The Washington herald., 1916-10-30


"The Married Life of Helen and War
rem" appearing exclusively In this
paper, Is the only serieS now being
written by Mabel Herbert Urner.
IF you take my advice you'll cut her
out" snapped Warren, scowling at a spot
table.
why, dear, she goes with Mrs. Law
son and she's a great friend Of the Chan
lers."
Don't care who she goes with-she's
not your kind. Got any benzineH"
I've never known you to be so pref
udiced." protested Helen, as she sponged
the spot with benzine. Why are you so
against herr
Wears her skirts pretty darn short,
for one thing"
rs that another spot?' drawing him
over to the light. Everybody wears
short skirts now. You can't criticise her
for that"
well, she's got hers to her knees. Not
that l care a hoot-shorter the better.
But, I tell you, she's not your kind.
Where's her husband-why don't he show
up? And who's this Duncan fellow she's
running around with?'
why, he's her lawyer-she has lot
OUT W. bsl. men dnAlOuSIy
Dear, I promised her I'd go-I don't
want to hurt her feelings. What excuse
can giveH''
"Oh, cook up anything. Shes not over
thin-skinned. where're my rubbers?"
Warren gone, Helen ponderod over his
disapproval Of Mrs. Ellsworth. Though
they had met her only few times, she
had seemed most attractive, and with a
warmth and kindliness which Helen
could not help but like. That Warren
was unduly prejudiced, she felt con-
vinced.
When, at four o'clock that afternoon,
Mrs. Ellsworth, radiant in a fur-trimmed
suit and an expensive bunch OF orchids,
drove up in her smart limousine, Helen
for once decided to ignore Wsrren's
advice.
"a turn through the park. Rogers, and
then to Nector's for tea," instructed Mrs.
Ellsworth as they entered the car.
"I thought we were going to the coun-
try" demurred Helen. It's a glorious
day"
"Oh, we can go to the country any time
tomorrow If you like. Mr. Duncan
US at Nector's. No, you'll not be the
third party" mIsconstruing Helen's
silence. He'll have somebody for you"
Il wasn't thinking of that" flushed
Helen, disconnected.
The turn through the park was very
short, and it was barely five when they
drew up before Nectors awninged en-
trance.
The strumming orchestra, glowing lights
and perfumed, smoke-weighed air seemed
cloyingly oppressive after the clear crisp
ness Of the park.
"Oh, there they are-over there" Mrs.
Ellsworth led the way through the crowd
ed room
at table with Mr.. Duncan and a Mr..
bald, but youthfully groomed.
We'll, how's the little girl?" beamed
Mr.. Duncan. See you got the flowers
all right" glanclng at Mrs. Elworth's
corsage.
You're a dear. I'm wild about
orchids. Oh, no, she doesn't smoke"'
as Mr.. Allen offered Helen a cigarette.
Never too young to learn" with great
originality. Then to the waiter, ''one
gin fizz. two Scotch highbslls-and
yours?'
"A lemonade. please" murmured Helen
"Oh, come now. be a sport! A Tom
Collins? That's a nice lady's drink"
NO, thanks" with deepening color, Il
prefer lemonade"
Then make it a cIaret lemonade" or
dered Mr.. Allen, as the waiter dashed
of
The orchestra now clashed into a spirit
ed one step, and Mrs. Ellsworth, leaving
her mum and gold-chain purse on the
table, whirled of with Mr.. Duncan.
"Oh. I'm sorry, but don't dance" fall
tered Helen, as Mr.. Allen rose with easy
assurance.
Don't dance? Now you don't expect
me to believe that?" His bold glance
swept her graceful slenderness
mo, really''-Helen drew back-"not
any Of the new dances"
"Oh, maybe you'd rather talk" nudging
his chair closer. No hardship to sit
here and talk to you," taking her refusal
to dance as a pretext for a tete-a-tete
with him.
Furious at his presumption and at Mrs
Ellsworth for placing her in such a posi-
ton, Helen turned from his ogling gaze
with flaming cheeks.
Pretty dead here this afternoon. Shir-
ley's is about the liveliest place now
since they've put on that new cabaret.
Been there lately?"
7 don't think I've ever been there, u
nervously twirling the straw in her claret
lemonade, intent on the clinking ice.
Never been to shirley's? Well &C
lneTe lot QlnIleF, II you ike
Before Helen could frame her astonish-
ment into a cold refusal, the music ceased
and Mrs Ellsworth dropped into her
chair.
why didn't you folks dancer"
Too crowded" drawled Mr.. Allen, with
an intimate glance at Helen.
See that girl with the white furs? %
Mr.. Duncan leaned forward. Mono
Just back of you. Isn't that the one we
met the other night7'
Nav, that girl was a peacharino. In
fhe Follies, wasn't she?"
Well. don't think she's anything won
derful." Mrs. Ellsworth was appraising
the young woman in white furs.
That's not the girl, I tell you. Dun.
cans crazy. Can't hold a candle to her. u
What was her name, anyway" re-
dected Mr.. Duncan.
''Mazie something. I've got her phone
number, all right"
Trust you for that" laughed Mrs. Els
worth. Where's that little red book?"
Right here-but not for publication
with complacent smile. Mr.. Allen patted
the pocket Of his fancy waistcoat
Never mind, I'll get hold of it some
day-and call them all up
well, where're we going for dinner?''
Mr.. Duncan glanced at his watch. I'D
better phone for a table"
"Shirley's" suRgested Mr. Allen UMra