The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-08-30

Before her mirror in her pretty white and jade green bedroom stood Mrs. Della Desmond, surveying her extremely chic reflection with crit ical. appraising eye.
 She was going to the polo match with Farrol Gait. And it behooved the charming wlGow to be keyed up to her brightest and her best, sartor- tally as well us mentally.
 'Hm! I've hit the nail upon the head this time" she remarked at last to the lovely image in the glass. "I look like a dream. and no mis- take,'
 She spoke the truth
 Her flimy frock and svelt figure were covered by gorgeous cloak of orchid shot taffeta lined with hy- drangea chiffon, the collar and cuffs embroidered in great, glittering scrolls and heels and whirligigs of silver thread.
 She wore the French creation in negligee style and with grace that was superb. Grey silk stockings (s11 pair, the gift of an adoring swain), and grey suede high strapped shoes clothed her pretty feet and ankles, while long grey gloves (the result of playful little bet with Ossy Ober- etein!.), and dream of a grey French chiffon hat adorned with or chids. finished her toilette.
 I've got Natalie Ducane beat by 100 miles, said Della complacently, flicking tho latest brand of scented powder on her nose, and twisting her head round to observe the side-angle of her chicw chapeau. That child couldn't hold candle to me today"
 Which fact was again true. Had she but known 1t, pretty little Natalie was at that moment clad in overalls and grease and--considerabl dishev- elled-was lying underneath her new employers car and tinkering at 1t with a monkey wrench and various other implements.
 What heavenly day it is!" Della glanced at her own reflection in the mirror up to the azure sky. She gave an odd-sounding little sigh. If only MT. Frederick Ducane were 25 years younger how ideal life would be"
 In definitely setting her cap at him, She was cutting out romancei For, handsome, generous and charming as he indubitably was, not by any flight or Imagination could he be classed as young,
 But it's only a day like this that one has foolish, sentimental fancies," said practical Della to the fascinat- ing image in the glass. Besides, I'm no spring chieken It's time I got established! Boys are all very we'll in their way. But their affection only lasts as long as a woman's good looks continue. Then it's poof. Goodbye
 Common sense, however, would not drive her mood away. Her thoughts perpetually turned to Farrel Gait.
 Unstable as water, and as change able as the summer wind" she told herself, making a rueful face "If I ever were foolish enough to tie my edly complicated, uncertain bust ness.'
 This prudent observation did not serve to cheer her up.
 Ninettr. make me cup of strong black coffee" she called to her maid NO, nothing else, and hurry please,p
 Within her tiny kitchenette, the pert French abigail smiled knowing ly to herself
 Madame is in love, without a doubt, She has learned the meaning of the word amour It has tha same effecr on all. The moods so change able, the temper so uncertain. Up in the heavens one moment. then down, down to the depths of woe. An me, I understandr'
 She made the coffee beautifully. and brought 1t to her mistress. For. ed. at the delightful picture Della made. The gorgeous orchid cloak swirled round the widows svelt, chic figure. and her head emerged above it like vivid tropic flower.
 Madame is beautifuli'
 Della had taken the cup from the girls hand, and the latter circled admiringly round her, like a pretty bird.
 Nnette had not seen the orchid cloak before. It's beauty took her breath away. Like all Frenchwomen, she had keen flair" for clothes. She could sew exquisitely herself Many of Delia's choices garments had been fashioned by Ninette's clever hands. The girl had taste.
 Madame will enjoy herself today" She drew a deep breath. Who s the escort for the polo gamer
 Della did not resent the hint of fla miliarity. But she hesitated before she answered
 MT. Farrel Galt"
 Nintte looked disappointed. She opened her pouting lips as though to speak, and then, apparently. she changed her mind
 But inwardly she was thinking of an unpleasant episode yesterday, when Mir Galt had called on Mrs Desmond. and-finding the lady not at home--had slipped into the "as- sage, and had kissed her. Ninette. be- fore that damsel could prevent him.
 Ninette had soundly slapped his face. and had called him several strange names in her own particular foreign lingo.
 But Farrel Galt had ofIy laughed. and gone away.
 She hated him for his imperUnence.
 Yet, it would be inexpedlent to tell Mrs Desmond so. or indeed t. notify her of the incident.
 Ninette had sense-and used 1t.
 Madame will turn the heads of everybody at the polo ground" he said, smilingly cheerfuily again.
 You think look-nice?" Della