Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-07-14

MN " come 100 Both men tired 10
get out OF it--but no man can escape
mother. Oh. dear. isn't it funny"
she laughed Historically. and Gym
thia, dismayed though she was. could
no. represS nervous siSGle.
Tell me about your talk wit. .lil-
ton. she suggested. when the pair
were again calm
There's not much TO tell" Dora said.
He kn"" already that | did not love
nm. ON. Cyn--it's good not TO be
few hours for when mother knows
the truth-as she soon will--good
night"
Cynthia smiled at the slang express
sion. then She sighed.
When think of the combination ar
ranged Tor US this evening | feel as if
must die" She declared. Dora, for
| PHYS sake what are we going to do?'
We'll have to talk the thing over
with Milton and Gerald tonight" Dora
replied. They will have to face the
music with us. We might all confess
| in unison that we arc not going to
! get married"
But. jest as they might the girls
found themselves confronting serious
dilemma. Both knew enough of the
| temper and will of Mrs. Livingstone
| and OF Mrs. LiTingstcne's agreement in
| her plans. TO realize that 4 difficult eX-
| perience was ahead
BombshcII.
| II was at the dinner table that night
| that the hostess threw conversa
| tionai bomb causing mental panic
| among her listeners
We'll. young people" she remarked
smiling upon the quartet. who. she no.
| ticed were strangely silent. Il have a
surprise for YOU all. to-day mailed
| the Invitations for our beautiful
double wedding"
Dora started so violently that she
upset her water glass.
why. mother" she exclaimed
What under the sun did you do that
for? Two weeks before wedding is
an abundance OF time to send out in
vitations."
Il do not agree with you" her
mother sa;.i. "A few days more than
the fortnight is better form. 1t gives
people ample time 10 select wedding
presents. Don't YOU think am right,
Gerald" she appealed to Stewart, who
sat beside her.
He flushed crimson, yet did not lose
his self-possession.
II do not think that a mere man
should express an opinion on the mat
ter he cvaded lin such ease as
that. the ladies are really the best
judges"
we can always depend upon you
10 say the pretty thing, dear boy" Mrs.
Livingstone smiled.
She glanced eXpectantly at Milton
but he did not meet her gaze. Nor
did he make any comment on the sub
ject. although his hostess referred to
it several times before leaving the
table.
stephen Livingstone was dining at
his club tonight. and Milton Van Saun
and Gerald Stewart did not stay in
the dining room to smoke. Instead
they accompanied the ladies into the
drawing room. Here Mrs. Living
stone babe them good might grace
fully. preparatory TO going TO her room
"A new novel demands my atten-
ton" she explained Il must finish
it before l sleep"
AS soon as she had gone. Milton
hitherto so silent. spoke.
The time has come. my friends" he
declared. for council OF war.
Gerald, shall we decide what's 10 be
done"
II would suggest that We consult
Dora and Cynthia. first" Gerald said.
Good" Milton agreed. II will APP
point myself committee OF one TO
talk the matter over with Cynthia
You can discuss It with Dora"
Cynthia" with a bow. let us adj
journ 10 the library. where these two
people won't disturb us"
Upstairs. Mrs. Livingstone read hc-
new move! placidly. little guessing
what was happening in the rooms be-
low She was satisfied that her young
people were carrying ouy her plans 10
the letter.