The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-04
CHAPTER 63s.

l office was devoted to hurrying through all the details of my busi- ness I could contrive. I felt that wasn't entitled to my weekend at Jeanie's unless I had earned it. So worked hard and fast all day, and I didn't find time to think of a single thing except my work and the suc- cess I hoped to make of it.
 I dined with Phoebe and Neal. True to his policy of avoiding family gatherings which might make Phoebe conscious of the fact that the mem Der of her family she most wants to see isn't willing to see her, Neal had invited Carlotta to be with us. But at the last moment, just as we were ready to start for NeaPs apart ment, Pat telephoned. After 8. talk with him Carlotta came to me with a terse explanation that she must meet Pat for a business conference.
 I'm sorry" she said. '1t can't be put off,
 "But our dinner'-I bagan,
 "You run along to the dinner, Nancy-Anne, and tell Neal that had to meet a man on business. Later I'll phone for him without explain ing that it's Pat I'm with. Then Phoebe won't be made miserable over the fact that Neal and Pat are the best of friends in business and oth- eerwise, while she's not on earth, as far as Pats wife is concerned"
 I saw she's thought quickly and kindly, with no motive except to spare Phoebe. So I accepted her decision and drove off alone to Meals former bachelor apartment, which had been turned into their honeymoon nest.
 The two kiddies greeted me with the utmost pride in their little home and the fact that Phoebe had pre- pared the dinner. Carlotta's ex- planation of Important business wasn't questioned. Phoebe said shyly that she'd miss Carlotta, but that it was sort of fun to be just
 "As long c. Sturges is on busi- ness for the firm we should worry We can use our share of the shekels she hauIs in. She's earning our way toward the little f1ivver we aspire to own. If we had it we'd take you off to the country for the week end. By Heck! Why shouldn't we go anyhow, g1ris?''
 Thave an engagement" stam- mered 1ame1y.
 As I said it, felt that I'd expect ed this all along. It seemed that I'd known this must happen from the minute Virginia. asked me for the weekend. Facing the minute when must see Phoebe's little pansy
 
 the hurt she's try to hide, I knew I'd never have the courage to invite that moment. I made up my mind to lie-to say Tony was giving a house-party-to say I was going to Mason Towers. I fairly scrambled around in my mind for something which would do as well as the truth that I couldn't tell.
 "Got a date? All right Babbs, we'll have to plan something for the first weekend, you're free" Neal said carelessly.
 I'm afraid I gasped-visibly-wft the relief of it. I'd forgotten that Meals good taste and de1icacy are unfailing. He's only a kiddie to me but he acts like a charming chiv- alrous man. Again I found my mind forming a comparison between my brother and Ralph Lacy.
 The supper was delicious. We had the jol1iest and cosiest kind of a time all through the meal Then we carried our high spirits into the task of clearing the table and wash ing the dishes. Phoebe was deter mined that Neal shouldn't do a bit of "her work Neal was equally deter mined that Phoebe shouldn't wear herself out for him. It was all so sweet and loving and devoted that it did two diametrically opposite lIllnSS Io lily HSdIG
 It frightened my heart-strings with loveliness for Jim and the tenderness I long for from him.
 : It set my heart to singing with joy that my Neal and little Phoebe have found such beautiful love.
 Carlotta carried out her plan and a little before nine Neal gave us the message ruefully.
 '"Tm needed at a business confer CQT1Off9 he close the deal that kent her from the dinner. When c. Sturges sends an $. O. S. it's not to be ignored. That girls big enough and brave enough to see anything through that any mortal would tack1e.~- So will you forgive me'-
 "Listen to the conceit of him,.' I cried turning to Phoebe. He acts as If you and I had never spent a fairly endurable evening together and with out him.
 Phoebe ran to Neal with the sweet shyness that is part of her and put into the adoring look she gave him a hint of how she's miss him. Then. with her hand in his she turned to me gracious1y with the Harrison boise that is also part of her equipment
 Anne and I have a lot to say to each other. An evening with her is the one thing that could make up to me for an evening without you, dear" she said
 Neal kissed her and called her cute little kitten-gir1. But after Neal had given me one of his bear hugs and had breezed out of the place in his most boyish fashion, Phoebe urned to me purpose1y-aIl woman.
 'There are lot of things for us 0 talk over. Let's get comfortable 'nd see how many problems we can olYe this evening-shan we Anne?''
 TProblems ?" I temporized in my n9st ela.borate1y innocent tone. Where could we get any of those fo'I aren't going to tell me that Neal s Ia terrible disappointment, are you -Pr that you thoroughly disapprove 'f}the way I do my hair?''
 P1ease- Anne-don't be f1ippant,'' aid Phoebe.