Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-07-18
! The Woman Who Changed !
By JANE PHELPS
: x 4 . 4 j. X = * * 4 i = !
HELEN GIVES HER HOSTESS
PLEASURE.
CHAPTER CXXXII.

The library was a massively beauti
III room with bookcases running about
three side of it, and an immense fire,
place. Wonderful etchings hung on the
walls. The furniture was solid and sub.
stantial, but so comfortable; and the
lighting, softly subdued, was fascinat-
ing.
TIL business was discussed for near
ly an hour, both Mr.. Babeock and
George occasionally appealing either to
Mrs Babeoek or me. / felt so flatter-
ed and harry. TIL unusualness of it all,
was stimulating, and l realized that
l never had appeared to better advan-
tage.
Mrs. Baboock had told us her niece
was dining out that night, for which
felt Ike saying "thank goodness!" {"
1t was so nice to have just the four
of us.
After they had finished discussing the
business matters they asked if l was
musical George did not wait for me
to reply, but at once said / had unus-
ual talent
"You will play for us, then2" Mrs.
Babcock asked. I, of course, agreed
not only because L loved to play; had
not, L should have been more than
willing to do anything to please them.
! them.
Helen Delights with Her Music.
If the library had been attractive,
the dining room in perfect taste fair
ly held my breath at the beauty of the
music room. The baby grand piano,
the harp, and the violin showed a fam
lily of music lovers. The daintycolor-
ing of the rugs and draperies-the pic,
tures-all were in perfect taste, per
fectly harmonious.
AS much as l loved music, as much
as loved to play never enjoyed play
ing more than I did that night--never
felt that was mere appreciated After
I stopped, Mr.. Babcock took the violin
and we played duet. Then Mrs. Bah
cock joined US on the harp. 1t was de-
lightful. When we finished, they ex-
planned that the daughter who died was
pianist of wonderful ability. That
music had been their great recreation,
because they were all so extremely |
fond of it. Then they asked me to sing. |
I sang cycle of songs, then the folk
songs of the Scotch. Mrs. Babcock was
of Scotch descent, and had spoken of |
her delight in the music of Robert
Burns.
1t was nearly midnight when we
left, after promising to dine with them
once again before we went home.
"Aren't they delightful?' 1 said to
George, as we drove back to the hotel
in their luxurious limousine ~ don,t |
know when I have enjoyed myself so
much".
"Indeed they are!" he heartily
agreed. HAnd, Helen, if put that deal
over, shall have you to thank for it.
They both were charmed with you.u
81 am glad, if have been of help"
I returned, rather stiltedly, yet thrill
ed by the thought
Helen Brags To Julia Collins.
The next day; as l was eating lunch
Julia Collins came into the dining
room, and, as she did before, Joined me
without being invited, or even want
ed
III looked for you and George last
night / he'd some charming beople /
here to dinney. wanted him to meet
them," she said T noticed it was
"him y she vented, not "you.')
owe dined with Mr. and Mrs. Bah
cock at thelr home, . 1 returned.
You did!" her tone expressed sur
prise. She had not heard the invitation
extended TO Us, the night in the gr.h;
she had been too busy talking 70
the others.
Yes and their home is delightfulIt
is really gorgeous The dinner and ser
vice were wonderful We had music
afterward; they both play-he the
violin, she the harp, and'-
"Of course, you shone if you had
music" she said in a peculiar tone
81 don't know that | shone, but I
do know was glad l could play. 1t
seemed to give them so much pleasure.
| sang for them, also, before we left.
She is Scotch, and l sang Scottish
songs"
"You must have had a nice time. |
suppose George was proud of you.1
II hope so, then l changed the sub
ject, still wondered at her tone.
After I had gone upstairs, l recall
ed the conversation, and blushed for
shame. had done nothing but brag;
and Julia Collins, much as l disliked
her. / knew would NOT be onilfv of
such thing. l was terribly ashamed
of myself and could only hope she
would not repeat what I had said.
When George came in, I knew ,4t
once he had seen her and that she had
repeated it.
What need to brag, Helen9 | don t
think either Mr. or Mrs. Babeock
world be pleased. And it is very bad
folm."
(Tcmorrow-An Unqualified Success)
Ar. n..- m.