Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-05-12
CHAPTER CCXI.

The day we moved into our new apart
ment brought me face to face with a
side of Val Cosby hadn't known existed
That spoiled, luxurious young beauty
showed she could be generous and
thoughtful, too.
At half past 6, just as I was planning
to wash off the CRIME and make ready
to go out with Jim to dinner, the house
phone rang.
Hello, neighbor; this is VAL" an
nOunced an unmistakable voice of rich
creaminess. "Of course, the cook and
waitress you were promised for this noon
misunderstood and will arrive tomor
row."
That's true" managed to say with
laugh. How did you guess?"
Il also have moved. 1 also have dis
covered that maids see no advantage in
coming into an apartment until it's set.
tied. So I'm sending you down your
evening meal 1t will arrive in half an
hour. together with my maid and table
cloth"
How charming! can't begin to thank
you" 1 said, feeling grateful for the
thoughtfulness that sent us a meal to
enjoy quietly in our new home rather
than drag us up to the Cosby apartment
for a party.
After we had said good-by I ran to
tell Jim of our luck, aand then hurried
of to freshen up a bit. l wished l had
something very fine to wear at our first
meal in the new home, but my new
clothes weren't finished and I was too
tired to grope around in my trunk So
freshened up by blue serge with clean
collar and cuffs, sadly realizing that Jim
probably wouldn't notice what | had on
anyway.
Hardly was I dressed when Vars
maid arrived, carrying a basket full OF
overlooking. Following her came a
superciliOus butler burdened with a tray.
Before they vanished they had workei
such magic that 1t seemed the fairy tale
Table deck yourself had been acted IN
my home.
The table was covered with a damask
cloth inset with filet and Point Venise
In the center was a silver vase with
crimson roses and white and green
Orchids-Vars flowers, not mine, as
lilacs or carnations would have seemed.
There were enormous ripe olives. saIted
pistsche nuts and white and green minis
in silver compotes. At each plate was
a SQUAD with wild rice and souffle pota-
toes, an artichoke hOllandaise and a roll.
On the serving table were two individual
strawberry shortcakes and coffee
service. There was nothing to serve. A
chicken to carve and share would have
seemed so much more intimate 10 me-
But Jim was delighted with his dinner
and cried out boyishly:
Good little Val, She knows were
tired and want to stay home, and she
doesn't make me exert myself TO d!ssect
a steak or fowl Artichokes too; my
favorites. No frills. but a substantial,
delicious dinner Isn't that petted child
OF luxury a real woman, though, Anne -
This certainly is neighborly," 1 re-
FLIED, hating myself for the Jealousy that
made me sound lukewarm.
We'll, rather"' said Jim, flinging him
self upon a squad so whole heartedly that
I had to eat my dinner IN actual lone
illness with only far-away monosyllables
from him to help me keep up a con-
yersatiOn.
Over the coffee Jim brought him
self back apologeticaly
I'm afraid I'm not very good COM
pany, Anne; but I'm fathOms deep In
stock we're trying to make market for.
Got sixty per cent of 1t locked up in
the treasury. and before they start sell
ing they have TO get the price up. Ex-
cuse me for boring you like this l for
got you wouldn't understand"
But I'd love to understand. Do ex-
plain 1t to me. jim" I protested.
Jim shook his head YEARLY.