The Washington herald., 1916-02-14
&c NJ

! 0h ND FRANK u. f1llIldrd, Sun-
M day the eighth, from 3 to
AVA g." read the card pinned
on the cushion of the dressing table.
With troubled indccision, Helen
frowned at it as she drew on her
long white gloves. That Warren did
not want her to go, she knew. Since
her unpleasant experience with Mrs.
Gordon, he had been most emphatic
about her getting mixed up with any
one else "in the house"
But Helen was consumed with a
desire to see the Hilliard apartment,
which she had heard was most ex-
pcnsively furnished. Even from the
street the bronze silk window dra-
pcrics suggested luxurious interior.
She would return Mrs. Hilliard's s
hospitality by inviting her to tea, and
their amenities could end there. There
need be none of the running back
and-forth" intimacy that Warren
dreaded.
1t was after five. but she was pur-
poscly late, to give the impression
that her coming was most casual-at
the end of an afternoon crowded with
other calls.
In the hall, Helen decided to walk
..up the three flights, for the gossipy
elevator boys had an undue interest
in the fluctuating friendships Of the
tenants.
Through the shirred bronze silk
that lined the glass-paneled door Of
the Hilliard apartment glowed festive
orange-shaded lights.
Instead of the expected maid, a
butler, evidently hired for the oc-
casion, answered her ring. A buzz
of voices and the mingled odor of
flowers, perfume and refreshments
weighted the air.
Having no wraps, she was usher
ed directly into the crowded drawing
room. People were chatting in
groups-a forced, laughtcrrippled
chatter.
No one seemed to notice her en-
trance, and for several awkward mo-
mcnts Helen stood in isolated cm-
barrasSment before the hostess came
hurrying to her rescue.
"Oh, Mrs. Curtis, I'm so glad you
could come" gushingly But you've
just missed most delightful solo!"
"Tm so sorry, but I've been out all
Afternoon" lied Helen nervously, ex-
cusing both her lateness and her hat,
worn for its becomingness.
After a confused introduction to an
immediate group, none of whose
names Helen caught, Mrs. Hilliard
steered her into the dining room.
"Oh, l want you to meet Mrs. Wal
lace" presenting her to an imposing
purple-velveted parsonage. who pre-
sided over the punch bowl. And this
is Mrs. Ford and Miss Ford-Mrs.
Curtis And, oh, let me introduce
you to Mrs. Osborn" Then as an
other late conner claimed her atten-
ton, "Do see that Mrs. Curtis has
some refreshments"
The long candle-lighted table was
laden with the usual deadly combina-
tions of lobster salad, ices and con-
fections.
Helen was struggling with cup
of tea and plate of salad, with no
place to set them, when Mrs. Hilliard
brought in an assertively stylish
young woman in mauve broadcloth
with an extravagant corsage of or
chids.
"I'm so sorry to have missed the
solo" she effused, slipping the Cali
fornia claret punch. But we've a
new chauffeur, and Pm just a little
nervous-I won't let him drive fast. ~
Eyes, I'm always nervous with a
new driver" exclaimed Mrs. Osborn,
anxious to announce that she, too
had a car. We've had Parker three
years. don't know what we'd do il
he'd leave"
well, new chauffeur isn't as bad
as new cook" laughed Mrs. Ford
Il got new cook yesterday and had
a dinner party last night! But we've
had our waitress SO long-I depend
so much upon her." adroitly herald
ing the fact that she kept two SER
wants.
"If we could only get English ser.
wants over here" sighed Mrs. Hill.
lard. when we were in London,