The Washington herald., 1916-04-24

ssH EAR, I almost dread meet
ing her. | know I'll be
prejudiced."
"Why?" demanded Warren crisply,
as they strolled on through the list
less quiet of a Sunday afternoon.
Everybody says she's mighty fine
woman"
But it's been barely year! They
might have waited a little longer"
"What for? If he's lonely and with
that big barn OF a house-why should
he wait? just to satisfy a few cack-
ling old women.
@Oh, l know" conceded Helen,
but | can't help but"
Now see here, we're calling on
the new Mrs. Dawson-get those
ideas out of your head. Dawson was
mighty good to his first wife, and his
marrying again is nobodys business
but his own. Hold up, isn't this the
house?"
1t was a four-story brownstone,
with a square bay window, stone
balustrade and an air OF substantial
dignity.
They were ushered into the long,
high-ceilinged front parlor with its
center chandelier, marble mantel and
heavy black walnut furniture.
The last time they had been in
that room was at the funeral. The
coffin had stood in the back parlor,
Just beyond the folding doors. Helen
could see it now-the lusterless black
cloth, the silver handles, and the
white flowers banked from the floor.
at seems good to see you people
again." was Mr.. Dawson's cordial
greeting. Come upstairs and meet
Irene. We have our sitting room up
there now"
They followed him up the curved
stairway to the large front room
which had always been the guest
room. Now it was wholly trans
| formed.
With very evident pride, Mr.. Daw-
son introduced the slender, girlish
woman who came forward to meet
them.
Her unexpected youth stabbed
Helen with swift resentment. Mrs.
Dawson had been almost forty and
inclined to stoutness.
"A very attractive room," Warren
was saying to relieve an embarrassed
pause. They don't build them this
size any more"
"Yes, we think it's more cheerful
than downstairs" her voice was
pleasantly low. "It's so hard to do
anything with those long front par
lors. They're so stiff and formal
don't you Think"
"They are rather hopeless" admit
ted Helen, who was taking a flash
ing inventory. The room had been
entirely done over and refurnishcd
Window seats, low bookcases, easy
chairs, some gaily blooming ger
made it a very cheerful, livable place
rooms?" suggested Mrs. Dawson
when her husband and Warren had
settled themselves with cigars.
She led the way through the hall
into their bedroom. Helen caught her
breath at the transformation. White
and old rose was the color scheme
Twin beds of ivory enamel with rose
satin comforters, a dressing table
a-gliter with silver, the rugs, the
! hangings, even the lounging robe and
[ slippers, were part Of the atmosphere
of luxurious comfort.
There was nothing to suggest the
dark, plain room with its heavy oak
bedroom set and assertively flower
ed carpet which had seemed all suf,
hcient to the late Mrs. Dawson.
"Pm glad you like it," at Helen's
murmured admiration. at was SC
dark with those north windows-l
had to do something to Tighten it
It's more attractive at night" touch
ing a switch at the door that lit up
the lace-shaded lamps.
"Oh, how lovely! I didn't know
you had electricity"
We've just put it in. You can't
do anything with gas This is Mr.
Dawson's ROOM" opening a connect
ing door. His den, where he can
throw things and be comfortably un,