The Washington herald., 1922-02-10


MY dear. you're looking posi-
lively ravishing! II you were beau
tiful on your wedding day. you're
absolutely enhancing now"
Adele Parkinson looked Jeanne
over with brightly questioning
eyes. She was having tea at the
BarstOwes. in the sun parlOr over
looking the south lawn and the
Sound. 1t was Jeanne's favorite
corner, and she basked in it's flower
scented sunlight like a luxurious
kitten.
Vera Dayton was one of Jeanne's
tea guests also. but she had >re-
moved herself from their presence
temporarily to look at some en-
broideries the older Mrs. Barstowe
had recently purchased.
Il hoped she'd go. so l could get
a word alone with you," whispered
Adele Parkinson, looking after the
girls retreating back. Tell me,
are you awfully happy? Is Vic an
angel? How do you like your new
in-laws? Are they wearing longer
skirts at Palm Beach,"
Jeanne laughed and tossed a lump
Of sugar to Adele's dog.
To all your questions-yes = .
But now it's my turn, isn't it? Tell
me the latest gossip about every
one we know
Adele put a finger to each temple
with an air of mock thoughtful
ness.
The InquisItiye MeddIer.
Let me see. Well, Dick
Candy has a new girl since you so
rudely threw him over. Those dear
souls who looked to see me catch
him on the rebound = are going
around wit han utterly crestfallen
air. Selby North is one of them.
He, by the way, has gone to Cali
fornia. He said he might stop off
and see Henry Harrison en- route.
Isn't IL curious what an interest
he takes in Mr.. Harrison? You know
We ran across North the day 1 was
ehaperoning your charming West
terner about
Jeanne made no reply, but the
tiny flicker Of a frown ruffled her
perfect brow. She could cheerfuIly
have wrung Sally North's plump,
red neck. She hoped Harry would
be discreet and not mention the
Dare family.
Adele was rattling away on a
new subject.
Vera Dayton has been the in
separabIe companion Of your esti-
mable motherin-law since you've
been away. She told me cooingly
that she feared dear Mrs. Barstowe
would be so lonely without Vic. AS
II Vic had even been home for the
past four years-except to sleep oc-
casionally. I" Jeanne dear, you
want to watch out for her, the Day
ton person, i mean! She'll make
trouble il she possibly can, for she's
never forgiven you for taking Vic
away from her. Not that he'd ever
have married her! But she likes to
think that he would, and she's
talked bitterly and pointedly lately
about the New York habit of hug
Eing to its brea t any chance drifter
who seems to possess money and
culture. OF course, my dear. all Of
Us know that your social antece-
dents are unimpeachable, but it's
beastly taste of Vera just the
same"
Yes. isn't it, murmured Jeanne,
running her fingers through the
dogs silky hair. Her eyes were cast
down so that Adele could not read
their expression.
A Hint to the Wise.
The point is this. Adele went
on energetically. don't let yourself
be deceived a moment by the Day
tons friendly air. Keep right on
suspecting the Greeks. even when
they bring you an expensive we'd
ding gift"
Jeanne laughed.
Thanks for the warning. oh wise
oneI find your counsel invaluable" 4"
Adele rose and drew her furs
about her.
I've had a delightful tea. Jeanne,
i DID miss you Tell me. have
you fallen in love with Vic yeti"