New Britain herald., 1917-04-05
News For 7hedter6oeES and Women Readers
REVELATIONS OF A WIFE
By ADELE GARRISON

By ADELE; ''I Think He Makes Lillian Perfectly
 ,AIiserable."
 l did not dare to look at my mother-in-law as Dicky came toward us after answering Robert Gordon's telephone. message,
 From the one-sided telephone con- versatton I had gathered that MT. Gordon was to be our guest for Dickys birthday dinner. My Mother dn-law's prejudice against the rich man of mystery who had displayed such an interest in me was most in- tense-indeed. the remembrance of her last display of temper concerning him, just after we returned from the Catskills, was fresh in my mind. I fully expected that she would de- nounce Richard for inviting MT. Cor don to the house.
 But either she had forgotten her grievance against him or her disap- pointment over her daughters com ing had had g. softening effect upon her, for she made no sign that she had even heard the telephone conver- sation, but sat calmly looking over the morning paper as if nothing un- usual had occurred.
 I think Diclky was trif1e afraid, also. of his mothers verdict, for his attitude was elaborately apolegetic as he explained his invitation to me. Your friend, Gordon, has just got l ten in from one of those mysterious voyages of his to parts unknown" he ! said. "He was delayed in reaching the city, only got in last night, too late to telephone us. Seems he had some cherished scheme of having us his guests at . very special blowout. Wouldn't mind going if we hadn't asked these people here, for they say his little dinners are something to dream about. they're so unique. Of 1 course, there was nothing else for me to do but to invite him out. thought you wouldn't mind"
 f In Dicky's tone there was 8 dobt- full connection which read correctly He, knew of my interest in the elderly man of mystery who had known my parents so well, and I was sure that he thought would be overjoyed be- cause he had extended the invitation I wass glad that could honestly disabuse his mind of this idea, for had a curious little feeling that Dicky dislfked more than he appeared to do the attentions paid to me by MT. Gordon.
 Dicky Didn't Know. 'Of course you couldn't do any thing else. Dicky," returned heartily; you had to invite him. But I'm awfully sorry he had to choose this day for his visit. It's too late to get hold of Lillian now; she's probably started by this time. and I expressly promised her that there would be no one here but the Durkees.''
 Dicly gave me a quick glance of inquiry, and then, evidently satisfied that meant exactly what said, drew . long breath which my imagination fancied was one of relief.
 ''Why, what's eating Lil," he said care1essly, ''that she can't stand the presence of strangers? She's usually keen on having 8 crowd"
 She's in some trouble,'' explained, which she couldn't tell me over the phone. She wanted to be sure there were no strangers here-said she needed me. and warned me not to be shocked or surprised at her appear ance.''
 Dicky's face clouded. saw that
  sure 1t would, for ! knew his very real affection for Lillian Underwood. the woman who had made such a wonderful sacrifice for his sake.
 T wonder what's up" he said. worried. Come to think of it. Lil hasn't been in her studio for week but then. she's very irregular there anyway. does & lot of her work at home, you know. And when last saw Harry, about three nights ago, he was in 8 devil of 8 mood, licking up highballs and swearing at the world in general"
 "Poor Lillian!" I sighed, with a swift mental vision of what her life with Harry Underwood must be.
 Dicl<y looked at me curiously.
 You don't altogether approve of friend Harry, do you, Madge?" he said, after a pause.
 '.No. don't,"I returned, spiritedly. ''I think he makes Lillian perfectly miserable at times"
 "Oh, I wouldn't go as far as that Dcky returned easily, "Lils pretty we'll able to take care of herself, and Harry isn't the worst fellow in the world-an angel of light compared to the article Lil drew out of the grab- bag when she tried marriage the first time. Harry has his faults, but at least he's & human being, which is a long sight more than the other chap was."
 1T agree with Margaret" said my