The Washington herald., 1922-03-09
Continued from Yesterday.


As she caught sight of Jeanne,
Vera Dayton's face lest its look of
animation 1t was replaced by an
expression that was a mixture Of
dismay and annoyance.
Barstowe's look was one Of real
pleasure, not unmixed with relief.
This is great good Iuckr' he
said with evident sincerity. You're
! just in time to lunch vita US.
Vera said you hadn't mentioned
where you were going. but 1 called
Mrs. Parkinson on the chance you
might be there. I say. did you
know she'd moved?'
Jeanne nodded.
Il am going up to her new apart
ment now she fibbed as an ex-
cuse to get away.
Barstowe took her hand and drew
1t through his arm.
"Oh. no, you're notr' he laughed
AT least not until you've had
luncheon with us..
But. really" began Jeanne.
Then she caught his pleading
glance. 1t said plainly: Get me
out of this, for Heavens sake"
''Oh, all right, il you insist" she
agreed with a shrug. but / shall
be a stupid addition to your party.
I have a wretched headache. Too
much of my estimabIe father-in-
laws wine at last nights dinner
party, / dare say!''
you silly child. you had only one
glass, and you didn't drink half of
that"
He led the way to the restaurant.
Vera Dayton tagging behind like a
ant of the mood which had goaded
her into open resentment that morn
ing. felt a RECKLESS disregard for
the Dayton girls feelings.
When they were seated and the
order had been given, Barstowe re-
marked:
BY the way. 1 saw Dick Candy
this morning. He seemed a bit I'M
der the weather, too. after last
nights party. He said he was off
to Cuba"
Vera Dayton turned to Jeanne.
You're not going, them she in
quired, sweetly.
Jeanne didn't pretend to misun-
derstand.
NO" she replied. politely.
Barstowe looked surprised.
why did he invite us?''
Not u.s." murmured Vera, with
significant emphasis.
Barstowe looked at her. cooIly, but
his jaw set grimly.
Pardon me. my mistake .
and yours. too. I fancy" he added.
with an air of fnality which pre-
cluded any further remarks from
her.
She shrugged and lifted her chin.
innocently. 1t was as il she said:
"Oh. very well. go on making a foo:
OF yourselfi I wash my hands Of
your"
The rest of the meal was got
through with relations decidedly
strained. Vera refused to be won
from her air of naughty tolerance.
Jeanne was too weary and discour-
aged to make an effort at socia-
bility, and Barstowe, though chat
ting affably enough, wore an alb
stracted air.
Won't you come down to the Of
flee. this afternoon and let me drive
you homer he asked Jeanne as
they were parting after luncheon.
She nodded.
|, What about me?" demanded
Vera with some asperity. Am I
70 80 out on the IralnE
Come, too. by all means" said
Barstowe belatedly. II only thought
that perhaps you might be going
out earlier
Vera tossed her head.
'On second thoughts, I think I
viii. I know when I'm de trop."
Don't be ridiculous!" said Bar
stowe impatiently.
VIC, you have never talked to
me like this before in your life"
declared Vera shrilly. Just be-
cause Jeanne hates me. you needn't
be rudel"
why, Vera" began Jeanne.
"Oh. you needn't deny it, It's
very evident You're jealous of me
because Vic and 4
Nera' Barstowe broke in, TAX
ing her firmly by the elbow. pro-
pelling her through the door to the