Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/134

 she had several chins and a voice that might have been the envy of a hog-caller. Mary Blaine was absolutely unaffected. She spoke her opinions right out but even in her bitterest remarks there was a suggestion of kindliness.

When Dorothy mentioned this, she replied: "It's due to my breeding. I always kiss a man before I kill him. And all my slayings are done genteelly. Bear in mind, my child, that I have visited many states and acquired the culture of all of them. Once like a damn fool I even went to the Black Hills to climb a mountain. I've been disgusted with myself ever since for being such a stupid ass."

Mary Blaine questioned Dorothy a great deal about Jimmy Whale.

"From keen observation," she said slyly, "I don't think this particular Whale has ever swallowed Jonah but I'm downright sure he has his eye on Dorothy."

"You needn't worry, Aunty," smiled Dorothy. "He doesn't bite."

"Nonsense, the Whale isn't born that doesn't bite."

Mary Blaine met Jimmy a few nights later and the occasion proved a satisfactory one for her. She had ample time and opportunity to study and form an opinion of him.

Mrs. S. Aubrey Swinnerton, a delightful hostess despite her name, had had the almost unbelievable good-fortune to secure the services of Signor Gigi, the renowned Italian tenor, to give a concert at her home. He was en route to Los Angeles where he was to appear in a picture at a fabulous salary. Outside of his one appearance at Mrs. Swinnerton's home, he was not giving any recitals in America. Naturally the incident caused a stir in musical circles and fortunate indeed were those who were numbered among the guests. Mrs. Swinnerton adored Dorothy Blaine. In fact she was desirous of having Dorothy marry her precious boy, Beixidon. Beixidon had no desire to marry Dorothy. He was interested in one of the chorus girls in "The Irving Square Burlesque Stock Company." Had his mother been aware of the infatuation she would have had hysterics.

One of the first people Mrs. Swinnerton invited to the