The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1922-03-11
Continued from Yesterday.


Jeanne presented Barstowe, and
followed Mrs. franklin into a warm
living room, where a FIRE burned
eheerfully on the hearth. The sun
dropping low in the west, shone
slantingly through the quaint, dia-
mond-paned windows, high in the
walls. and cast shaped re-
iectlons on the dark polished floor,
strewn with small colonial rugs.
There were the low book shelves of
her dream running the length of
each wall: the settle with bright
eolored cushions fianking the fire.
place; the graceful silver candle
sticks. and the flowers in low bowls
just as she had dreamed.
Bewilderedly. she seated herself
In the chair her hostess drew I'D 10
the fire, and permitted Barstowe to
relieve her OF her wraps Mechan-
ically she stripped off her gloves,
and accepted the tea and jam sand
witches and plum cake which little
Mrs. Franklin dispensed from a tea
table.
She wanted to pinch herself to be
sure she was not in a dream world
1t seemed incredible that in this
chance visit she should find all the
things which represented home" to
her in that moment % fine revulsion
when she had loathed herself and
the life she was leading.
Her hostess chatted with a hint
Of nervousness. one ear directed
toward the garden. for the sound of
step on the gravel path. She was
obviously embarrassed by the dis
tinction Of her guests. and longed
for her husbands supporting pres
ence.
Her eyes, holding a look of
ave- travelled over Jeanne's immac-
ulate presence. Simply clad as she
was. Jeanne was almost embarrass-
edly conscious of the faultless lines
of her gown; Of the chic of her hat
that spelled Paris" of the perfec-
tion of her gloves and pumps.
She underwent a curious meta
morphosis while she sat there sip
ping her tea She felt a sudden dis
taste for the symbols of wealth
which were hung upon her lovely
body. The little blue-clad woman
opposite her seemed younger and
fresher than she.
Catching sight of her reflection in
an oval. gilt-framed mirror that
hung above a little mahogany sew
ing stand. she decided suddenly that
the ministrations of her hair-dress-
err, masseuse and manicurist brought
about a look of sophistication and
artihciality that was distinctly age
ing.
She decided that Barstowe had
been right when he said that sh,
was lovely enough to be Irresistible
In the simplest costumes. She won
dered why she had never realized
before that elaborate things de-
tracted from her beauty. The real
test of beauty was its dominance in
the face Of simplicity or even pow
erty. Gorgeous raiment and the
ministration of a skillful beauty
doctor could create a certain amount
Of loyeliness in anyone not actually
homely.
Before the tea and plum cake
were exhausted. there was a CHEEKY
whistle from the garden, and quick.
firm steps on the path.
With a murmured Excuse me-"
the little bride sprang up from her
post behind the tea table. and hur-
ried to the door.
You're late, dear" she greeted
the newcomer. Your friends have
been here some time"
There was a moment of silence
when Jeanne knew, without turn
ing her head. that Mrs. Franklin
had lifted her lips for her husband
to kiss.
Hello. folks. This is darn nice
of you"
Franklin strobe into the room, a
smile of welcome on his clean. rudy
face.
FITS fine to meet you. Mrs. Bar
stowe ] didn't know old Vic had
Joined the benedicts until 1 rambIeo
into his Office today. You sure are
to be congratulated. old man." ne
turned to Barstowe. Erinning.
And you" said the latter, smil-
ing, You have more than Ia
charming wife and a charming
home. I have only the charming
wife"
well. it's your own fault IL you
don't have both" said Franklin 1T
isn't hard to get a home. It's great
fun fixing II up. too. We worked
nights to do this. didn't we, sweet
hearth he addressed his little blue
clad wife