મ

SAPPHO REMEMBERED

Jane Dahr

A O

On the way from the airport to their hotel they had no chance to talk for Joe Rich, the manager of the Antoinette Room where Pavia was opening that night, was giving her all the information he'd given Jill, her secretary, at least four times already. Joe Rich was obviously the itchy type.

"And Miss Orr," he said ridding himself of yet another hangnail with his small bright teeth, "your secretary and I decided to let your accompanist do a whole number by himself tonight before you sing. Then, when he's half way through the second number, you start singing softly out beyond the spot and just sort of wander into it. Ignore the audience, sort of, you know."

Beneath her mink coat, folded over her knees, Pavia pressed her knee conspiratorily against Jill's. The routine was as old as the ballad singer, but an effective opening for any diseuse with her poise, and Jill knew Pavia was delighted to have it accepted without a row. She said in that silky, famous voice of hers, "That's a very shrewd idea. Yours, Mr. Rich?"

"Well, I suppose," he admitted modestly. "If it's done right, it sort of catches 'em napping, you know. And wear that slinky silver and white job your secretary showed me yesterday Gad! you've got a figure!" His eyes appraised the firm lines beneath her beige jersey dress with a buyer's gleam. "She says it's a Fath original I'll see the word gets around where it'll do the most good and it fits you like the hide on an earthworm." He leaped ahead of himself and rushed on, "And keep that pianist of yours out of trouble. This town's hot as a rivet since they picked up the mayor's kid queening a drag ball. We're sold out for the next three weeks and we can't afford any bad publicity. Didja notice I had three photographers at the airport? Not bad for a town this size!" But before they could reply. "Oh, here's the hotel. Want me to come up awhile. I can."

"No, thank you, Mr. Rich, I really need to relax." Pavia cleared her throat

and Rich jumped with fright.

"Something wrong with your throat? I know a specialist-"

"Everything's fine, Mr. Rich. I'll see you this evening."

"Nine o'clock! Don't forget! Don't be late! Remember, nine o'clock!"