New Britain herald., 1916-01-18
How Madge Saved the Situation.


 Harry Underwood and Dicky sprang to their feet as Lillian and I entered l her dining room. Of course, MT. Un- | derwood was the first to speak. l l stole a glance at Dicky. Was he still ! angry?
 Hello, Madge" Dicky's tone was careless. It's indifference stung me a little, but I resolved not to let it af- l feet me.
 Good afternoon, Dicky,' I said as l demurely as I could; then to his com panion: "I have already greeted you once today, I believe" l For just an instant Harry Under 1 woods face was ludicrous in its sur- l prise He had not dreamed that I would dare mention his having seen 1 Jack and me at the door of the res- taurant when I had been so distres- sed at the loss of my rings. knew risked something in speak ing of the meeting. He might resent my f1outing of his knowledge and speak of the temporary loss of the rings before I could tell Dicky about the episode myself. But had weigh ed things carefully before I spoke. I could not afford to let Harry Un- derwood imagine for a second that
 
 silent about any affairs of mine.
 Lillian and Dicky looked their sur prise. I explained in a matter of-fact manner as I could muster.
 When my cousin and I left Bro- quin's where we dined, MT. Under wood was passing"
 Harry Underwood's piercing black eyes met mine squarely. They were dancing with mirth, in which 1 knew there was more than soupcon Tor malice.
 "Broouin's!" exclaimed Lillian, as she indicated my chair, and rang for the maid. That reminds me. I haven't been to Broquin's for ages. It's a bully little place. Do they dress their salads as well as ever?" A Smart Cook. was so grateful to her for chang ing the subject that I forgot to be an- moved at Harry Underwood's offusive manner as he pulled my chair back and seated me in my place. The coffee Betty Lillian said quietly to the colored cook who had come into the room at the tap of the bell
 "Oh, yas'm, Miss Lillian. I'll bring the coffee, yasm.''
 She disappeared grinning from ear to ear. @ ......5y @"r.,.
 Harry Underwood drowned.
 When are you going to attach can to that noisy coon, Lil?" he de- n,anded unpleasant1y. She's getting fresher every day"
 'I'd sooner attach one to you, dear est" she flashed back at him, but good naturedly. I could not detect a trace of temper or even annoyance in her answer although Harry Under woods tone was one that almost any wife might resent.
 "On the principle that it's always mighty easy to get another husband, but not so easy to get a good cook?" Dicky asked impudently.
 Exactly returned Lillian laugh ing.
 Remember, husbands come higher, the older the bidder,' Harry Under wood said, and his cutting tone gave emphasis to the offensive words.
 Lillian flushed under her rouge, but luckily the entrance of Betty with the coffee saved the situation.
 How did you all like dat pie ?' Betty demanded of everybody in gen. eral, as she passed the coffee
 1 looked at her in amazement. Sure ly MT. Underwoods criticism was somewhat justified.
 ''Scrumptious, Betty said Dicky. laughing, Didn't you see I took two pieces?"
 Tt was very good pie, Betty" said Lillian warmly. That is all now"
 But Betty refused to be dismissed She was coal black, enormously large coIored woman, with a good natured face and a smile that almost made one laugh in sheer sympathy With her jollity.
 ''Yasm, I thought that was a good pie myself she said complacently. Cant get no better pie dan dat no where in dis heah town. comes from ole Virginny, I does, where dey knows how to make pies Yas'm. I'se awful smart in de haid anyway. can cook anything. Folks des crazy about my cookin.''
 Laughter That Saved.
 "Betty!" MT. Underwood fairly Ioared her name. We don't care to hear anything about your smartness in de haid, or anything else We en- joyed your pie. We don't enjoy your company, so vamoose"
 The woman turned and looked at him fixedIy.
 | SC es for Miss Lillian. She am a lady" Betty stalked from the room majesti- Cally.
 suppose my face must have shown my amazement. for suddenly Lillian Dicky and Harry Underwood joined in a peal of laughter.
 This is new to you, Madge, but it's old stuff to us,' Dicky finally ex- plained, wiping his eyes. "Bettys been with Lii ages. Shes probably the best cook in New York, but fresher than-wel1-I won't name the gentleman here. Might shock LiIs