A Beauty for Inspector West [antikvár]

1A BEAUTY WALKS"But listen, Betty," Harold Millsom said huskily, "it won't get you anywhere. It never does, in the long run. You'll regret it all your hfe, honestly you will.""Darling," Betty said, "you just don't understand, that's|aU there is about it. I must go. Why, it's the opportunity of a lifetime! Hundreds, why thousands, of girls would give^their right hands for my chance. Please don't make me unhappy aboutabout anything."Millsom didn't answer, just looked at her as if he worshipped her beauty; and she was beautiful as few will ever be. So young, with great blue eyes and a skin without a blemish, a face which seemed to glow. As Millsom stared, it was as if her beauty made him suffer; tormented him. That showed in his eyes, in the way his lips tightened and twisted; like those of a man in pain who was determined not to break down."Honestly," Betty said solemnly, "I think I've got everything, Haroldeverything that matters to make me a star. I do, really.""You little fool, you'll just be one of thousands who waste their lives prancing about the stage, making up to any oily old man who promises you a chance!" he burst out. "The only chance you'll ever get will be sleeping-""Harold!"Millsom gulped."Oh, I know," he muttered. "That was beastly. I'm sorry. I didn't really mean it, Betty. That's why I don't want you to go. You're so good. You are, you know, that's what makes you so different from other girls. I hate to think of you being spoiled, ruined, disappointed, and you will be. That's what always happens.""Don't be silly." Betty was tranquil again. "Some girls7