Tll promise nothing,” she said, after gazing at him a moment through the storm that raged in her eyes. “Better think it over, my dear.” “You think you can buy everything with your filthy money, don’t you, Philip?” Her statement fairly dripped with sarcasm and venom. “Yowre upset, Connie. I don’t want you to make up your mind now. Calm down, then think it all over carefully.” Philip arose and prepared to go. “My mind is made up.” “Come now. I know you're quite nervous over all that’s hap- pened. You need some rest. I’d even suggest you don’t go on tonight. Call Hoke and have him put one of your understudies in your part.” ; é “That’s exactly what I intend doing,” said Connie, “because I’m through.” “Now look here,” he said with concern, “You're not being sensible at all. Have you stopped to think about Brooks’ attitude? Maybe you won’t look so good, if you're not in a position to help him. It’s something to think about.” “I’m through! Do you hear me?” she cried suddenly. 110 ° CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Philip stared at her. He couldn’t believe it. The best thing he could do was to get out. Connie needed to cool off. She couldn’t mean what she had said. Knowing her as hé did, he’d bet his last knickel on it. “Call me if you change your mind,” said Philip and left, CHAPTER SIXTEEN “OF Mademoiselle, what have you done?” exclaimed the frightened Yvonne. “(ve declared my independence.” i “But Mr. Hathaway might kick you out of the ballet. He might kick us out of this apartment,” “The apartment, perhaps. The ballet, never. He knows it’s through my efforts alone that the Association is finally be- ginning to make money.’ “You just told him that you were throuch, though,” Yvonne observed worriedly. “I want him to stew about that for a while. It will do him good, He’s too fond of a dollar to let the ballet fail at this point. Hle’ll be singing a different tune after he thinks it over for a while.” “I only hope youre right, mademoiselle,” said Yvonne un- convinced. “Call Hoke for me please and tell him to put an understudy in my part tonight. I’m going out. I don’t know when Ill be back,” “Oui, mademoiselle.”’ A few minutes later Connie left the apartment. She had waited as long as she could to hear from Larry. Now, he was going to hear from her. She took a taxi to O’Brien’s and went up to Larry’s room. A mild argument was in progress between Larry and Jane Vollmer. It ended abruptly when Connie burst in. Fearing more trouble Larry got between the two girls at once. “There’s not going to be another fight. I’m warning you both,” he said, glancing at them warily. “You've got a nerve coming here,” Jane told Connie angrily. “comicbooks.cotn