New Britain herald., 1915-11-18
Harry Underwood Makes a Bet With
 Himself.

Harry Underwood Makes Bet With
 Himself.
 "Oh! Mrs. Graham, how perfect ly exquisite!'
 Mrs. Underwood, while removing sight of the embroidered spread and pillow slips I had put on my bed in honor of my guests. After her ulti- nlatum to my husband and hers about drinking anything before the arrival of the Lesters, the other guests of my little chafing dish supper, they had solaced themselves with cigars, and I had conducted her to my room. I resented her coming so early, but wo- manlike my feelings were soothed by her genuine admiration of the wed- ding gift I prized so highly. 'I am glad you like it, said prim- ly.
 Hike it!' She bent closer in scrut- fny of the tiny roses, so beautifully done, which ran riot over the spread.
 Don't tell me that you did this work yourself, or I shall be so frightfully jealous I shall claw your eyes out"
 Unfortunately, I am not skillful," !" I returned "The spread and slips were a wedding gift, the work of a very dear invalid friend of mine."
 "Do you suppose she would do some for me ' She asked eagerly. 'I would pay her anything she wished. You simply can't get work like this in the shops, unless you pay not only what the work is worth but profit enough besides to enable the proprietor to buy an extra car Or SOL
 'T do not think she would care to do the work for money" I began with d touch of hauteur. How dare this woman talk of employing a friend of mine? Why did she assume that the donor of the exquisite gift would be willing to work for pay? Then a touch of sanity come to me. To Lil- ian Gale everybody worth while was a worker. She marketed her own brains and she never thought of some other woman not being willing to earn money by her skill. knew that my invalid friend would be very glad of a liberal commission like this, and I put my pride and temper in my pocket
 A Contrast in Husbands.
 'But I shall be very glad to ask her,"s went on, lamely enough. 'Her strength is limited, and she never has taken any commissions. But I really Go not see why she should not sub- stitute orders like yours for one of the many gifts she makes"
 Thank you so much" Mrs. Under wood stopped again to examine the embroidered blossoms. When you speak to her about it, will you, ask Her If she could do one in lilies of the valley? They would be so good looking, don't you think sop
 N"Yes, indeed,'' I returned. Shall we join our hosbands?"
 "In just minute" she replied, talk ing a lipstick, a tisy pot of rouge and a powder puff from the dainty satin bag she carried and proceeding to touch up her face.
 I tried not to let her see the repug- nance felt toward the performance. Her makeup was so glaring, so like that of third-rate actress that it re- pelled me immeasurably. As she fin- ished and gave a final little wriggle to her gown, she patted my shoulder kindly. la.-l ..-.. .... Lucky girl,'' she said enviously, mot to need any Of those first aids to the injured. Come on. let's see what the boys arc doing" s-...I ''The boys" looked exceedingly com | bic, smoking vigorc usly and dis cussing the merits of two boxers MT. Underwood had recently seen. As we entered the room both men, of course, l sprang to their feet, and I had a m O. | ment's opportunity to contrast their appearance. Dicky is slender, 1.-the, with merry brown eyes and thick l brown hair, with a touch of auburn | in it, and just enough suspicion of a 1 curl to give him several minutes hard brushing each day trying to keep it 1 down. Harry Underwood, taller even 1 than Dicky, who is above the med l ium in height, is massive in frame l we'll knit, muscular, with black hair 1 tinged with gray, and the blackest
 most piercing eyes I have ever seen
 I was proud of Dicky as I stood look l ing at them, while Lillian exchanged l some merry nonsense with Dicky, bu
 also had to acknowledge that Harr. | Unde rwood was splendid specimen
 of manhood.
 ] A Strangely Compelling Personality Af if he had read my thoughts, hi l eyes caught mine and held them. IT.