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The man came forward. “Look here, Shelah. What time did you say dinner was to be?”

“Eight-thirty—but it doesn’t matter———”

Ballou turned to his wife. “Good lord—can’t you ever get anything straight?”

“What's the difference?” the woman replied. “We can have a chat with Shelah before the others come.” She turned to the star. “So sorry we missed you when you went through before. We were on the mainland.”

“Haven't missed you this time, thank heaven,” added Wilkie Ballou. “By gad, you’re as blooming as ever.”

“How do you do it?” inquired Rita sweetly. Her cold eyes flashed green with envy as she looked at Shelah.

“She’s found the fountain of youth,” suggested Wilkie admiringly.

“I’ve always heard that was in Hawaii,” smiled the star. She looked hard at Rita. “But it isn’t,” the look added.

Rita understood. “Not at all,” she said grimly. “It’s in the beauty shops of Hollywood, and you know it. Over here, women fade quickly———”

“Nonsense,” protested Shelah.

“Yes, they do. Oh—I’ve learned my lesson—too late. I should have stayed in Hollywood and gone on with my career.”

“But, my dear,—surely you’re happy with Wilkie?”

“Of course. The way I would be with the toothache.”

Wilkie shrugged. “Overlook it, Shelah,” he said. “We've been rowing all the way out here. Rita’s nerves, you know.”