The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-06-01

n / N G, J u N s 1, 1 8 2 O..
money by her skill. / knew that my
invalid friend would be very glad of
a liberal commission like this, and !
put my pride and temper in my pocket.
But I shall be very gla dto ask
her." | went on. lamely enough. "Her
strength is limited. and she never has
taken any commissions. But really
do not see why she should not sub
stitute orders like yours for one Of the
many gifts she makes"
THANK you so much.'' Mrs Under
wood stopped again to examine the
embroidered blossoms. when you
speak to her about it, will you ask her
if she could do one in lilies of the
valley? They should be so good look
ing, don't you think so?"
"Yes, indeed" I returned. shall we
join our husbands ?''
I'm just minute she replied, TAX
ing a lip stick, tiny pot of rouge
and powder puff from the dainty
satin bag she carried and proceeding
to touch up her face.
| tried not to let her see the repug-
nance I felt toward the performance.
Her make up was so glazing, so like
that of a third-rate actress, that it re-
PEELED me immeasurably. AS she fin
ished and gave final little wriggle
to her gown she patted my shoulder
kindly.
Lucky GIRL" she said enyiously,
mot to need any of these first aids to
the injured Come on, let's see what
the boys are. doing"
1.-THE boys" looked exceedingly com
Portable, smoking vigorously and dis
cussing the merits of two boxers Mr..
Underwood had Necently seen. As we
entered the room both men, of course,
sprang to their feet, and had mo-
ments opportunity to contrast their
appearance. Dicky is slender, 1.-THE,
with merry brown eyes and thick
brown hair, with touch of auburn
in it, and just enough suspicion o. a
curl to give him several minutes hard
brushing each day trying to keep it
down. Harry Underwood, taller even
than Dicky, who is above the medium
in height, is massive in frame, well
knit. muscular, with black hair tinged
with gray, and the blacklist, most
piercing eyes / have even seen. / was
proud of Dicky as l stood looking at
them. while Lillian exchanged some
merry nonsense with Dicky, but l also
had to acknowledge that Harry Under
wood was a splendid specimen OF man
hood.
os IL he had read my thoughts, his
ewes caught mine and held them. 10
all appearance he was listening TO the
banter of Dicky and his wire, Dut
there was an inscrutable look IN ms
ewes. an enigmatical smile upon MS
Inns. as he looked at me that vaguely
troubled me. His glance, his snlle'
seemed significant somehow, as II we
were old friends who held some nu-
morous experience in common remeHl-
brance. And | had never seen MN
hut once before in my life. l shrugged
my shoulders, ever so signify. III Is
habit of mine when I am displeased,
or wish to throw off some unpleasant
sensation of memory. l was almost
unconscious of having used the ges-
ture. But Harry Underwood crossed
the room as If il had been slgnal,
and stood looking down quizzically at
me.
"I,ittIe lady" he began. "you should
NOT hold a grudge so well. 1t doesn |
harmonic with your eyes ana your
mouth They were meant Tor KIND
moss not severity. If there is any way
that I can show you l am humbled 10
the dust for coming here with Dlcky
the other night just name II. III 40
any penance you say"
"You must be mistaken, Mr.. Unuer-
wood" / strove to control my voice;
II have no grudge whatever against
YOU, so you see you are apsoiVeo III
advance firm any penance. - -
xviii YOU shake hands on liz. he
nut out his large, white. beautliully
formed hand and grasped mine before
I had half extended it. :,
| felt myself flushing holly. of an
the absolutely idiotic things IN tne
world this standing hand in hand
with Harry Underwood. in a 1orhal
mack of friendship or forgiveness or
whatever he imagined the handclasp
sicnified. was the most ridiculous. lie
was quick enough to fathom my dis
taste. but not generous enough to re-
lease me. Instead, he clasped my
hand tighter and. bending signify SO
that he could look straight into my
ewes he said, lazily smiling:
You are the most charming pre-
varicator / know. You come pretty
near to hating me, little lady. But you
won't dislike me long. III make Det