South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-11-06
Girl in Gray
By Ella r. Pearce

Into the ivory and old gold salon
of Jouy Freres came a delectable
figure in gray. Pearl gray pussy
willow taffeta II was. fashioned into
"a charming dress on the latest Paris
lines. draped in embroidered crepe
and girdled in orchid velvet
The figure advanced and retreat
ed with the automatic motion OF the
professional mannequin; and Miss
Edith Hanover, with a murmur OF
"Bearttful- My favorite colors.
dove into her muff. brought out a
small book and began TO write rap
idly
The door opened and two visitors
appeared with the head OF the es-
adjustment in attendance. Miss
Hanover and the smart young man
who stood near her chair looked
across the salon. rather surprised by
the advent Of shoppers. for it was
not more than an hour past the
opening time.
Then Edith Hanover returned to
her writing. with a look in her eyes
she was glad 10 conceal and a ris-
ing flush she found difficult 70 con-
troll II have it all now, thank you,
Marta" she said formally.
The mannequiq moved away. guild
ed by a signal from the other side
OF the salon. Miss Hanover slipped
her book into her muff again. and
the young man beside her walked
leisurely over TO look out the broad
window high above the street.
Then il was that one of the new
Corners took the smart young mans
place at Edith's side.
Greetings. Edith. How are you o."
She murmured a polite response,
and took the opportunity to swiftly
make an inventory Of the change
two years had wrought in Donald
Crede. He was stouter and browner:
dressed after a fashion which could
scarcely be called the latest in New
York. and yet an attractive figure.
Edith had never been 50 conscious
Of the magnetism Of his personality.
YOU'RE looking well, DON" she
said; at which seemingly casual re-
mark he threw back his shoulders
and smiled broadly.
You mean you approve. Fine,
And / never felt so fit in my life
I've been-but before / go on, Edith
lis that your husband over there ?"
Ii was Edith's turn 10 smile and
the blush escaped at the same time.
I'm not married, Don. Wouldn't
you have heard Of it2"
Don't know. I've been buried in
Brazil forests most of the time Rub
Der i1terests. Going back this week.
Going back" Miss Hanover bit
her lip and looked disturbed.
Yes. It's South America for me
for a number of years. I guess"
Her glance, crossing his shoulder,
took in the pretty. ultra smart young
woman who was engrossed in
study of new fashions.
us that your wife over there,
DOn?'
Wife? I should say not. She's
Cousin Archibald's new wife; and
she dragged me into this" His
glance met hers and held it steadily.
I'm very glad now | came, Edith. q"
Suddenly. as they looked. an un-
expected confusion fell upon them.
1t was as though each had been vio-
lently shaken out OF fancied Sc
curity by some emotional shock
Miss Hanover brought her small
book TO light, speaking nervously.
"See-Tm fashion writer for one
Of the magazines. Taking notes when
you came i'm. The man at the win
dow is one of our advertising men.
I like this work, and I'm doing very
well, Don"
Donald Crede was gazing renec-
lively across the ivory and old gold
salon
See that gray dress? 1t reminded
me Of you. Edith. before I saw you
here. You wore one like it that
nisht-the last night-remembe Der?
When you told me I was an idle
goodfor-nothing. and you wouldn't
have anything TO do with me-
Il adore that dress. I'd buy it if
could afford it, But even successful
business women don't indulge in
Paris creations" Edith was talking
in thin tones, desperately vivacious;
edging past him toward the door.
But he deliberately blocked her way.
Listen. I've seen a girl in gray
down there-sometimes at night"
he confided. a little gray ghost with
silver slippers. IL bothered me at
first, but / felt afterward I should
miss it if it never came again" He
swung around. smiling brightly as
before. VIII you come and meet
Mrs Archibald Crede. Edith?"
"Oh. no." Her eyes stared re-
proachfully out Of a paling face.
Thank YOU, Don. But I'm going.
You should not have spoken OF
ghosts. You've scared me away"
He went with her to the door.