New Britain herald., 1917-06-04
REVELATIONS OF A WIFE
By ADELE GARRISON

| lamb, seized g. clOCn ana began 10 apply the stuff to my throat and arms But it was slow work, and I was most unskilled in the task. I became more nervous with every passing minute. and when I heard the roll of a taxi below. having come up on a train 15 minutes earlier than the one Dicky had mentioned over the telephone, gazed at the ghastly image of myself in the mirror with a feeling of horror.
 ''For the love of Mike. Madge. what the devil does this mean?"
 Dicky burst into the room. his face like a. thundercloud. knew, of course, that he must be angry and disappointed at my failure to meet and greet his guest below stairs, but the absolute aversion on his face as he looked at me made me shiver.
 Censure and Praise.
 Have you gone out of your mind ?"' he demanded. Do you think I'm going to let you come downstairs looking like that? What in thunder ever possessed you? Here Drake is cooling his heels downstairs A pretty reception for stranger, fsn t 1t? Lucky thought of telling him I had mistaken the train and had brought him out on an earlier one. Now tell me quickly how to get this blasted stuff off.'
 "Oh, Dicky, if you only could!' I said brokenly. T was afraid the scars of my burns would show above this gown ,and then when had begun to fix it all over alike.''
 I think Dicky heard the tears in voice, and realized that if could not keep from weeping he would have a red-eyed wife to introduce to his new acquaintance At any rate he changed his manner instantly.
 "Goose!" he said tenderly, those scars are hardly noticeable. You're foolishly sensitive about them. Here, tuck these towels about your gown and give me some cold cream. I'll get this stuH off in a jiffy."
 And then, Dicky. snAhngly. ten- derly removed the horrid ghastly mess with cold cream. wiped the flesh carefully, and then dusted rice. powder over the exposed surfaces as skilfully as a lady's maid could have done.
 'There!" he said, stepping back and surveying me, you haven't . trace of a scar. And my eye! what a kiss for reward, and let's go down stairs to our guest. I guess you won't put his eyes out!" he finished extravagantly. and I knew that Dicky was doing his level best to restore my equilibrium.
 His kiss was hurried, though ten- der, and then, seizing my hand. he started for the door. But I stopped him, noticing for the first time that two florists 6oxes lay uon the bed where he had tossed them when he came in.
 A Disturbing Thought.
 .'what are these. Dicky?" T asked.
 By Jove!" Dicl<y stopped short and began to open the boxes. Lucky you saw them. This bix box Is for you, from Drake .and in the smaller one is something which I hope will go with your gown. from yours truly
 He had opened the smaller box first and was holding out to me an ex- quisite cluster of creamy orchids deepening to gold at their throats and shot with rose. He laid them against my gown and gave a little sigh of satisfaction. knew that his artistic instinct was pleased. and rejoiced. for few things annoy my tenpera- mental husband more than jarring tints in clothing or furnishings.
 "Oh, Dicky! how perfect, and how dear of you" pinned the flowers to my gown and turned to find Dicky lifting from the other box a wonder full cluster of pink roses.
 Drake certainly knows what's what" he remarked. ''These are sure the real thing"
 < He held them off, admiring them. then turned to me.
 Hold out your arms," he com- manded.
 I did so, and he laid the roses lightly against my left arm.
 "There!" he said. and again heard the note of artistic satisfaction in his voice. 1T guess that's not bad, eh? Come along"
 moment. I did not want to go down stairs like debutante with my arms full of flowers. resented the touch of famboyance in Dicky that would wish such an exhibition. I knew. however, that it would be useless to expect him to understand. so I fol- lowed him slowly down the stairs.
 But underneath everything else I was conscious of a disturbing little thought. I knew that in the course of frequent studio amateur theatricals Dicky must have used cold cream and cosmetics.
 But the perfect ease with which he had acted the part of lady's maid in the completion of my toilet troubled me.
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