Page:Levenson - Butterfly Man.djvu/116

114 little woozily," said Mrs. Nasmuth. "Incidentally, what is your name?"

"Kenneth Gracey," said Ken. "I was billed as 'Buddy Renault' down there."

Nor ah Nasmuth had friendly brown eyes. She was chubby, very young, all curves. Her hair was set in loose waves; she wore a linen suit.

Leon Shaw left his own seat to sit next to Ken. "We inquired about you after you left. Frank Brocco told me all about your misadventures with your partner. He thinks the world of you and was glad to kick you out."

"You sound as if you were in the know."

"I know everyone everywhere." He handed Ken a card. Ken read:

"Broadway," Ken remarked. "I'd love to see Broadway."

"You're made for Broadway, youngster," said Leon.

"Don't let Leon get his hooks into you," Mrs. Nasmuth said. "He'll sell you to Colman or the Touheys for a thousand a week."

"Am I that good?" Ken asked.

"You're not bad," said Norah Nasmuth.

Ken smiled. He saw his own smile in the wall mirror. It was an engaging smile at last, the smile of a free man.

"How about putting me on Broadway, Mr. Shaw?" Ken asked.

"It's O. K. with me," said Shaw. "That is, it would be, if we were now seated in my office."

"When are you going to be in your office?"