The Washington times., 1920-06-25

n ARBARA was too much inn
X mersed in her own musings
~ to notice that her uncle re-
garded her wonderingly after her
announcement that she was going
for a drive with John Brandon.
Her changed manner puzzled Ar
thur Paige. Only a day or two ago
he had seen her blush and drop her
eyes when her aunt referred to
John. Yet now, with no signs or
embarrassment. BaTbara spoke OF
making an appointment with him.
Yes-girls and women were
strange creatures. the bachelor
unused.
He could not know that in put
ting Robert Elliot forever out OF
her life, Barbara had deadened her
present perceptions of other mat
tcrs. Any great emotion is likely
to have this temporarily benumb-
ing girl.
The girl had fought, as she be-
lieved. her last great fight with
herself. 1t had terminated In the
mailing of her letter to Robert.
After that victory over her own
heart, she was conscious only OF
determination to go through with
the program outlined for her.
She was tired of being unhappy
tired Of thS restlessness that had
assailed her for the past five days.
With John Brandon she would be
safe. Things would be settled once
and for all. In her present weary
and disillusioned condition. any GER
tainty seemed better than suspense.
SO her hands did not. tremble as
she made herself ready for her
drive. He aunt appeared In the
door Of her room as she was busy
combing her hair.
What dress are you going to
wear, my dear?" she queried.
"Oh, | don't know. l have not
decided" the girl replied.
why not put on your new dark
blue taffeta?" Cynthia suggested.
1T is light in weight and will shed
the dust, and is, l think, the most
becoming costume you have.
Barbara smiled as she noted her
relatives desire to have her look
well, for she remembered that only
last week Aunt Cynthia had OBJ
jected to her niece's wearing this
new gown when she went for
drive with the Greenwoods.
"She wants me all logged up as
IL were for salew was her bitter
reflection. Then she banished 1t
sternly.
II am a beastw she mused.
Aloud-"Very well, aunties. IL you
advise that / will wear it,"
Yes, do-with the little dark
blue hat that goes with IL. And
your violets will look sweet against
the white georgette front of the
dress. Take your covert coat in
case 1t grows cool"
That her judgment was good was
proven by her niece's appearance
when she was ready for the jaunt.
The dark blue of the dress was re-
lieyed by the white vest and violets
at the belt; the hat had Just enough
brim to shade the serious eyes.
"You look very NICE" Cynthia ap-
proved as she surveyed the dainty
toilette.
John Brandon did not try to keep
from his face an expression of ad-
miration in greeting the girl who
came out on the veranda at tho
sound OF his car.
"I am ready" she said. And
thank you for the violets. They are
lovely"
80 are your were the words
that sprang to his lips, but he bit
them back.
IL am glad you like them," he said
simply.
Then he took her coat from her
and together they went down to the
gate.
Miss Cynthia Paige, behind the
bowed shutters In her own room,
watched them. She thought II wise
to absent herself at this juncture.
"It is best TO leave them quite
alone" she unused. II do hope that