South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-10-18
THE ENTERTAINMENT LILLIAN
OFFERED MADGE

There was a tenseness in Lillian's
manner which told me that the
news Herbie brought" 10 which she
had referred so fiippantly was in
reality, Of great significance. With
an experience born of years of assO-
citation with her, I made her no re-
ply, knowing that she wished none,
and that she would without ques-
tioning tell me anything she wished
me TO know about DR.. Pettits news.
You Will no doubt be delighted to
hear that the ankle Of our distin-
guished neighbOr, Mr.. Smith, is en-
tirely we'll" she said. and L guessed
that she was using the mask of
mOckery to cover the excitement
which she sscOrned TO betray.
"Herbie's going to tell him so to-
morrow, and then we can look out
for little high-class diversion.
Funny thing" she went on. ia
have sworn that Smith would have
tried to turn the trick before this.
for he's been able to use the ankle
for two or three days only Herbie
advised against it. But l fancy he
II ust be one Of those birds who be-
lieves everything a doctor says Is
gospel, and it's lucky Tor US he does.
1t gives us a chance to get ready
for him"
NO one will ever accuse you OF
making a doctors word law and COS
lei, 1 interposed dryly, remember
ing several occasions 81 hen she had
fatty disregarded her physicion's or
ders to remain in bed. and had ac-
complished an important piece Of
work while running a temperature
which would have FRUSTRATED a less
intrepid spirit and body than hers
a Secret Conference"
She made gamin-hke grimace
at me Your trick" she acknow-
lodged. But as | was saying when
7 was interrupted"-sh pointed the
qaotatiOn with an impressive frown
1T promises to be an exciting day
tomorrow. Have you any engage
ment for the rest Of the evening""
She asked the question with as
much gravity as if we had been din
ing at a fashionable restaurant in the
watch involuntarity. II was 10
o'clock"
Il had thought Of dropping in at
the Metropolitan" I said. with an
attempt TO match her mood. But
if you have anything else in view"
Il don't think the bill there is
very good tonight" she responded in
kind. while ] can offer you a secrer
conference with three-count EN-,
three-charming men present"
1T sounds very attractive" I
commented lightly. Us II too pre-
Stunning to ask their names?"
Your father, Allen Drake and
Tom Chester" she replied. When
Herbie left tonight I told him %
round up young Chester and get
him over here. He ought 70 oe
along pretty soon, and then wen be
able TO get a line on this thing"
You mean" l stammered. sur
prised. that Mr.. Chester and Mr..
Drake will both be here?"
She flashed me an enigmatic.
mirthful look.
"Ill keep them from clawing each
other" she said slyly. and I felt my
face flame with resentment at her
g.be because of my own anger at my
banality.
But" 1 snatched at the first
words which came to my mind. as
Mr.. Drake well enough for a con-
ference?"
Madge Is Curious.
There was reason for my inquiry.
] had not seem Allen Drake since
the day he had so sIgnally put the
accolade OF approval upon my solv-
ing the pulling code found in
smiths eyeglass case. His long
hours Of arduous mental labor over