CHAPTER XI
Charity Coe Cheever was making less progress with her amateur movie-show than Kedzie with her professional cinematic career.
Charity telephoned to ask Jim Dyckman to act, but he proved to be camera-shy and intractable.
She had difficulties with all her cast. It was impossible to satisfy the people who were willing to act with the rôles they were willing to assume.
Charity was lunching at the Ritz-Carlton with Mrs. Noxon when she saw Jim Dyckman come in with his mother. Mrs. Noxon left Charity and went over to speak to Mrs. Dyckman. So Charity beckoned Jim over and urged him to accept the job of impresario.
He protested, but she pleaded for his help at least on an errand or two.
“Jim, I want you to go up to the studio of these people and find this great man Ferriday and get him to promise to direct for us. And by the way, that little girl you pulled out of the pool, you know—well, they promised to get her a job at the studio. You look her up and find out how she's doing—there's a darling.”
He shook his head, resisting her for once, and answered:
“Go to the devil, Charity darling. You won't let me love you, so I'll be cussed if I'll let you get me to working for you. I've had you bad and I'm trying to get well of you. So let me alone.”