Radio and television mirror (Nov 1939-Apr 1940)

Loneliness, at least, is clean. It's hard to believe that the events of the last five days, since we went aboard the plane in Montana, have really happened. They've come so fast, with such kaleidoscopic frenzy. The air, as we neared New York, was bumpy, but I had no idea we were in any danger until, suddenly, the plane gave a sickening lurch and plunged to the ground. Unbelievably, I was not injured, but Grant was white and still in the wreckage. He was still unconscious when they got him to the hospital, and the doctor, though he tried, was unable to give me much hope. I battled back frenzy to think what I must do. Even with my mind full of Grant, I knew I must not forget the reason we had come to New York, and as I waited for some change to come in Grant's condition they brought me a telegram at the hospital. It was signed "Richard" — and it instructed me to meet him that night at eight o'clock in the Olympic Hotel. I'm not very clear about what happened after that. Of course I was tired and overwrought, but I do remember telephoning the hos pital and learning that Grant would not regain consciousness before morning. And I remember that Mimi gave me a bromide at dinner, "to calm my nerves." I suspect it did more than that. I got to the Olympic at eight. The desk clerk told me to go to Room 310 and wait, that Mr. Williams would be back shortly. He had, the clerk said, already registered for both of us. I went to Room 310. And the next thing I knew Edwards, our butler, and a hotel detective were standing over me and it was four o'clock in the morning! That was when I suspected that Mimi had given me something stronger than a bromide. But the horrible thing was that the doctor had been wrong. Grant recovered consciousness while I was sleeping in the hotel. And when he opened his eyes it was Mimi who sat beside him. He soon found out, the next day, how Edwards had found me at the hotel — and about the damning way the register was signed: Mr. and Mrs. Richard Williams. I tried to explain how things really were. But suddenly, overpowered by Mimi's viciousness and Grant's willingness to believe her, I couldn't go on. Words just wouldn't come. A man either trusts his wife, or he doesn't. Grant doesn't trust me. And that is why I am living here, in this boarding house, away from him. But I'm miserable. August 29th . . . I have a job! I'm to design dresses. Model them too sometimes. Pierre, the owner of the shop, even has given me a contract. And he's paying me thirty dollars a week. Now I can rent a little house in the country. And eventually, if Richard really is alive, I'll hire a lawyer to get me a divorce. Then perhaps life will be good enough at least. Without Grant I don't expect to be happy. September 1st . . . What was Mimi doing in Slemp's "I went after you. Van Doom was on the floor, a Icnife beside him. It was horrible . . ." office today? I'd better watch out! She was surprised to see me. But I must say it didn't take her long to pull herself together and explain she naturally was interested in Grant's marital status. I told Slemp — with more courage and conviction than I felt — that I didn't believe his "Richard Williams"— if indeed there really was such a person — was my husband. "I'll call upon you tomorrow at this same time," I said. "And if Richard isn't here I'm going to sue you for blackmail!" I think Slemp was frightened. September 2nd . . . I'VE had a show-down with Slemp and I've won! I have a paper, signed by him, which testifies no one named Richard Williams exists — to the best of his knowledge and belief! And he has a paper, signed by me, acquitting him of any responsibility in this matter. He wouldn't name the person who involved him but I know it was Mimi. When Richard wasn't in the office I demanded a detailed description of him at least. Slemp put me off until he had made a telephone call. Then he described "Richard Williams" as a man resembling Gary Cooper. Richard didn't look anything like Gary Cooper but little Dick always thinks of him that way. And when I reached home I learned from the children that Mimi had met them at their play-school, taken them for ice-cream, and questioned them about their father! That's all I need to know! Ben Porter was right about Mimi from the start. She's madly in love with Grant and she'll go to any lengths to get him. Well, I'm certainly out of her way now. Saturday, September 3rd . . . Women are strange. When I first left Grant I resented the messages he sent me. I prayed he would leave me alone so I might go my own way and make a life for my children. But since his messages have ceased I've been miserable. A woman's independence seems to diminish as her loneliness increases . . . Monday, September 5th . . . We're home again. I've had Grant's (Continued on page 61)