Evening star., 1922-08-21
The Wife Who Wouldn't
Settle Down!.
Sequel ao ':e.Brides Will Be Brides
By Lucille. Ia,s .Slyke.

"Umum," nodded Merriam, pulling
her sports hat over her bronze curls.
but don't let him in On it. Hal
would overdo the thing. He 10 too
violent a joker. This thipg, needs
fnesse. It's only for Roses and
Johns benefit, you understand, pc
cause John told me 1t conldn'e be
done, but Johnsy would never suspect
that I'd discussed anything so brazen
With you"
= Arms about each others waists the
two descended, to the club porch to
climb into Kirk Sauire's car. Poppy
deftly unanswered SO that she sat
with young sauires and Ferry was
left to Merriam's tender devices.
They stopped on the way home Just
long enough to raid a village delica-
lessen and to pick up Hal BlaisdelI.
They were very gay party as they
waited at the crossroads for John
Lindsay to descend from his trolley.
John swung himself easily into the
back OF the car. picked up his Mer-
riam, took her seat and nonchalantly
propped her upon his knee, gtvins
her an affectionate little squeeze. Hle
gray eyes were twinklfng. For not
oven Merriam could pretend that the
distrait Mr.. Ferry was paying the
least attention to her roguish charms.
A most informal party. they clam.
bered out at the Pumpkin Shell. all
of them eager to help with the pic.
nicky supper, all Of them delighted q
to frolic with the twins before those
fascinating young persons were ban
superintended their pajamas and
prayers, while Merriam bossed the
men at their self-imposed Job OF get,
ting supper to the candle-ltghted
table on the porch.
It was hours later before Poppy
with an arch glance at Merriam. De-
gan her adroit work.
"Mr. Squires and I can't very well
gloat over our scores this afternoon"
she sighed. because really Mr.. Ferry
wasn't playing in anything like his
usual form. You can't play very
good golf can you. Mr. Ferry. when
you're more interested IN your part
Ferry looked a trine startled. But
nobody was watching him. They
were all looking at Merriam. who
was trying to look demurely annoyed
and who was succeeding!
Rose drooped visibly.
But don't you mind our laughing,
Mr. Ferry" Poppy pretended to COM
fort him. ITS no disgrace to dance
attendance upon our Mistress Merry
Mr.. BIaisdeli says he's known her
since she was a baby. and that he
never knew but one man who didn't
succumb to her charms" 49,
You're a, little cat" Merriam pre-
tended to be vastly annoyed. II
never had but one beau in my life
and that was my, John"
That's very clever Of you" laugh
ed Poppy but il I were your John
I'd forbid you to go solfinE with
Mr.. Ferry"
Hail an hour later. as the conspira-
tors stacked dishes in the pantry,
they eiggled like school girls.
oh. Poppy: but you did lay 1t On
pretty thick"'
What I said wasn't q patch on
your guilty looks"
+ Hal Blaisdell poked his head
around the corner of the swing door.
What know about you two.
She teased. ''In the language of the
noble game you played today. I'd
say. literally. You're alike as you
,aie'."
But in a very good cause. Hal"
Merriam thrust her arm through his.
Wasn't Mr.. Fery's panied look fun!
Come on out again. You get Rose to
60 with you. Hal. and Poppy will
drag the others into>bridge or some
thing. I want to be left all alone
In the moonlight with my reckless
PIrsuer" -.
, CONTINUED in tomorrow's star.)
Il Copyright. ls2e.)