The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-10-06

Della drew off her long suede gloves and placed them on the table. Next--Quiclkly. so that ossy might took out a tiny mirror and sur veyed her reflection.
 She needed powder. And her lips were rather pale.
 She raised her handkerchief, where in scented floury puff was hidden. and flicked it over her nose and cheeks and chin.
 Then, with her lip-stick she exc cuted an artistic carmine curve
 When Ossy turned around sfs was artlessly surveying the rings upon her slender fingers.
 That called to mind a promise Ee had made her once, and had not yet fulfilled.
 Didn't you say you wanted an Egyptian scarab?" Ossy had landed in in the war as Red Cross or- derly. q brought two searabs home with me, but I'm sorry to say l sold 'em, Della"
 She looked vaguely disappointed. 'It doesn't really matter. Only they say they're lucky things to wear"
 He touched her hand. In his small black, beady eyes there shone an amorous light.
 You've only got 10 say the word, and I'll buy you anything you fancy, n dear"
 She drew her hand away. This was the sort of public faux pas" Ossy made. Not that Della resented the wording of his admiration. But his action was distinctly bourgeois.
 Here comes our melon glace. Ossy, you're wildly extravagant But I do enjoy your lunches"
 She applied herself to the dissec- tion of the fruit.
 Should she-or should she not-in- form him of her forthcoming visit to Mr. Ducane's mountain camp?
 It was quite on the cards that, were she to give him the address, Ossy might come and call on her, and then---to put it vulgarly--the fat would be In the fire.
 Ossy and MT. Ducane were poles apart
 for Ossy. Natalie must in no way be offended The child has shown vague antagonism of late that had disturbed plans of clever Mrs Des- mond.
 Ossy spoke.
 What's happened to your cheery little poker soirees. Della? And yoU used to have 2 priceless system at roulette? Are you growing dull in your old age, m'dear, or what There isn't half the fun going on at your little fiat there used to be. Some of the chaps were saying so only the other day
 Ossy went on, blundering cheer fully.
 .The chaps say you're flying after higher game. Yesterday l heard q rumor-
 Then don't listen to it"' Della was torn between a desire to box his ears and to propitiate him. You're getting to be an old woman, Os- sy--"
 He remained unruffled. Indeed. Os- sy's natural conceit was so deep rooted that it would take nothing short of an earthquake to affect it..
 He finished his iced melon. and at tack ed the oysters, swallowing each slippery creature with glooey sound that sent cold shivets down the widows spine.
 Then. thrnsting two slices of fine brown bread and butter into his mouth. he said:
 "Delia. you're the most attractive woman that I've ever known, and as I've been engaged three times and married twice, 1 know whereof l speak,"
 He munehed the brown bread ar- preciatively. and signaled to the waiter to bring the lobster
 ''rhe only disadvantage c. you is that yor're not domesticated. You're not interested in cooking. and fami- lies. and
 And administering to the neds and desires Of q lord and master, eh?" quoth Della pertiy. Ossy had tegun to get upon her nerves. I've no ambition that way
 Her complexion gave her a sharp look He had heard of Delia's grow ing intimacy in the Ducane mansion. and resented it.
 "Ee accurate. m dear.
 she gave an artificial laugh.
 "lIas Daniel come to Judgment Ycu're-er--rather personal today. my friend Having been engaged three times and married twice, you ought to have learned the gantle art of tact in your dealings with the opposite sex. Not so?'
 Ossy appeared to be meditating. Then, ponderously, he said:
 "Yes. I've been widowed twice. They were good women. both of them. My first worked herself to death helping me in my tailoring business I started at the bottom of the ladder. as perhaps you know"
 ..ve made lot of money in the tailoring trade Then. after she died. | married sara ] took to finance,