oiled, wealthy world where the coffee was always hot. Ken, who now recalled with disgust the ostentatious grandeur of Star-ridge, was unaware of Howard's instructions to Rutgers that he be served with all the deference due a guest. He no longer experienced the minor annoyance of shaving himself. He was shaved by Rutgers. His clothes were mysteriously and forever in press. He ate what he chose to eat, as he preferred to have it cooked. The Mercedes roadster was, Rutgers informed him, standing in the garage unused now that Mr. Vee had purchased a Duesenberg. Thus Ken drove to the Commodore in a striking red motor car, regaling himself with the admiring glances of passersby as he sped through the city.
Soon it seemed as if he had always lived at the Barrington. He penetrated deeply into Howard's private life. Howard was a devout music-worshipper. He invited Ken to accompany him to Sunday afternoon concerts of the Philharmonic orchestra, to opera performances which did not conflict with Ken's appearances in "Sweeter Than Sweet."
Frequently Howard's conversation was alive with references to books and authors. Ken listened, asked questions and learned. Books, interesting, well written books, lay on his night table. Ken began to read. Not infrequently Howard entertained after the show. Sometimes members of the company would drop in for a chat about the unfailingly interesting theatre. But Howard's acquaintances were not limited to show people. Popular composers called to pay their respects. The shy, handsome George Cashman executed the difficult passages of his new Concerto in F on Howard's piano. Val Yeager illustrated his new 5/4 Spanish theme with variations, which he planned to intro-
