The Washington herald., 1921-09-18

black silk q >Eu,., nearer formal evening
dress, and. of course, she could wear her lace
scarf over her head to the reception.
Lunch that day was another silent meal,
but this time Mira did not try to take sd-
vantage Of the unaccustomed lull. Her
thoughts were elsewhere. You'd better get
back early this afternoon, 50 we can dress
for supper" she reminded Aeneas as they
left the table. Then she hurried out and
into one Of the big automobiles in which the
delegates ladies were to be shown Boston.
Before they had even come TO Old South
Church, the five ladies, one q prominent
Boston club woman who owned the car, had
every one succumbed to the viracious charm
OF the emancipated Elmira. 1t was . childish,
honest enjoyment Of everything, as different
from the bored acceptance Of the entertain
ment of some of the women as the awkward
provincial ways Of the others. Elmira was
having her first holiday in over twenty years
and not ashamed to acknowledge 1t. By the
time they were fling back along the Fenway
she bad made them all fast friends, and she
had promised to meet them that night at the
reception which was to be the event Of the
convention, for the Governor and his stat
were to be present.
Still under the spell Of the afternoon, she
threw open the door Of their bedroom and
was greeted by the dolefuI voice Of her hus-
band from the bed. He lay there in his shirt
sleeves, smoking. II guess you'll have to
uphold the Splint family's name this evening,
Miry," he said, half jocularly, half peev-
ishly. II got little tech Of the old indires-
ton on me, and / don't believe I'd better 70
to that reception"
Elmira's calm, experienced look took in the
situation like q practiced diagnostician that
she was She remembered that these attacks
usually disqualified Aeneas for Whatever ul-
pleasant job presented itself.
Haven't got cold feet, have you, Enosr'
she bsntered, laying her cool hand on his
forehead and putting her fingers to his pulse.
mo. my feet are warm enough. It's just
nv stomach" replied the litersl-minded
Aeneas.
You'll be all right II you stay in bed q
SPELL" advised Elmirs, sbeently, AZ she
tossed her bonnet on the bureau. 1t fsll
beside theNplumed tricorue. She stood for q
second regarding the incongruity Of the two
hats. Suddenly the feather looked entirely
out OF C0drNCJeI. II tuOulu NNcIy EAht
be fosming over the brim Of her own hat.
And why wasn't It? Aeness' collapse was
opening the way to her big moment, and that
way was a. clear to her now as the well
worn path from the pump to the house back
In Centerville. Snatching up her bonnet and
tying 1t on a. she opened the hall door, she
was of before her husband could voice hi,
FIRST querulous question. Before he could
fathom her sudden desertion she was bach
with q large paper hat bag.
A FEW snips and the fe.th.. and tricorn,
n were divorced. A few deft stitches snt
the new velvet shape" were wed. Aenea,
Law back on his pillows putting at his old
nine, apparently too stunned to protest, OF
even to comment upon the unusual pre-.
cedure.
But II he was ashast before, he was com
pletely bowled over when the new Elmir,
turned from the glass and faced him. Tn,
modesty piece Of white net and lace reveale,
at least five inches Of Eimira's soft neck
glowing pink under 4 light film Of talcum
In the eyes shining under the tilted brim o
the black velvet hat was q light that mad
Aeneas sit upright forgetting his sudden in
disposition. -..
.'Miry Splint!" be gasped. "Whatever'
70 into you? You don't look a mite olde
than when you spoke that highfslu.in' piec
at graduation. declare to goodness Nv
a good mind to get right up and 60 to tn
reception with you. You don't look gait
safe"
Elmira laughed. "I'n have to choose be
tween you and the feather. Enos, and
guess I'll take the feather. You know 70
can ring il you need anything"
The door closed behind her, but sh
opened it again and stuck her head iu. 81
you feel like coming down later you ca
wear my bonnet" she Whispered inpishly