The Washington herald., 1920-02-03

Where is Lila Demarest's hus-
band?" Doris asked Margaret as
lthey drove home after the matinee.
1t had been Ibsen's Dolls House"
and Doris, who usually talked over a
! play for days after she had seen it..
felt no desire to discuss this one.
The psychology of it had completely
passed over her head and she Sc
cretly considered that there had been
much ado about nothing.
Lieut.. Demarest is a naval officer.
He is away at sea a great deal of the
time. That is why Lila stays at home
with her mother. Mrs. Durand an
swered.
How old is Lilac" asked Doris.
II really don't know" The indif-
ference in Margarets voice should
have warned Doris. but she went on
unheeding.
L think it's dreadful the way Mrs.
Stevenson orders her around. Mama
never decided everything for me like
that. She said she knew she could
always trust me to do everything that
was ladylike." The word slipped out
before Doris thought-she had long
since sensed Margaret's disapproval
Of it.
Doris. dear, may ] make a sug-
gestion?" Her sister-in-law's voice
was very sweet, but very firm. It's
not considered quite well-bred to
discuss people whose hospitality
you have only Just accepted. Sew
eral times. Stewart and 1 have no.
ticed your tendency to do so. I'm
sure it is unintentional, that you
are just thoughtless, but don't you
think il would be better not to
criticise, for after all, criticism is
boomerang and it generally finds
it's way home again."
I'm sorry" said. Doris, simply,
trying to effect Stewards advice to
take the corrective squarely and
sensibly and not fel hurt.
There's Juliet" explained Mrs.
Durand suddenly. She brought the
car to a halt against the curb and
waved an immaculate gloved hand
to the jaunty figure swinging down
the avenue.
Doris could scarcely believe her
eyes. Walking as unconcernedly as
though she wore a decorous after
noon gown. Juliet strobe along in
her riding coat and breaches, her
mannish hat set at a jaunty angle,
fiecking her boot with her riding
crop. 1t was the fashionable hour
for promenaders, but Juliet was as
unconscious as if she were lonely
on a country road.
What are you doing this corking
day? I'll wager you've been to a
matinee or some othek such infer
nally stuffy place. I say, Doris, why,
the pop-eyes wonder? Haven't you
seen my riding toys before?
T haven't" admitted Doris.
Aren't they-aren't they-pretty,"
she finished inadequately.
"Hideous, but darned comfort
able" Juliet placed one foot on the
running board of the carsand rested
her elbow on her elevated knee.
Some day all women will stop be-
ing idiots and wear bifurcated gar
ments. BY the way, Doris, when
are you coming to ride with us?
I've got a corking mount for you
just gentle enough to be comfort
able for a beginner"
"She will come Thursday" put in
Mrs. Durand. Stewart spoke OF
it to me yesterday, and I'll take
her down and outfit her in the
morning."
"Rightoh! I'll look for you at 2
sharp" Juliet brandished her crop
in farewell and swung Off down
the avenue. .....-.
ct won't have to wear-breeches.
will II" asked Doris, apprehensive-
ly.
But OF course. my dear. re-
turned Mrs. Durand promptly, mo
body rides with skirts any more;
that's a medieval idea. It's bad for
the rider and even worse for the
horse. Wen get you a trim little
habit and you'll look like a young
boy"
Doris heart sank. She didn't want
to ride-she much preferred motor
ing. Still more did she shrink from
the idea of breeehes. What Mama"
would think Of such an "unlady-