The Washington herald., 1920-02-27
BY May Christie

In giving frank advice TO Ailce'
seemed to lessen my own troubles.
For that night 1 dressed for dinner
with a considerably lightened heart.
chose a pale blue gown that Jim
had particularly admired upon our
honeymoon. He loved pale blue.
The gown was fashioned of Georg-
cite. and draped most exquisitely.
Sweetheart. you look too beauti-
full for mere mortal to behold!" he
had exclaimed the first evening that
1 wore it. You're just a dream"
My hand trembled as 1 pinned a
small spray of pink carnations into
the corsage of the gown. For Jim
had given me pink carnations on the
first memorable evening that l wore
the dress,
I wanted to look beautiful to-
night.
why? For Jim's mother? Yes,
But subconsciously I was hoping
that Jim himself might see me in
TINS lrOCk tonight.
arranged my hair in a fashion
that he loved. waving softly around
my piquant little face and framing
II bccomingly.
Jim's likes and dislikes had al
ways been of greatest moment to
me.
smiled at the pretty image in
the glass Yes. l was pretty. To-
night almost bcautifuI! In the soli-
tude Of my room I could admit that
fact without ConCeit.
applied a touch of scented pow
der TO my nose and checks to re-
move all traces of recent tears.
Weeping was certainly not "A luxury
would indulge in again. There
would be no need for tears. l told
myseIf-for Jim and l would soon
be reconciled!
Alice wore black that night at
dinner. She looked subdued. To-
ward me her manner was particu-
larly nice.
And deferential toward ner hus-
band. too. The latter seemed lit
tie silent and preocCupied.
Helene looks almost like bride"
remarked his wife at last. She
flung a smile at me. And then she
THE invalid upstairs is con-
scious-at long last! Isn't 1t splen-
did news. The nurse says his
mother is beside herself with joy.
He recognized her after you left the
room. Helene. He even spoke to her.
She's sitting with him now in the
seventh heaven of happiness-dear
lady"
could have hugged Alice, there
and then. For IL Jim recognized his
mother he would soon recognize
me-his wife, And oh! I'd be so
good to him that he'd just have to
forgive me! I'd be his devoated
nurse. I'd make myself quite in
dispensable! There wasn't any
thing in the world l wouldn't do to
prove to Jim my real repentance for
the wrong I'd done him-for my dis
belief!
Delightful thoughts preoccupied
my mind, so that j scarcely ate a
thing.
Helene, you've quite lost your ap-
petite!" demonstrated my hostess fl
nalIy. You foolish child, 1 think
you must be in love-
/ flushed. Her playful rallying
had really hit the mark-altnough
she didn't know it!
And yet-perhaps she did know,
Helene Is interested in our in
valid" she went on. this time ad-
dressing her husband. Il believe
we ought to make a match between
tn" Two of them! What do you say
to it. hubby dear?"
Hubby dear" was seen to smile.
Helene is quite lovely enough to
bcwitch any man." he volunteered.
Fair Alice pOuted.
I'm jealous"
lie flung an adorinG look at his
small. fluffy wife which might have
set the mind OF the most exacting
soul at rest. 1t held volumes of ad-
Alice!
Indeed, felt "de trop."
Helene. you must stay on for a
bit and help nurse the patient" pur-
sued that little lady resolutely. His
mothers got 20 go back to town
within a day or two, she says. 1t
seems the boys father insists upon
her returning just as soon as pos
sible. Personally, l think he's an
odd sort OF father. when his sons as
i'll as this young man! The old boy
must be perfect autocrat! What
10 YOU say, Helene2'
What could l say-or think-be-
yond trying to suppress my utter
delight in the thought OF nursing
Jim?
Alicc's husband turned to me
please stay on with us. Helene.
You're excellent company for Alice
And maybe you'd lend a hand oc-
Casionally with the patient, too"
lie smiled delightfully."- at me. He is
dear.
Thank you. I'll stay-if you both
really wish it," I murmured, con-
fused. My heart was singing a joy
full anthem.
At the close OF dinner Alice ran
upstairs to the patients room. She
returned. accompanied by Jims
mother.
'"This dear, good lady must really
have bite to- eat!" Alice led the
way to the dinDer-table. Yes, posi-
tively-I insist"