The Washington times., 1920-03-03

VIRGINIA interrupted the read

v brought CONSERVATION 10 the
Benns family.
81 beg your pardon" she said
with extreme politeness. "But you
have said that nve times already.
fear you are"
"Ssid whaty" interrupted Amy
Benns In turn. looking a trifle be-
wildered.
Dear little wife," sighed vir-
ginia. her hazel eyes dancing.
81 didn't say II more often than
Howard has written IL in his let
ter" Amy retorted in the gentle
way OF the Benns, which never per-
mitted voices TO raise disagree
ably or accents TO be anything but
courteous. ITO continue: Il expect
the girls TO be especially consider
ate OF my dear little wife-three to
one, you know. Eva Is so tender
hearted and sensitive. and l want
her 10 be happy. AS for you. moth
err, l know you will love my dear
little wife"
A polite groan came from Viz
ginia and a gentle stare OF rebuke
from Amy. But Mrs. Benns sighed
and smiled at the same time.
LAS soon as you see her, which
will be soon. Affectionately. How
ard" concluded Amy.
"Of course we shall do all we can
to make the stranger feel at home
with US" Mrs. Benns' glance
swept the little circle, and she
seemed TO nod to each one. How
ards wife is one of US. you know.
One OF the Benns. now"
But quite different from any OF
the Benns we have known. I fancy
remarked Violet, the oldest daugh-
ter. "She must be very delicate and
dependent"
"One OF the clinging vine type"
suggested Virginia. Can't you pict-
ure her coming to meet us. hang
ing on Towards arm. a little visit
full, childish creature. half awed,
half frightened by the prospect of
facing her husbands formidable
family?"
"Why formidable7- softly de-
manded Amy.
formidable to one OF the cling
ing vine type, Mrs. Benns. my
mother. daughter Of Judge Benns.
and supporter OF the intellectual
reputation OF the family by visible
means OF speeches at the club. Miss
Violet Benns, golf champion and
winner OF medals for long distance
swimming. Miss Amy, vocalist and
leader in st. Stephens choir. Miss
Virginia. art student with n lean
ing toward the commercialized art
Of fashion magazines. And not one
of us who would consider IL neces-
sary to say unto the strange family
of Our Beloved. IL we had one,
please be good to me.
-
Benns, pride and poise are what
Howard had in mind when he wrote
that letter You know he is the
most democratic one OF the family.
And ! suppose he's fallen in love
with some sweet young thing who
thinks him a demi-god. And you
know Howard is always singing
our praises"
Just like Howard" chimed in
Virginia. He's scared Dear Little
Wife half to death himself. and now
he puts it up to US TO soften the eff
feet So, let's do our darndest,'
"Virginia," reproved Mrs. Benns
gently.
yes. mother" politely answered
the young girl, and deliberately
made a Rrimace at her mother. so
comical in effect that all her com
panions laughed in unison.
A telegram from Howard fol-
lowed his letter. He set the day
and hour for his arrival with his
new wife. The Benns family had
everything in readiness.
Remember" whispered Virginia
at the last moment. NO SUPERB
GRITTY; no boasts; no worldly wis
dom. Everything kindly and en-
couraging and calculated to draw
Dear Little Wife out and warm the
cookies of her heart
Howard came home, and in the
excitement of the first moment Of
greeting no one appreciativcly saw
his companion. Then he proudly
led her forward and introduced her.
A large. massive young woman
with bright blue eyes that looked
directly at them and a deep bloom
on her cheeks that was permanent
and not due TO any momentary con
fusion. In fact, she was singularly
complacent and unconcerned.