New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-06-02
The Msy hadge Managed to
Gha'kmsts leila

AZ hsss Deans hEeezy entrance In
20 Leila nnTkee's room, rose quick
~ 20 my feet and stood in such a
position that II was impossible f0I
Leila's face 70 be seen by the siFl in
the doorway,
Upset nerNously by the accident 10
her ankle, ] was afraid that Leila
might hetray her aversion 10 the other
woman, and l did not choose that
Rsss should have a chance 10 glsat
over this evidence OF jealousy. as her
vanity would term II,
"A tablet" aueried in exaggerated
and pretended Amusement, before Al
fred could reply 10 Miss Deans re-
quest, I'VE don't need any table up
here"
"Leila's not able 10 come down.
stairs, IL shef" Bess Deans voice ap-
parently held extreme solieitude, go
Mother nnrkee and planned 10 have
dinner up here"
paid a little mental tribute 10 her
audaeity in naming our hostess as
sponsor for the little scheme which
vas altogether the young woman's
own. but FASTENED 10 forestall the
asserting and enthusiastic response
which saw unruspicious Alfred was
about 20 make 10 her proposal.
How perfectly ridiculous I" ! said
with a little laugh OF dsrision. II
can't think OF anything more dismal
than dinner In your room when you
don't have 10 have II there. And
Lcila'E ankle isn't ms bad as We feared.
With the bandages Ar and have
Just put on. shc'll be perfectly able
10 hobbie down"
"I'li Watch Ny Step"
She shan't stir one step unless ] /
carry her." Alfred interposed. and ! |
thrilled with triumph for Leila nj the |
protective possessiveness In his tone. |
That the little speech was CALLING TO |
Bess Deans vanity guessed, but |
there was no trace OF chagrin In voice
or face, as she tilted her head to one
side, auirked her lips into a provoca-
tive little smile and asked teasingly:
Isn't there any chance for poor
little ME to turn MY ankle? The
rewards arc tempting don't you
think so. Leila"
She took quick little dancing step
to one side and shot a swift mock
ing glance past me at Leila. But my
friend had taken advantage of my
body to pull herself to-
gether, and Bess Dean saw only smiles
on her apparently placid face and
heard nothing save amusement In her
lifting voice.
Don't fall downstairs to find out"
she said with a careless little laugh
FOR which ] corSd have Rugged her, so
apparently free from worry it sound
ad.
IL there was a tiny warning con.
aimed in her words-whch / doubt
ID. for Leila isn't subtle---Bess Dean
'ountered 1t promptly.
4"Oh ! I'll watch my step" she
carelessly, unless / get
lied over something she added.
Then I'm likely to do anything"
n Leila Is Not Amused
Her eyes flashed defiance into mine
IS she spoke, but / gave no hint Of
understanding her. l was conscious -
Z Alfred's puzzled glance. His was II
he uncomfortable masculine attitude a
hen in the presence of women whose o
to each other is only thinly tt
and so | hastenetl.- to end r.
he situation. n
isn't dinnW about ready?"- asked.
"Of course" Miss Dean replied
1t tartly. a
Then II you don't mind telling Mrs. 1e
'urkee that Wen be down in five
linutes," ] went on, well make n
our words good. And l imagine u,
ella will be more comfortable. il she p
as an armchair and a footstool." =
"1'll get them for you" Alfred hast y,
Y interposed. g.
They're right there IN the dining =,
'om,' ] said coolly, although ] knew ~
,tter. "Bess won't have to move -,
em two feet, Resides, she prides at
'rself upon being a strong-armedI
dy." n
had made il impossible for her TO in
! anything save protest Afres's Of an
Aln1uk VnBu ~E> f.'n lie