New Britain herald., 1922-08-10
The Entertainment Lillian Offered
 MD6pe


 There was a tenseness in Lillian's manner which told me that the news Herhie brought to which she had referred so hiprantly, was. in reality, of great significance. With an experience born of years of associa- ton with her, l made her no reply. knowing that she wished none, and that she would without questioning tell me anything she wished me to know about Dr. Pettit's news
 You will no doubt be delighted to hear that the ankle of our dsting- uished neghbor, Mir, Smith, is entire ly well,' she said, and I guessed that she was using the mask of nockery to cover the excitement which she scorned to betray "Herbie's going to tell him so tomorrow, and then we can look out for q little high class diversion.
 Funny thing" she went on, "I'd 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 ad- vised against 1t. But I fancy lie must be one of those birds who be- lieves everything a doctor says is gos- pei, and it's lucky for us he does It gives us a chance to get ready for him.
 NO one will ever accuse you of making a doctors word law and gospel" I interposed dryly, remenl- bering several occasions when she had fatly disregarded her physicians orders to remain in bed, and had ac- conlplish m important piece of work while running @ temperature which would have prostrated less intrepid spirit and body than hers
 "A Secret Conference"
 She made a gamin-like erimace at me.
 "Your trick" she acknowledged But as I was saying when I was in- terrupted"-she pointed the quota tion with an impressive frown-'it promises 10 be an exciting day tomor- row. Have you any engagement 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 early evening I looked at my wrist watch involuntarly It was ten o'clock !''
 T had thought of dropping in at the Metropolitan" I said. with an at tempt to match her mood. But if you have anything else in view"
 T don't think the bill there is very good tonight, she responded in kind, | while I can offer you a secret con- ference with three-count 'em, three charming men present.
 Tt sounds very attractive" | commented lightly "Is it too pre- suming to ask their names?"
 Your father, Allen Drake and Tom Chester" she replied. When Herbie left tonight I told him to round up young Chester and get him over here. He ought to be along pretty soon. and then we'll be able to get line on this thing
 You mean, I stammered sur prised, that MT Chester and Mir Drako will both be here?"
 She flashed me an enigmatic, mirthful look.
 ''I'n keep them froc clawing each other she said slyly, and I left my face flame with resentment at her gibe because of my own anger at my banality.
 Put" I snatched at the first words which came to my mind, lis MT. Drake we'll enough for a confer ence?"
 Madge is Curious.
 There was reason for my inquiry. | l had not seen Allen Drake since the l day he had so signally put the ac- colade of approval upon my solving | of the puzzling code found in Smiths | eyeglass case His long hours of ar duous mental labor over the code had | brought on a succession of terrific | nervous headaches which had kept | him a prisoner in his room under the care of my father.
 "Yes, he's much better today she | responded, and in her tone there was, | or so I fancied, an indifference to the mans suffering which I resented. Lillian is so flaming an enthusiast that she sometimes lacks common human sympathy, I told myself hot ly, and the next instant was ashamed | of my stricture.
 T wish you'd go and haul Katie out of bed" Lillian went on. Sorry | to have to disturb her slumbers, but