The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1920-04-18
"A GIRL OF THE
HOUR
By ALDEN CHAPMAN

consumed, az least nave abaSneu tae
distant cause OF the varied emotions II
expressed, had the object Of the same
been present at that moment. For
years she and Maurice Croft had been
playmates and then lovers. She had
come to the city to visit relatives and
here. within a week, mourning and
missing her cavalier true, dreadful
news of him had reached Rhoda. A
cousin Of Maurice coming to the city
for flying visit had called upon her.
"Yes, there has been carvings on"
submitted chQtty Winffred Forbes,
who herself had once experienced a
secret fondness for Maurice. and not
Ioath to bring the news to a success
full rival. 1.-The silly boy has been
taking a fling as he calls 1t, and Is
bent on showing off to the limit"
"As how, nowf" suggested Rhoda,
calmly enough.
swell, he went over to Springfield
with Aleck Prince who, as you know,
is wild enough to serve as warning.
They had two days sojourn, visited
the races, played billiards and fancied
they were going the pace. To wind up
they visited a show. The premiere
was a dancer. Lulu Langford, be-
lleve they call her. She made eyes at
Maurice, recognizing green simple
ton, I suppose. In her act she drops
bouquet and then airily sends 1t out
into the audience with tip of her
dainty toe. 1t landed in Maurice's lap.
I don't believe he did anything more
than send this charming Lulu a
bouquet the next day, but he came
back home like knight Grant vaunt-
ing the conquest of impressible hearts
without number. Do you know he has
dozen colored photographs of this
Lulu hung about in his room, showing
her in her various poses? l saw one
portraying her as the girl of the hour
high heels, the latest as to garb,
blonde hair, golden aureole, and all
that. He talks Of the life.' and you'd
think he was past grand master of
the giddy whirl!"
But after Winifred had left, the little
hands clenched. the pearly teeth set
vengefully and Rhoda uttered three
forceful words:
"I'll cure hlml"
Rhoda had not departed from simple
neatness of attire during her visit with
her wealthy relatives. She had thought
more of inspecting art galleries and
museums than attending shows and
social gatherings, but now she en-
gagged in confidential confab with her
STYLISH cousin, Phyllis, and asked her
TO cooperate with her in Furnishing
Maurice for daring to look at another
woman.
"You are just about my size and
your dresses will fit me very nicely
planned the audacious plotter. Il
shall ask Maurice to the city to re-
main with your brother for few days
and act as my special escort. He shall
have a real sample of high life, In
deed! III warrant he will pine for
quiet inexpensive village life and his
occasional reasonable drive in a livery
buggy and the humdrum but whole
some town concerts when have
taught him a salutary lesson!"
Maurice appeared the day after ne
had received summons from his lady
love. His little whirl in small city
had taught him that life in the me-
tropolis was expensive, and he came
with well-filled pocketbook, but
never gauging the whims and caprices
of willful fiancee. He was astounded
to be greeted by the modest, tasteful
village inamorata arrayed in the very
extreme of smart attire. Rhoda had
assumed certain grand air that OPP
pressed, rather than awed him. She
and Phyllis joked about stunning,
fiirtations and cigarettes. When Maui
rice suggested a place of amusement
Rhoda named the grand opera.
Maurice WINGED at the unexpected
expensiveness, but that was only a
preface to a supper. His company
chose the most fashionable place of
midnight resort. Ruefully Maurice
reckoned up the evenings entertain
ment It exceeded half Of the money
he had brought with him.
And the next day Rhoda spoke OF n
drive on the boulevards with an au-
daclty and airiness that almost fright
ened Maurice. Another big bill-sHd-
ly comparing with the price of home
rig for an entire afternoon Rhoda
had seemingly developed into tartar
and a spendthrift after one week of
metropolitan social dissipation.
She was distrait and subdued as
they started back for Clifton. THEY
were at odds somehow, and Maurice,
repentant, I'll at ease, sought to clear
the atmosphere.
II was over at Springfield with
Aieck Prince for a couple OF days."
began Maurice lamely.
Eyes, l heard you WERE" answered
Rhoda.
Flash and filter, you know" pro
ceeded Maurice.
Miss Lulu Langfords also?" init.
mated Rhoda with mild malice.
"0hl deceiving element that--I
hear she is fifty years old and has
four children"
"You still preserve those photograph
mementoes. SUPPOSED"