Page:Levenson - Butterfly Man.djvu/29

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BUTTERFLY MAN
27

paths back of Flintridge, an evening in the Pasadena Theatre, dinner in Los Angeles at Victor Hugo's.

Mr. Pawne carefully assisted Ken in correcting his pronunciation. Ken discovered new words and old words said in a new way. He learned details of etiquette, the correct manner of entering a theatre, how to order a course dinner, what to wear, especially what to wear.

Marchiotti, swarthy, with warm Italian eyes that gleamed as he measured Ken, created sack suits, morning and evening dress, sport costumes, a riding habit, overcoats, even an aviator's jacket and hood.


On the day on which his wardrobe was complete, Ken received a visit from Mr. Pawne.

"Is everything satisfactory, Mr. Gracey?" he asked.

"Oh yes," Ken replied. "But when does Mr. Lowell return?"

"That's hard to say. And I do suppose you are a trifle bored."

"I'd like to be doing something. This is swell, living like this, fixed up in this outfit too, but I really haven't got anything to do."

"Mr. Lowell did say to take you to the school of Terpsichore, Mr. Gracey, that is, if you cared to study dancing," Mr. Pawne remarked.

To Ken's query, Mr. Pawne explained that Buddy Nolan taught dancing on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. He was the very best teacher in the city, said Mr. Pawne.

"And may I drive a car there, myself?" asked Ken. "Certainly. You may use the Rolls roadster."

With Mr. Pawne at his side, Ken drove the high old Rolls-Royce down to Hollywood. The School of Terpsi-