The patriot. (Glenmora, La.) 1918-1955, 1921-07-29

chant of an old family which, for gen.
erations, had "'belonged"-that is to
say, it had been part of the aristoc-
racy of Fifth avenue.
There could be no doubt of this
great good luck of theirs-better, in
deed, than Mrs. Bing had dared to
hope for-the young man having seri-
Ously confded his intentions to J.
Patterson. But there was one shadow
on the glowing prospect; Phyllis had
suddenly taken a bad turn. She
mOped, as her mother put 1t. She
was listless and unhappy. She had
lost her interest in the chase, so to
speak. She had little heart for the
teas and dances and dinner parties.
One day her mother returned from a
luncheon and found her weeping. Mrs.
Bing went at once to the telephone
and called for the stomach specialist.
He came and made a brief examina-
ton and said that it was all due to
rich food and late hours. He left some
medicine, advised a day or two Of rest
in bed, charged a hundred dollars and
went away. They tried the remedies,
but Phyllis showed no improvement.
The young man sent American Beauty
roses and a graceful note Of regret to
her room.
"You ought to be very happy" said
her mother. "He is dear"
81 know it." Phyllis answered. Hes
Just the most adorable creature ever
saw in my life"
'For goodness sake! What is the
matter with you? Why don't you brace
up?" Mrs. Bing asked with note Of
impotence in her tone. You act
like dead fish,"
Phyllis, who had been lying on the
couch, rose to a sitting posture and
flung one of the cushions at her
mother.
'How can 1 brace up?" she asked
with indignation In her eyes. Don't
you dare to scold me-"
There was a breath of silence in
which the two looked into each others
eyes. Many thoughts came flashing
into the mind of Mrs. Bing. Why had
the girl spoken the word you" so bit
terly? Little echoes of old history be-
gan to fill the silence. She arose and
picked up the cushion and threw 1t
on the sofa.
"What a temper!' she exclaimed.
young lady, you don't seem TO know
that these days are very precious for
you. They will not come again."
Then, in the old fashion of women
who have suddenly come out of mo-
ment of affectionate anger, they fell to
weeping in each others arms. The
storm was over when they heard the
feet Of ]. Patterson Bing in the hall.
Phyllis fed into the bathroom.
Hello I" said Mr.. Bing as he entered
the door. "Tye found out what's the
matter with Phyllis. It's nerves.
met the great specialist, John Hamll'
ton Gibbs, at luncheon today. De
scribed the symptoms. He says it's
undoubtedly nerves. He has any mum
Der of cases just like this one-rest
| fresh air and a careful diet are all
that's needed. He says that If he can
have her for two weeks he'll guaran'
tee a cure. I've agreed to have you
take her to his sanitarium in the
Catskills tomorrow. He has saddle
horses, sleeping balconies, toboggan
slides, spow-shoe and skating parties
and all that"
Il think 1t will be great" said Phyl
4 lis, who suddenly emerged from hel
hiding-pIace and embraced her father
.rd love it! I'm sick of this old town
I'm sure it's just what | need"
II couldn't go tomorrow" said Mrs
Bling. 81 simply must go to Mrs, De
lanes luncheon"
"Then I'll ask Harriet TO so up witt
her" said J. Patterson.
Harriet, who lived in fat on the
upper west side, was Mrs. Bing's sis
ter.
PHYLLIS went to bed dinnerless witt
/ q headache. Mr.. ard Mrs. Bing sal
| for a long time over their coffee ant
cigarettes.
sIt's something too dreadful tina
Phyllis should be getting sick just a
the wrong time," said the madame
"She has always been well. can
understand it."
"She's had a rather strenuous tins
here" said ]. Patterson.
"But she seemed TO enjoy 1t until
until the right man came along. TIL
very man / hoped would Ike her
Then, suddenly. she throws up he
hands and keeIs over. It's too devil
ish for words.
| Mr.. Bing laughed at his wife's ex
ASPIRATION.
sTo me it's no laughing matter,
said she with a serious face.
"Perhaps she doesn't like the boy,
J. Patterson remarked.
Mrs. Bing leaned toward him ant
whispered, "She adores him! !" Sh
held her attitude and looked search
ingly into her husbands face.
swell, you can't say did Il" ne an
swered. .The modern girl is rathe
delicate piece of machinery. | thin
she'll be all right in week or two
Come. it's time we went to the theate
l