The Washington herald., 1921-04-26
xCn-THE HOMECOMING.

At the entrance to her own apart
ment house, arranging to call for
her within an hour.
A boy in buttons. grinning a well
come. took her handbag from the
porter and led the way through the
familiar corridor to the elevator.
You've been away a long time,
amt your" the elevator operator
greeted her.
TOO long" smiled Nancy. do
you happen to know II the people
who are occupying my apartment
during my absence are in tonightY'
sYessum. There's big doin's up
there tonight
Big doings?"
"Yessum. I've already taken up
twelve people"
When Nancy stepped out at her
own fosr she was greeted by voices
and laughter, issuing from the open
transom above her own door.
She started to reach in her hand
bag for her latchkey. but, feeling
a sense Of indelicacy about entering
her own apartment when II was oc-
cupied by others, she rang the bell
instead.
Il was answered Immediately by a
saucily-trim maid In an extraya-
gantly short, black frock, with the
befrflled cap and apron of the musi-
cal comedy maid
This way, please, madam" she
said. indicating Nancy's own sitting
room. before the latter had
chance to speak.
With feeling that was partly
amusement and partly anger. Nancy
entered her sitting-room and
glanced about curiously.
me gas logs In the fireplace were
burning brightly: the satin curtains
were drawn from the windows to
smut out the chill night air; shaded
nghts cleaned richly on her pol
isned mahogany. and there were
mowers in a bowl on the tabouret
beside her choice lounge.
Lying across the couch, and on
every chair, were evening coats Of
sorseous-colored satins and yelyets
furs. rieh
nancy drew off her gloves while
the maid stood by waiting 70 assist
her with her wrap.
0ulte a party" she remarked
suppose you tell Mr.. and Mrs
harding that Mrs. Burrard has re-
turned and 1 should like the psa ~
my own room to change my gown n
1t Is convenient"
Apparently. her name meant notb-
I'M to the maid. who therefore dis
missed the irony of her request and
went away upon her errand.
A little plump woman with blond
nair streaked with gray, wearing a
orlsnt green evening gown, extray-
aeantly low-cut over her generous
BOSOM oustled in almost imme-
MY dear Mrs. Burrard. we weren't
peolns you so soon! I am Mrs.
A,oing. How nice that you got
BACK In time for our little dinner
party. Peggy should be here an
moment 1 know she will be so
pleased" 81
Her fiuctuating color BETRAYED ber
embarrassment. 1t was evident TO
Nancy that her unheralded arrival
had proved awkward.
shan't be able to remain for
dinner, Mrs. Harding, as I have an
other engagement, but I'd like to
nave tub and change my frock.
Please don't trouble about me, and
oont let me keep you from your
guests. When Peggy comes ask her
TO come in and chat with me a Bit.
won't your"
OF course. Nancy told herself, she
really shouldn't resent the Hardinps
giving a party in her apartment any
more than she should resent their
occupying IT. But she had taken an
instant dislike to Mrs. Harding and
she felt a tremendous desire to be
oisagreeable, a desire which she
curbed with difficulty.
When she entered her bedroom.
followed by the volubIe lady with
the green gown. she became really
angry.
The room had, been stripped Of all
its pretty furniture and the drap-
cries In place of her own delicate
rose-colored fittings, there were
htdeous furnishings of orange and
black and blue. painted after the
manner of a camoufiaged battle
ship.
Mr.. Harding Is very artistic" ak
planned his wife. He reacts so
beautifully to colors that we ALWAYS
keep bright hues around him."
He must be very happy here
then," murmured Nancy. "Tf you
don't mind" she added pointedlv.
I'd IKE to change my gown"
Apologizing gushingly. Mr.,
Harding left her alone.
There was faint scratch at the
door.
Nancy opened IL to reveal Semi
ramis-sofled, bedraggled, his love-
" white run ragged and discolored.