The Washington times., 1920-06-01

HY ankle kept me housed for
N only few days. Following
Ava the new theories. the doctor
strapped IL up tightly with adhesive
plaster, so the torn ligaments would
be held in place. He made me walk
a little bit each daysin order to keep
the bandaged ankle from atincnins,
As news doesn't fayet very fast
among our friends. wse. almost
ready to be up and about again be-
fore people found out that | had
been sick. had pretty lonely
time of it--and how ! did miss the
wine jellics and cup custards that
would have come pouring in on the
household out at home
SO was particularly glad to sec
Virginia when she came dashing IN
the very morning that the doctor
pronounced mo ready to go out Tor
a nice drive in the park.
I'm so sorry. I didn't know.
What can'I do for YOU, Anna" ask
ed virginia contriteiy. coming over
to the couch where ! lay trying to
get up ambition enough to obey the
doctor and to 60 out for drive.
She stopped and kissed me, lay
ing a wonderful sheaf of late roses
in my hand as she spoke. l tried
to keep down my pique and to act
like a grown woman instead OF the
hurt child felt. Jim had been too
busy to give me any time during
the long day, and after that nrst
evening of kindness Val had disap-
peared from my ken. telephoning
now and then to- inquire how J was.
but too much immersed in her own
concerns to do more than that.
nf In
said, conscious Of the absurd
trembling of my lips. g.
Poor kiddiel' said Virginia
STOPPING to kiss me. why didn't
you send for me? Phoebe just
heard OF your dreadful experience
this morning. Meals been out of
town. you know. These have been
ugly days. haven't they, dearc"
Nirgin'a's sympathy and under
standing astonshed me. And when
il lasted all through the. day I
could hardly believe | wasn't run
ming fever and imagining things
in my dclirium. She stayed with
me until late afternoon and then
rushed of posthaste--to avoid Jim,
as l very well knew.
Hardly had she departed when
.Carlotta arrived, bringing some of
the latest books and magazines and
a wonderful box OF marrons. And
then Phoebe and Neal came, plus
a big box OF candy and masses of
flowers. When Jim came he found
me holding court.
a wonder IL all this cxcitement'e
good for you," he remarked after
the last of my guests-Pat, who
came bringing a big basket of fruit
had departed. .
IT'S better for me than lying
here all alone for three days was"
1 said meanin gfully.
why. honey! You didn't want
me to stay home from business and
hold your hand. did your bantered
Jim.
mo; hut it's been pretty lone
some. and | bad too much time to
remember that dreadful Interview
with Dick West" ...
Poor kiddie, that was an night
mare of an evening! But it's all
over and no harm done-no harm,
that is. as long as 1 go down to
business each day and fight west.
But there might be some damage
IL | sat here, holding your hand, as
you doubtless think a devoted hus-
band should"
There was suggestion OF .irri-
tation In Jim's voice. though he
knelt by the couch as he spoke and
gathered me into his arms But his
carcss was automatic Instead of
tender. ..a. 80
To-day wasn't bad at all. It was
nice" / said. glad that could re-
assure Jim as to the state OF my
feelings. even N II wasn't he who
had frightened them. virginia
came and was so adorably sweet
and kind ] thought at nrst j was
dreaming II all"
when Virginia chooses" com
mepted jim dryly, "she can be very
chdrmins,"
There was little, girl and she
had little curl right In the middle