New Britain herald., 1921-03-09
Vanishing Clouds.

And then. as the train came puff fnE into the station, Dicky swung down from the steps before it stop ped-his invariable custom. and one that always frfghtens me. He threw up his hand in a burlesque military salute as he saw me standing by the car. run over. tossed bag and an immense box. evidently florists. in 10 tho tonneau, and confronted me with a mocking smile. in which l saw with aazed rejoicing there was no trace of ill-nature.
 Well. old dear !' he said. and then I think he must have seen the relief shining from my eyes, for there came into his own a sudden softness, and regardless of the peo- pie at tho station he stopped and kissed mo.
 Honest. I didn't mean to be a big brute 2" he said. as he put his hand beneath my elbow and assisted mo into the car. You looked just now exactly ns if you expected n spanking. Truly. I haven't any cat O nine tails concealed about me-" I'm not sure I don't deserve one." said demurely. But. truly. Dicky, didn't mean"
 He stopped me with another mock ing smile.
 No question on earth of what you deserve he. said. but. fortunately for you. I'm soft, yielding person. But let's cut along home. Pm anx- 1 ious to soc what's left. 'Do you want to drive?" I asked. What Deprive you of the pleasure of tooling this chariot ! through the Marvin streets '" he
 
 crimes. but never, nevaire in my life. madame. have Itaken candy from tho hands of a baby Non, non, | ma cherie. Drive along" We can't go straight home" l ! said. as threw in the clutch. Cause For Fear. Why not?"
 Because Edith is waiting at the | florists for us to pick her up." replied.
 What the dev-oh. I see flowers for tonight's welcome. brought | along n few myself. some for you | girls to wear. and a bunch for Her . Flufiness to stick anywhere in the rooms she pplpeasppesp. ppppppp i rooms she plcascs. But, say Can't | you take me up home first? I know you women. If Edith is at a florists s shop selecting flowers she'll keep us | until all hours"
 My heart leaped with pleasure at ' his casual, off-hand tone. But I | knew that I could not grant his re- quest. My imagination conjured up the curl which Edith Fairfax's lips would wear if I came back to the shop without Dicky. She would never credit Dicky with wishing to TO home without seeing her. but would think that I had purposely avoided meeting between them. "I am afraid we can't do that" said doubtfully. "You see, every minute is precious to Mrs. Durkee this afternoon. She's changed the whole scheme of decoration for Lcila's room since yesterday. and we're almost out of our minds today Edith planned to do her errands while I went 10 the station after you. and she will be waiting for me to help her decide about the flowers She knows you're coming. too, ana , it would look"
 "PoIlcc. Help Dicky groaned "T know what that means" Hc throw his voice into a falsetto "'Hcre. dear. don't you think these are a trifie more the shade thar these? What are these. MT. Blank
 Four dollars? oh. that is too much
 What do you think. dearie? Couldn'
 we get along with shorter stems No. I suppose we couldn't. We'll
 please show us"
 Do shut up. Dicky." pleaded laughing. You know neither Editi nor I do that sort of thing"
 "T know that I or any other mar could buy out a whole florists shol while any woman on earth is begin
 hing to sniff around the glass case.
 Inc rctorted. But I suppose TT have to be the goat. so hie for th'
 florists shop. Perhaps can hurr.
 things up a bit" he added hopeful
 ,.. y,,u had vision