The Washington times., 1919-10-25
By Anne Lisle.
CHAPTER CxCIu.

THE days following Valerie
Cosby's dance were fun TO
= overfiowing with innumerable
tiresome necessities. There were
fittings galore at Wickman's, where
I had selected a gown of black lace
and jet chains built over a founda-
ton of black satin. / wanted a
smoke-colored chiffon draped over
fame, but Virginia insisted that the
>Chantilly lace and Jet was much
smarter. AS IL cost full hundred
dollars more, i concluded that Jim
would like better to see his wife
swathed in it. and so 1 permitted
Virginia to persuade me.
The Egyptian green enamel and
striped green and gold brocade Of
our living room were Virgtniais
choice, too. wouldn't go to Toms
studio without her, and once there
I chose instinct~ely what she liked
rather than merely what Tom
Mason recommended. Ny apart
ment couldn't be a simple home re-
hecting my personality. That 1
realized. The silver wicker and
blue chintz fairly longed for
wouldn't advertise Jim's riches at
all. So since what a Harrison Sc
lected. a Harrison would probably
approye. Il left every decision about
NV home to Virginia
But when, on Wednesday after
noon, I insisted that she also choose
the menu for our dinner at Mornays
the next night, Virginia was moved
to protest:
"Anne. / wish you'd show a little
more interest. You actually treat
your new home ano your new gown
as ~ they were mine. And now
your dinner"
.You'ye better taste than 1,
JaanieL" I confessed. "And besides
vour taste is more like Jim's."
$50 that's it-trying TO please
Jimniew Virginia studied me
shrewdly. Nothing could be wiser,
Anne - Unless you could do
that wonderful thing, compromise
blend your tastes-and teach Jim
mie to like what you like, TOO.
That would be an idea
Too Good to Be True.
TOO good TO be true-eh,
II found IT So replied Virginia
dryly.
But even in this casual and curt
reference to her marriage, ! telt q
certain satisfaction. 1t meant that
Virginia had admitted me TO a real
intimacy, that she took for granted
nv understanding. And the fact
that / didn't understand at all,
didn't trouble me greatly. Some
how ! felt sure that / woodland
before long.
Wen have tea at Mornay's.
then" resumed Virginia, "and while
we sit there quietly I'll call Marcel
and well go over the dinner with
him. He's the prince OF head
walters"
Wont we have TO fee him-a
lot?" l asked in panic, for as usual
1 had only about IS in my purse.
For twelve people? Oh. at least
s2O." replied Virginia carelessly.
Then. seeing my expression, and
undoubtedly guessing its cause.
she went on, But not today. He'll
, understand that Jim is going to do
the tipping"
Suddenly found myself a bit
callous. I didn't mind borrowing
money from Virginia now, or hxv-
ing her realize that I was short Of
actual cash. Now that Jim really
had money, there seemed no need
for protecting his pride.
The teas my party" / said. "and
I'd like to make a good enough
impression on Marcel so that he'll
be nice TO me IL ever I come here
alone. Suppose you lend me the
twenty"
"Of course" replied Virginia. and
after a minute she added: I'm
glad you're getting sensible, Anne. {"
A Word From Pat.
So we had our tea, ordering our
dinner for the next evening, made
our impression on Marcel for all
time, and then strolled down the
avenue. Ahead of us hurried a
rather furtive young man, with his
shoulders hunched and his hsts