The Washington herald., 1917-05-07

of a hand-glass. was critically appraisIng
her profile.
How old Is Florence Rodman? How
old do you think she is?" still intent on
the mirrors.
Older than you-and not half so at
tractive," with swift understanding.
Dear, don't you know Bobs madly in
love with YOU?"
He has a strange way OF showing it.
II he chooses to spend his week-ends
with the RodmanS. I'm going to Cali
foTnia-to Aunt Alice"
Here the InterruptIng telephone an
nounced the taxicab. with a feeling of
helplessness Helen watched her pin on
her hat and veil.
Promise me you won't rush of on any
impulsive, folish trip-without letting me
know" as they went out to the elevator.
I'm let you know" kissing her. But
II I've made up my mind to go-I hope
you won't try TO keep me-"
Dreading Warren's cynical comments
on what he chose to term Louise's "im-
possible temperament" Helen turned
back into her own room.
The trip to California! Louise was not
given to idle threats. 1t would mean a
serious breach between them. for Bob
would be too obstinately proud TO ever
go after her-or even try to keep her.
AOOhSH OIL SO HeCuieEHiy 10
arouse her jealousy. Just how far had
they clashed before he decided TO go to
the Rodmans alone? Surely he must
have known he was hurting her keenIy.
A clamorous ring OF the door bell. Had
she come back? Helen listened intently
as Dora went to answer II.
Then a heavy step in tho hall and a
deep voice curiously like Warren's 1t
was Bob.
Louise here?" was his brusque demand
as Helen whirled out TO meet him.
why. no-she's just gone"'
Just missed her." called Warren from
the library, not troubling to come out.
Thanks. That's ALL turning to go
with curt abruptness.
wait, Bob" Helen laid a OBTAINING
hand on his arm, 'T want to talk to
you. Why did you go to the Rodmans
when you know Louise"
"oh. for heavens sake. Helen, don't
begin that"'
Very well, won't" flushing as she
released his arm. But IL Louise goes
TO California you may regret IT,"
California? Where'd you get that
idea?' with unmistakabIe anxiety.
She says II you prefer to spend the
week-ends with Florence"
"Florence?' angrily. well, II you
must know-Florence wasn't there.
She's in Washington. Paul was alone
that's why he asked us down"
But Louise doesn't know thatr'
breathlessly.
No; I didn't propose to explain, /"
coldly. "If she chooses to put that con-
struction on my going-why, it's UP to
her" ~
Bob" Helen was shaking him with
anectionate relief. You two childish,
proud. impossible people. Louise is home
by now. Hurry" pushing him toward
the door. Tell her Florence wasn't
there"'
'II do nothing of the sort. I'll nnska
no explanations, as he banged out.
The next moment Helen was at the
telephone.
4 want to speak to Mrs. Robert Cur
tis when she got the hotel Louise L?
49,. Bob's just been here! ...... Mono,
wait! didn't say thing you wouldn't
want me to say. But dear. you're ALI
wrong-Florcnce WASN'T THERE Sbo's
in Washington! ...... Because Won dorh,
ed him. He said If you wanted to think
that-you could. ..... or course r.
obstinate! He's Just like Warren that
way-and you've"
What's that" grunted Warren
you've got to do most of the Weld
ing" went on Helen ignoringly. "Rnt
it's all right now, isn't il? oh I
know you will Just be little tactful-
and don't mention California
80 I'm obstinate, eh? And Won bavo
to do all the yielding?" growled Warren
as. turning from the phone, she waited
joyously down the room.
"Obstinate?" squirming into his Ian ro-
gardless OF his paper and protesting
knecj. You're the most amiabIe nIi'
able. docile, submissive man IN tho
world! And I suppose" with fiorco
pecking little kisses, IF you were anv
different, I wouldn't love you HALE as
much"'
Copyright, lsl7)