The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1919-12-20

discovered that evening the great
cozy chaise lounge in the pink bed.
room, its back invitingly banked
with pillows Of softest chiffon and at
its side reading lamp with chif.
fon-shaded lamp that made David
smile, so feminine was it's charm.
I'VE must have pink roses In that
pink vase-When my wife returns"
he suggested.
Monica looked swiftly at him, then
more swiftly away. When the pink
roses were ordered-then would David
Trevor pass ut of her life. Something
strangely compelling had gripped her
heart. She would not allow herself
to realize that out of whole world
OF men she had found only one, and
that she was furnishing an apartment
for that ones wife. The thought sent
the blood from her cheeks and David,
watching her, felt his own heart beat
ing unsteadily.
He, however, mastered any emotion
that made the earth tremble under his
feet. and said quickly: "If you Cont
mind, and If it wouldn't interfere with
your ideas-could we not have those
four prints you so admired in my
Office framed and hung in the dining
rOOm?"
Il wanted to buy them myself"
she said softly, "but l didn't feel
should be so extravagant. They would
be just the finishing touch to these
walls"
David's business was the handling
VI old English prints, and 1t pleased
him not little to know that he could
with complete artistic taste use some
in his own home.
I'm hoping when the apartment is
finished, and I am no longer your
client, that you will come in occasion
ally and look over my collection. am
just next door"
"When your wife Is back" said
Monica in cQriously hard voice, "you
will not be knowing who is next door
to you--0r caring"
This was the only dangerous bit Of
ground she had stepped on during
their acquaintance, and she realized
1t the moment the words left her lips.
She laughed quickly, giving him no
time to reply, then went over and let
her fingers run idly over the keys Of
the splendid toned grand piano they
had bought together and installed In
the big studio. 1t was dusk now and
David switched on the light. One Of
the exquisite rose shades sent its
charm wandering softly through the
room. Monica continued to play in
order to still the humping of her
heart. She wanted to gain calm be-
fore again essaying speech.
David came and stood behind her,
looking down at her golden head.
"Now sit in that comfy Chesterfield"
he commanded gently, as If for many
days he had been picturing her there
and was now actually seeing her.
The color famed swiftly into MonI-
cas- cheeks-cheeks that had grown
too pale under the strain Of David's
cOmpanlonship. She arose, however
knowing that Obeying his whims was
the better part to play.
"NOw," ne said softly, and with q
great amount Of controlled emotion
beneath his tones, "lf you just had
some sewing"
"David-don't," she cried swiftly.
~ WILL" he said, and held her close
within his arms. II have loved yOU
for ages. I loved your voice over the
telephone when could hear you talk
Ing with uphOlstererS. rug men, furni
ture men, and too many times witt
other men with whom you made lunch
engagements. All this I could easily
hear when our windows were Open
David was speaking swiftly now, fol
MonIca's hair was brushing his fact
and her lips were trembling, and h
had to hold her aercely In order tt
still the Qulvering Of her body; "ant
once saw you entering your Office
It was that day I decided to have
wife-I want you, dear, as soon as you
can make up your mind to come"
Monica looked slowly about the won
derful studio-just the kind of home
she had dreamed of-then back to thu
love in Dayid's eyes, just the kind o
: eyes she had dreamed Of.
. "September's only three days off,
] she said, "and I have three estimates
to get out before"
"Then will my wife come home t.
: mel"
"She couldn't help coming even |
, she wanted to-David."