The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-21
IN THE GLOAMING

After all most house parties are mis takes. One sees people at too clos' range. Only the very young care tt look at the stage through opera glasses or to know their acquaintance inti- mately. When one arrives at the veal of discretion one is glad to cherish one's illusion and to know one's friensd with. out knowing their secrets. Nevertheless, | accepted the invita- tion when Alicia asked me to be ont of a party that she was entertaining al l the Beeches. There were several pretN, l girls staying with her, some unattached men, and Tom Morton and his bride. l Good heavens" I said to Alicia tho first night of my visit, as she came tt my room in her dressing gown for g talk, what made you ask herr" Because I couldn't ask him without her." she replied. "Even you.'' with whitening emphasis, must see that" "Oh, I suppose so,' l answered dis ] consolately, but whys the balance of us | have to do pennance when an adorable l man marries a sheep woman, or an en- 'trancing woman marries a human stick of man. I don't know. We didn't commit the crime, and we ought not have to suffer for it. It's a beastly un-
 
 to put up with nice peoples detrimen- ta1s."
 True replied Alicia, but" bright ening up, after all, she isn't as bad as I anticipated"
 'I never had your power of imagina tion,'' I returned. "I never expected anything worse than the reality" Aren't we a little unjust to her:' began Alicia "I am sure she seems NorU
 "The virtue of potato" interrupted scornfully.
 And as for her being homely''-put in Alicia
 Tt isn't the ugliness," I returned q never object to that in other women. On the contrary, it endears them to me. The plainer the better. What sets my nerve on edge Is her ready madness. You feel that she got her opinions. and her religion, and her clothes all ready made from the best people, and that they are all thoroughly orthodox. I don't suppose she ever wore a kimona, or ate a thing that was indigestib1e, or had an original sin impulse in her life.''
 She is always so calm and collected began Alicia.
 That's just it. I said you couldn't get up an argument with her to save your life. And she'd always be fatally ITS He II you uiu. JuSt ldhCy tut HilSciy y of being married to person who wouldn't quarrel with you"
 She is queer choice for man with Toms fiery disposition to have made,' Alicia admitted, but it was a fine match for him, and showed that he had more practical sense than we sup posed.'
 You mean she had a lot ox money" I said brutally.
 Do you thing Tom--do you think the money influenced him?" Alicia asked.
 No, I don't" I said hotly, because in my heart l was sure it had. You see, I have known Tom and loved him since he was slip of a lad. and so I felt that I had the right to hate his wife if wanted to-"
 He is such a brilliant fellow" pursued AJiota. 'and-er-er-though his wife isn't exactly quite-er-er-one of us, you know, I was glad to hear that he had married woman with money And she S got bags of it. He neded only a little help at the beginning of his career, and they say he's quite sure of his nomina- tior for Congress now
 She doesn't fire my fancy I said, pre- tending to stiffle a yawn, but no doubt he Is madly in love with her. I am told there are people who actually prefer mush and milk.
 "Ah." replied Alicia, hopefully, shell be the making of him. She'll discipline him" But don't want him disciplined" ," l said grossly, as I put her out of the