The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-12-09
CHAPTER XVIII.

n ILDRED slammed the front
NH door defantly and ran up
" stairs, humming a popular
song. Honora looked after
her. started to seak, then thought
better OF il and went into the
kitchen. After all, she reflected, as
she took the dinner from the oven
and nut IL on the table, she would
gain nothing by complaining De-
cause Tom Chandler had made her
sister late to meal
".Where is Mrs. Higgins? NIL
dred demanded. reappesr.ug al the
end of ten minutes.
Honora noticed that the girl had
changed her office garb for an art
ernoon frock, and that she was
wearing her hair in a new ana
striking style.
Seeming to ignore these signin-
cant indications. the older sister
told the story of the illness OF Mrs
Higgins sister and the widows de-
sarture for Hartford. Mildred
murmured comment, ITS too oao
sounded Indifferent, but Honor&
tancied she detected note OF re-
lief in the speakers voice.
.sThe Bruces want US 10 go for
moonlight auto ride tonight, no
nora remarked, as the pair sat
down st the dinner table. I &C
cepted. Was that right?
. "Why''-MilIy hesitated; Il sup
pose so-yes.
She asked no further questions
and sank into a silent revery. Her
sister watched her, puzzled at her
demeanor. At last Mildred maae
q suggestion.
YOU go alone with the -Bruces to-
night, and count me out OF the
party"
aAnd leave you here all alone"
Honora exclaimed. II will do moth
Ing of the sort"
Mildred flushed and frowned i'm
patiently.S
81 really think" she broke forth,
that I might be considered old
enough to LOOK out for myself No
body is going to break into the
house and carry me on. For good
ness sake, Honora. don't be so abb
solutely ridiculous"
: Honora stared at her, amazed at
her impetuosity.
Don't be ridiculous yourself,
Hilly," she began.
Don't call me MillyP the other
snapped.
ssWel, whether you are Milly or
Mildred Honora retorted. I'm not
going tonight unless you do. That
il certain. What under the sun is
the matter with you? Have you
another engagement"
NO.
''Then"-Honora pursued the sub
feet stubbornly-'why don't you go
auto riding"
Il don't feel quite like it," the
other murmured awkwaTdly. 4
I-Euess am not very we'll"
Don't 60, then" Honora advised
quickly. trying not to show her dis
appoIntment. I'll phone Arthur
after dinner and tell him to call it
OF. II you are not feeling we'll"
she added. suspiciously. why did
YOU take the trouble to put on that
dress and fix your hair so elabo-
rately?"
To this the other made no reply,
and the meal was finished in a
gloomy silence. But as the two
girls rose from the table the younger
spoke impulsively, all traces OF
vexation gone from her face and
manner.
Its too bad l wasn't nice about
the ride. Honora." she said. IT'S
been hot and stufty at;the office all
day, and am a bit tired. But il
you want to go with the Bruces I'll
20, too
"oh. 1 don't care" Honora forced
herself to speak cheerfully. III
you don't want to go we'll stay
home"
Mildred laughed neryously. But
now that I come to think of it," she
declared, AZ believe that 1 would
like the ride. II may do me good"
did you say the cars to be here
at 8? I'll be ready"
She watched Honora carry tray
of soiied dishes into the kitchen,