New Britain herald., 1917-04-04
What Great Change Has Come Int
 Lillian Undcrwood's Life?

Lillian Undcrwood's Life?
 "Did you hear from the Under woods? Are they coming?'
 I asked the question of Dicky be- fore he fairly got off his coat.
 Don't know" Dicky returned. ..Lil wants you to call her up. I don't think she's quite up to her usual self. her voice sounded queer some way, sort of constrained. Did you set hold of the Durkees?'
 "Yes, and they're coming. Mrs. Durkee was lovely about it. She said some friends who were to dine with them had disappointed them and that if they hadn't received our invitation she and her son would have nao a very. quiet. rather lonely dinner at home.''
 well. if the Underwoods come thatu make six of us beside mother - Dicky returned. "We will prooaoiy have a great deal better time than if Elizabeth and her prooo naa ar- rived on schedule"
 "That was a rotten deal of Eliza beth's at that" Dicky went on, "but
 
 like that; perfectly irresponsible about keeping engagements or hurt ing peoples feelings. Queer, too, TOT she's a great deal warmer hearted naturally, than Harriet"
 r nodded. remembered very dis tinctly Dicky's sister, Harriet. the bir brilliant, handsome woman. who made such an efficient helpmate for her distinRuished surgeon husband, Dr. Braithwaite. E..
 "fIarriet Is as cold- -blooded as a fish" Dicky continued, about any thing that doesn't concern that be- loved husband of hers. but she'd die the death rather than play trick such as Elizabeth has treated us to today. How does mother feel about it?" he asked abruptly.
 'I'm afraid she's terribly grteved over it." I returned. "But she mas been very brave, and. Dicky, she was exceedingly sweet about having the JYnderwoods and the rest invited Tor tomorrow. Do go up to see her rlsnt away. I think it will please her.
 Iillian's Cryptic Words.
 q know somebody else who's sweet about things, too,' my husband re- turned, giving me swift embrace and a tender kiss before bounding up- stairs to his mothers room.
 I turned to the telephone. with my heart brimming with happiness. Dicky's tender approval always means much to me. And my contentment was not lessened by the knowledge Of my mother-in-laws softened feeling toward me.
 Lillian's voice, however. made me forget all my contentment. and tiled me with misgiving. It was tense, totally unlike her usual bluff, hearty tones, and with an undercurrent in 1t that spelled tragedy
 What is the trouble. Lillian ?' l asked, as soon as I had heard her greeting; "I know something Is the matter by your voice." t<
 "Yes, there is,'' she replied. but nothing of which I can speak over the phone. Tell me. are you going to have any strangers there tomorrow? IT couldn't get anything definite out of Dicky.'
 How like Lillian the bluff, honest speech was. Almost any other woman would have hypocriticaily assured me that nothing was the matter. But not Lillian Underwood!
 .Nobody but the Durkees," I as- sured her. They have already l nromised to be here. But, Lillian YOU surely must get here as soon as vou can. I shall be so worried until I see you. If you don't get here ear,v tomorrow morning I shall come in after you.'
 "You couldn't keep me away, yot