The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-10
WHEN A GIRL MARRIES
By ANN LESLIE

Its absurd! Just like woman!' grumbIed Jim, so absorbed in hi: grievance that he didn't notice the exquisite dress was wearing for the first time.
 Don't I look nice?" I demanded hoping he'd say it was worth while dressing to be in keeping with me 'An right! All right he replied irritably, scarcely glancing at me Every nice. But if you stand there gabbing for the next hour, I don't be dressed when the bunch comes-'
 So slipped out to the dining room for a last look, changed the olives so they'd be near Neal, added a nu ginia's individual nut-dish, and ther sailed out to await my guests. The first to arrive was Neal, look ing adorable from the crown of his slicked-hack red curls to the tips ot the maRicured nails, of which he was boyashly conscious. He started to hug me, and then stepped bacB ruefully.
 You look like cross between ar orchid and a lily. and little like a butterfly, too. Babbs-too beautiful to touch, but good for the eyes Scrumptious. Babbs-scrumptiou I'll say so! Hubby doing well?''
 You darlingi'' I cried, hugEinG him. and then stepping back to re- veal my uncrushed draperies- Hub by's getting richer every minute. And show a very superior line of broth CTS. Neal, if Phoebe doesn't think you're good enough to kiss, I don't admire her taste.''
 Then I added a kiss to the hug just as Jim strolled in with the tiny hint of the limp I think so a "blooming nuisance" He and Neal were in the midst of brotherIy greetings when Pat arrived More handshahng- warm. cordial kind
 
 other fully and without mental reser- Vations.
 'I stopped by for you, young fel- low-but when you were gone I de- she herer' asked Pat nervousIy
 tShe and Jeanie will come togeth- er, said Jim careIessly.
 Pat gglped and strengthened his tie Then he began smoothing back his hair, and trying for the devil may-care air that becomes him so we'll and had deserted him so com pletely. He sid1ed over to me as if he were asking for protection gentle and humble by half A woman like Virs5nia takes winning" But aloud I Gffered encouragement
 If any one gave me a golden ap- pie now @ award, a la Paris I'd have a merry little time. Bows. bovs- you're tho three deadliest beauties I ever did nee."
 Ihe. d9pr bell shrilied. Stiffenins eNpectantE Pat got to his feet and stood waiting. I assumed a smile and tried to look calm dim. bean- ing in thrvugh self-satisfaction. cross ed towara the door. In another mo- ment Phoebe floated through in a cloud or pink and white like a mass of blown cherry blossoms. A greet ing to JEn and me, and she was chnging unashamed to Neal and star ing in wDd-eyed terror at Pat. She murmureG his name in fright-one hand flew to her throat.
 ''Virginta's coming. She stopped to pay the taxi" stammered Phoebe.
 Its a9 right, Lasste." said Pat, taking her hand in his and flinging back his hand with the old reckless gesture. Don't look so frightened little Phoebe"
 And then, in the pause that fol- lowed, Virginia appeared in the door way. She was in black, clingins and diaphanous. Her shimmering hair was piled high above her pale face Her eyes were wide and star like and were fixed with unwavering intensity on Pat Da1ton's face But her lips were tight drawn in a thin line.
 looked at them and said little prayer in my heart. A long minute passed. No one seemed to dare break the silence.