The Picture Show Annual (1931)

76 Picture Show Annual The hint of rivalry and subtle suggestion that he was preferred to a much wealthier and famous star was enough for Jack. I will ! " he shouted, and turned to Myra, whose heart sank at the expression on his face. I fail to see how my affairs concern you," he said, "and I prefer not to discuss them with you. If you are envious of my quicker rise, please do not try to drag me down to where I was at the beginning." Drag you down ? " said Myra. " It would be raising you up again." But Jack had brushed past her, and the girl sagged against the wall and began to sob quietly. Then she found Peter Thome's hand tucked gently inside her arm, leading her into his dressing-room. She let herself be sat in a chair, then putting her arms on the dressing-table, she laid her head on them and wept among sticks of grease-paint and brushes and combs. Presently Peter gently tapped her shoulder and his voice spoke to her caressingly. Drink this up." She raised her head and obediently drank the tot of neat brandy handed to her. It stung her mouth and throat and made her cough, but she felt better. She dabbed at her eyes with her inadequate wet scrap of handkerchief, and Peter smiled. That's not much use, is it ? Mine's drier—and larger. Try it." He produced a large silk handkerchief from a pocket and mopped her eyes for her. "Better?" he asked, and she nodded. "Well," he continued, " suppose you tell your uncle all about it. Confession's good for the soul. I suppose young Rayner Smith has been high hatting you, like everyone else. I've seen a bit—and also, if you will stage these little acts outside my dressing-room door I can't avoid hearing unless I climb out of the skylight. I gathered that young Smith—pardon, Rayner Smith—has been vamped very successfully by Carita. Also that he has swelled head as a consequence, and spurns your affections? You're very fond of him, I suppose ? " Myra looked up sharply, a little indignant at the interrogation in his tone, but presently she found herself pouring out all the trouble she had repressed for so long. I'd do anything to make him realise what a fool he's being," she finished. " I'm sure he really loves me. But what can I do ? I can't attract his attention." " Leave him. If he mucks up this chance of success, it may bring out the best in him and make him begin all over again." " Oh, I couldn't. It would be too cruel. Oh, if only I were famous like you I might be able to do something." Peter nodded thoughtfully. I suppose it s useless trying to persuade you to give him up, then ? " he said. Myra smiled wanly and nodded. In that case, how about pretending you don't care two hoots for him, that you're keen on someone else ? " What's the use ? He never even notices me now unless I stand in his way, and there's no one to pretend with who would make him notice it." I don't know. I'm well in the studio eye," said Peter, " so how about staging a romance with me ? " " Please don't joke about it," she began, but he broke in. I mean it. Don't you realise it's your best chance for getting him back. If I've read him rightly, he'll welcome your affection when Carita's little passion is over, and your name has been linked with another star's. Try it, anyway. Myra held out her hand. " Thank you, Mr. Thome. You're a brick. I can never be grateful enough. But won't it harm " " No more than usual. If I take a girl to lunch everyone looks for the ring on her finger next day, so let's hope something worth while comes of this." Within a week the Filmovox studios had another cause for gossip. Peter Thome was paying marked attention to that little copper-headed prizewinner. He had been seen lunching and dining with her, and had even squired her at a film first night, an event that astounded everyone, since he was a notorious avoider of film premieres. Carita and Jack Rayner Smith heard the news and pretended to be amused. Secretly both were furious. Then Jack began to show signs of a reawakened interest in Myra, simultaneous with Carita s introduction to a very affable and gilded count, and a few days before the annual studio dance Myra was walking from the set to her tiny dressing-room, when Jack stepped out of the shadows and caught her by the arm. Myra," he said, and infused into his voice all the contrition and humbleness he could produce. " Will you come with me to the dance? I'd like you to." Myra stood there, silent. Where was the thrill she had expected on hearing his voice asking her out ; the joy in knowing that he had returned to her? I'll call for you at eight-thirty," she heard him continue confidently, and she heard her own voice reply— quite a different answer from the one she had planned. I'm afraid, not, Jack. I'm going with Mr. Thome. There was a coldness and finality in her tone that surprised herself, and she walked out of the studio to where Peter was waiting for her in his two-seater. " Peter," she said as he slammed the door. " Jack has asked me to go to the dance with him." " Splendid. Hope you enjoy yourself," said Peter without enthusiasm. " Now marry him quickly while he's still suffering from reaction after Carita, and be prepared to battle continually against his periodic lapses. I wish you happiness." " But I said ' no,' " announced Myra. I told him I was booked." " Booked ? Who to ? " snapped Peter, suddenly looking at her. " Didn't know there was anyone else.' " There isn't " she began, but stopped at the expression in his eyes ; then, staring straight in front of her, said " You." " Good," replied Peter, suddenly relaxing. " And make that permanent." " What do you mean ? " demanded Myra. " What do you think I mean ? " he countered. " Well," Myra chuckled, " if you mean what I think you mean, why not say so clearly ? He did. And she returned an equally clear reply that, when it was made public, made Jack Rayner Smith ponder the fickleness of woman with a bitterness that lasted over a week.