The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1917-10-15

this paper, In the only series now
being written by Mabel Herbert
Urner.
rs it one Of the good cIubs?" asked
Helen, as they hurried along the
boulevard. breasting stir lake
breeze.
mot ultra-exclusive. but it's a big
club-and one of the wealthiest here.
Over a thousand on the waiting list.
think Kendall said"
Helen was pleasurably excited at
the prospect Of dining at q mems
Club. Though Warren belonged TO
two New York clubs, In neither were
women permitted. But now, for their
weeks stay in Chicago. Mr.. Kendall
had given him card to this large
and popular club, which had a dining
room expressly for women.
Here we are" as they approached
the imposing stone structure that oc-
cupied half the block. mo, that's the
main entrance"
Further on they turned In at a side
door, presumably the ladies' entrance.
II was an impressive hallway guard
ed by a uniformed doorman
Good evening, sir. A little chilly
out" as he took Warren's coat and
stick.
The first note of club atmosphere,
thought Helen, a courteous greeting
from even the doorman.
Turning to the visiting members
register, Warren entered "Mr. and
Mrs. W. Z. Curtis, New York City.
Introduced by Mr. F. L. Kendall"
At the column Membership Number
he hesitated, fumbling in his pocket.
"Jove! Left that card at the ho-
tel.'
That's all right, sir" the door.
man approached solicitously. You're
Mr.. Kendalrs guests" glancing at the
register. TN Just phone up to the
office and get your card number"
1t was proof of the efficiency oi
club bookkeeping that they promptly
phoned down the number. 217, which
gave Warren all the club privileges
Entering the elevator, they stepped
of at the ladies' dining room on
the fifth floor. 1t was . spacious, OBJ
long room In the Adams period, with
gray and white paneling and soft
shaded lights.
A distinguished head waiter led them
to a desirable table. The place wal
well filed. mostly couples. Apparently
men alone did not dine in this room,
It's very attractive" murmured
Helen, glancing about at the paneled
walls and crystal chandeliers. Their
disappointedly, as she took of her
veil and smoothed her wind-blown
hair. But not a single mirror!"
mo, men don't spend half their
time with powder puffs and lip sticks. y
grunted Warren.
There's a ladies' dressing room
down the hall to the left" suggested
the head waiter. helpfully.
All right, go ahead and doll up. If
it'll make you more comfortable"
IL was dainty cream-and-white
dressing room with every toilet need
As Helen arranged her hair, she
noticed the individual powder puffs
bits Of cotton tied with pink ribbon
an unexpected accessory at a mems
club. There were both pink and white
powder, hairpins, rouge, eve brow
pencils and an expensive French toilet
water. Evidently Chicago men were
generously considerate of the comfor,
OF their feminine guests.
When she returned IN thu table
warren handed her the two cards
with brisk. We'll, shall we have
the dinner-or order a la carter
How much is the dinner?" cauti-
ously' scanning the card for the
price.
Clubs never price their dinners. "
sharply rebuking. Now. do Won
want it or not? There's turtle
soup and guinea hen-two things
you like"
But Helen. ignorant of club ethics
turned to the approaching waiter.
How much 10 this dinner7'
instantly his expression changed
and he answered loftily.
I really don't know, madam.
Well. I'd rather have Something
to order anyway" Drawing war.
ren's scowL Here's chicken Isg.
Creole, I'll have that and some ro.
maine salad.
This meager selection the waiter
received with q supercilious hau-
teur, which slightly unbent before
Warren's order of swset-bread. a.,
casserole. asparagus, peas. aIJiva-
tor pear salad and a vintage vine
why the devil did you ask The
price Of that dinnerr' furiousIv :
the waiter moved OF. You're not
supposed to ask prices when YOU'RE
q guest at q club"
But whyT argued Helen, with