"
He frightened her. She was not sure of herself. She could not forget
Nimrim, Missouri, and her arrival at the edge of society _via_
the Bronx, the candy-shop, and the professional camera.
She felt that the world had not treated her squarely. Why should she
have to carry all this luggage of her past through the gate with her?
She wondered if it would not be better to linger in the studios till
she grew more famous and could bring a little prestige along.
But Ferriday was already ousting her even from that security.
"The managers of the Hyperfilm Company will think you have done them
dirt, but I'll explain that you are not really responsible. You've
seen a million dollars, and you're razzle-dazzled. They'll want a bit
of that million, I suppose, as liquidated damages, but I'll try to
keep them down."
Kedzie was at bay in her terror. She struck back.
"Tell 'em they won't get a cent if they try to play the hog."
"They don't have hogs on Fifth Avenue, Anita. Don't forget that.
Well, good-by and good luck."
This was more like an eviction than a desertion. Kedzie felt a
little softening of her heart toward the old homestead.
"I'm sure I'm much obliged for all you've done for me."
Ferriday roared his scorn.
She went on: "I am. Honest-ly! And I hope I haven't caused you too
much inconvenience."
Ferriday betrayed how much he was hurt by his violent efforts to
conceal it.
"Not at all. It happens that I've just found another little girl to
take your place.
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