The Washington herald., 1916-02-14

tried to bring back one of the hotel
maids, but she was afraid to cross"
contriving to let them know she had
been abroad.
Helen had no car and only one ser
want, but she had been abroad twice
and had brought back some old Eng
lish furniture. She must say some
thing to keep up her end with those
women. How could she drag it in?
Yes, the English know how to
train their servants-and they've such
attractive homes" she floundercd.
I'm particularly enthusiastic about
the old English furniture The last
time VIC were over, we brought back
the most interesting old Sheraton"
oh, you're not leaving SO early?"
Mrs. Hilliard abruptly broke away to
speed a departing guest.
1--WE brought back the most at
tractive old Sheraton bookcase" per-
sisted Helen to the remaining group,
who looked neither interested nor i'm
pressed.
"Well, l hope you didn't have as
much trouble getting it over as we
did with some things we brought from
IIdlOy NIL ISNClSll ldlIlN
at this chance. you know those fine
Italian pieces arc so heavy-it cost US
a small fortune to get them over"
We've persuaded Mr.. Flcmming to
favor us with another selection" an
nounced Mrs Hilliard, with just the
right note Of anticipated pleasure.
A melancholy-looking artist, with
temperamcntal hair and tie, now
seated himself at the piano, gazed
mournfully at the ceiling, struck a
few syncopated chords, and in
languishing tenor rendered "To Thee
Ny Love-"
Fixing a smile of appreciation,
Helen took a rapid inventory of the
rooms and furnishings.
The things were expensive, but
rather garish. There were too many
draperics and too much bric-a-brac
ooh, how exquisite! How SOULFUL
What tcchniquc!" were the murmur-
cd comments, as with a final harassed
note Mr.. Flemming rose from the
piano and bowed his acknowledge
ment to the ripple OF applause.
Such a flexible voice." brcathed
stout, extensively gowned woman be-
side Helen. $50 colorful"
ooh, yes-very," Helen stammered,
trying vainly to recall some of the
glib meaningless phrases she had
read in musical criticisms.
A general breaking-up movement
was now in progress. "Oh, must you
go? 1t was so nice Of you to comel
I'm so glad you enjoyed it," cooed
Mrs. Hilliard. as each guest, passing
out, effused her compliments Of the
afternoon
1--WE enjoyed it so much" Helen
murmured with great originality.
Were such close neighbors,"
purred Mrs. Hilliard, you and Mr.
Curtis must come up and play whist
with us some evening"
ooh, that's very kind-Tm sure
we'd enjoy it."
In the hall, group of guests were
waiting for the elevator, but Helen
ran down the three flights to her own
silk-shirred door.
A light shone from the library.
Warren, who had come in from a
long Sunday tramp, was lounging be-
fore the window, his muddy feet on
the sill.
"Oh, dear, their apartment can't
compare with ours" breathlessly.
They've got too much in i'll Too
many drapcrieS! A lot of>coarse ORR
entail rugs-and French gilt furni-
ture."
$50 you went, eh?" with a disap-
proving grunt.
They've baby grand on that side
it spoils the whole room. Over
here's curio cabinet, and one of
those hideous tete-a-tete sofas. She
wants US to play whist some evening.
I'd love to go just for you to see their
apartment-you'd never think they
were the same rooms"
"Well, I'll take your word for it.
You'll not drag me into any of this
neighborly mix-up."
Their couch is here between the
! windows" Helen ratified on, absorbed,
"and a sectional bookcase where we
have the couch. Oh, Pm wild for
her to see our bookcase-they haven't
thing to compare with it."
"Oh, cut it! You're forever blowing
about that bookcaseW
Blowing! Oh. if you could have