New Britain herald., 1923-05-10
The Fright Mrs, Durkee Gave Nadse
 After Hearty laugh

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 At my entrance to my living room with the luncheon tray l found lil' tie Mrs, Durkee seated by the tahle locking as different as possible from the haggaFd, hollow-eyed woman wha had come 10 my door but few mln- utes earlier,
 I whimsieally reflected that a pow der pun and a mirror had the same stimulating effect upon my little friend that an unexpected cocktail might have upon person accustomed 10 the drink, Al any rate, for the present moment at least she was her gallant, volatile little self again. and feieieed at the transformation.
 What a darling you are. MadFe .'' she exclaimed as uncovered the luncheon tray, Just the dishes like best. And my favorite tea. too. AS I poured the freshiy-boiling water from the tiny teaksttle over an al- cohol lamp into the teapot, T didn't think could cat or drink n thing, but this actually makes me feel hungry"
 I'm so glad" l returned, smiling down at her pleased winsome little face, for I'm simply ravenous my self-thls Is my breakfast, you know and If you're hungry. shan't be ashamed Of my appetite, as I other wise should be-"
 Its a good thing I happened along" she said dimpling. and ap. preciatlyely attacking the creamed chicken and potato surprise had served her. You never would have cooked all these different things for yourself, you know you wouldn't"
 You don't know me-" replied gaily. I'm n valiant trencherman with knife and fork"
 "Who Was That Awful Woman?"
 But you're woman" she retort- ed. sapiently, and laughed at her little quip with a tenderness in the laughter which one finds in any mer- riment accorded by her friends to Her Fluffiness."
 I'm not going to say another word" she next declared. This | luncheon is too good to be spoiled by talk"
 
 for at least three minutes. Then evil dently remembering something, she broke out in an excited query:
 f''Who was that awful woman just outside this door this morning? I heard her say, 'Petey kiss me, or I'll knock your block off 2 and naturally l couldn't help peeking out at her as she went down the hall. She's aw- fully clatty. Gracious, Madge, hope you're not taking roomers, or any thing like that, are you?'
 Her face expressed such mortified that I choked back the laughter on my lips. and hastened to reassure her.
 A Terrifying Transformation
 No, indeed, but you see there are two apartments made out of one here in the building is the same-and we have to share the en- : rance hall with the tenants of the ] other apartment
 She looked toward the hall with 'hrewd, housewifely glance. And you have to go into the hall : o reach your bathroom and kitchen, 2 ion't you?" she queried.
 You have sharp eyes, countered, 1 
 You can't fool me- she retorted ( Iirily. But, Madge. this isn't fit ,lace for you.' Tt isn't a question of fitness but of what we could get" I explained pa iently. where with any one else on [ arth I would have been distinctly re- entful of the criticism. But Her T 'luffiness" is always a privileged per- ( on, and the artless manner with I which she delivers her strictures robs hem of any sting. x But surely for the sum you told ne you were prepared to pay nonth--'' We are paying precisely that um," I assured her, then laughed loud at her wide-eyed, dismayed - mazement.
 "Madge, you aren't fit to be trusted T the city .' she declared at last They've simply cheated the eye seth out of you. I'll bet whoever ents this place saw you coming lock off and said: Here's the prize. Watch me soak her."
 There were six women trailing me, 'anting the same apartment when l ,ol it."