The Washington herald., 1915-08-02

of the bed in her guest chamber and
| talked through tears and laughter to the
| huddled mass of femininity that was
Ruby Wells
| You must go. Ruby. She would never
forgive me- My red dress won't look so
/ bad"
Alice Hobbies, How can you sit there
and suggest that wear brilliant flaming
red with this scarlet hair of nine-be-
| sides-we would have to use a dozen
| safety pins" Ruby Wells would have re-
sorted to tears. but for the effect on nose
and eyes. Underneath 1t all the humor
Of the situation was trembling into mirth.
| Finally she laughed.
| "An right, ALTERNATE a scarecrow of
me II you want to. I'll do as you say
| and If I don't make an impression on
| some man II won't be your fault
Alice went OF smilingly to get her even
| ing dress and slippers for her guest
Ruby picked up an immaculate pair
of dress trousers. "Humphr You are
nice and big anyway-I'm awfully sorry
was so perfectly silly as to take up
the wrong suit case. / rather like
your pearl studs" She picked up
large box of candy. I've a good notion
to give this to Alice. The one in my
own case it exactly the same, and you
could give mine to your hostess
A half hour later. the guests at Mrs
Sutcline's. well bred though they were
looked up in amazement as Mrs Hobbies
and her guest were announced. They
had had similar shock when Billy
Avery entered with John Wade.
The latter looked up when Ruhv
Wells entered and was being intro
duced.
Great Scott, What essrucf,+;n,
taste" he whispered to Billy Avery
And look at the hang of the dress-it
| hikes up in 'front.'"
Rather the same effect as your vest
isn't it?" covertly suggested Avery.
And it's pinned in at the waist
know" went on Wade. waxing into a
white heat rs this the peach Won
spoke OFF,
Must be" Even Avery was taken
aback- "Sh, Here she is"
Hello. Billy" Mrs. Hobbies shook
hands with Avery. The introductions took
place and Wade made room for RUBY
Wells at his side He couldn't helm
himself from failing into the snare Of
her charm 1t would have been there
if her gown had been yellow, red and
green mixed.
Il understand We are to be dinner
partners" she said with twinkle sleam-
ing from the deep gray of her eyes.
She cast quizzical glance at the length
of arm and hand projecting below wade's
coat sleeve. Another glance travelled
over the shoulders which strove to pro-
claim their breadth notwithsta nding the
meager proportions of the coat
She looked up again and their eyes
met. Both strove to quell the laughter,
but it was too much. They laughed un-
til every one in the room cast startled
glances in their direction
What are Laughing
Ruby when John Wade's eyes had ceas-
ed their mockery and her own had
grown questioning.
ITO be frank. Miss Wells" said Wade.
Il laughed because your eyes made me,
at my own predicament and because
well. because you are so hopelessly-a
well. out of harmony with the clothes
You have on"
Ruby bit her lips. was so serious
IF am out of harmony-you must
be out Of tune. If 1 may have the
impertinence to suggest it-a little sugar
might coax that coat OF yours to meet"
That's right. laugh at fellow be-
cause he has had the misfortune to
pick up the wrong suit case"
Suit case." cried Ruby. Are you
the poor man whose bag 1 ran OF
II beg your PARDON ran of with
yours?"
"Oh. very well-as the suit fits"
But it Doesn't
They laughed again.
And is my perfectly good malice
colored gown"
We'll. 1 would have said the things
were yellow"
He stopped confused. The slow color
mounted in Ruby's cheeks. Try as
he might. Wade could not turn his eyes
from the exquisite beauty.
II had pictured-just you-in that
gown" sa. Wade.
And perhaps" said Ruby. Il had
you-in that evening
suit"
Dinner was announced. Ruby and
Wade arose and she put her hand on
Toward the end of dinner Ruby
leaned near Wade and whispered. IT
refuse absolutely to go to that dance
tonight in this frock."
so do lin these clothc-. But lis
ten. Immediately after dinner I will
order a carriage and you and I will
make a hasty exit. 1 will explain the
to Mrs. Sutcliffe."
What are you going to explain7''
asked Ruby with wide open eyes.
That you and 1 are going to make
ourselves presentable before the
dance"
Two hours later Wade strolled i'm
patiently about the drawing room at
the Hobbies home. He Strengthened an
already Immediately set tie and
glanced at the perfect fit o. his own
evening clothes.
Presently he heard soft little swish
on the upper landing of the stairs. and
he went to the hall to meet Ruby
Wells.
His eyes lit up as she came down the
stairs. The soft gown clung in grace
full folds and her glorious Titan hair
was crowned by wreath of buds from
which the pearls peeped-
He took her hand as she came to
ths last step. Il cannot tell you how
beautiful you are" he said while a
slight tremor shook his voice.
RUBY was on a level with him now
and her large gray eyes fingered shyly
on his face. The unspcakable answer
was in her eyes.