New Britain herald., 1923-02-03
Why Is Claire interastad in
 Tom Ghesters

Il listened intently for Diekys repl,
 to Claire Posters gibing remarl
 about his indolent appear ~se. Ans
 when it came there was note in hi
 voice which told me that he was al
 surprised as as the grotesaue sigh
 she presented with her face covered
 with cold eream. and her hair rolled
 up tightly in numerous kid curriers'.
 Thanks" he drawled, "chiyalr,
 prevents my saying what it is of which
 or from which or to which you res
 mind me-
 She giggled appreeiatively. as if he
 had just paid her delightful com.
 pliment.
 Aren't l the limit?" she enrolled. "But just think how bee-yew.ti.fui I'll he tomorrow when l get dolled upm
 That's something to look forward to. I'll admit" he returned gallantly. and the sound of his rustiing news paper and the tap of her mules going down the corridor told me the collo- guy was ended.
 hurried my undressing. and was in one Of the twin beds when Claire returned. I felt n curious disineiina- ton to talk to her. and felt distinct relief when she disposed Of me with the perfunctory inquiry:
 Sleepy"
 "Why? Why? Why"
 "Dend," returned laconieally. "so am l." she said. Mighty night"
 But her regular, healthy. youns breathing told me that she slept long before found forgetfulness in slum- Der. And I awakened early, unrc- freshed. after series of dreams. through which Claire Foster in her grotesque mask pirouetted before me, while ]. clutching Intellectually at her, kept repeating the query: Why? Why? Why?"
 rose, noiselessly. as I thought, and | dressed with infinite quiet so as not to disturb her. But she opened her eyes wide while was coiliing my hair, and sprang out of bed.
 You should have called me-" she | said, and hustled through her dress ing as if something vital depended upon her hurry.
 An Ingenious Offer.
 She wiped the cold cream from her face, put a ,boudoir cap on top of the kid curriers', though it did not cover them. fastened rather soiled wrap- l' per untidily with couple of brooches and was at my side when I opened the door.
 '.I'll just wash up and be with you in the kitchen in minute" she promised, and wondered if she ac- tually meant to appear at breakfast in so untidy rig.
 That she did mean exactly that, I soon saw. but forgot my distaste at her action in acute worry over the she exhibited in handling the exquisite belongings Of Mrs. Bliss.
 Just in the nick of time I prevent ed her from setting a burning hot platter upon the polished surface of the antique mahogany table, and all my watchfulness was not able to pre- vent the breaking of one of the etches water glasses which she dropped in l the sink. Fortunately it was not a ( piece of old glass, but foresaw a ong weary and expensive shopping c rip in trying to. match it. I was; therefore in no Very equable humor yhen Claire looked up from the toast T 'he was watching to ask with seem- ng irrelevance. Whats ever become of Tom Ches- U CT. Madge?" A swift vision of the young soldier tretched upon a bed of suffering in 'ur own house rose before my eyes, ut, of course, I could tell her notn- ng of that. when Dicky had as yet q 10 knowledge of the events which II lad brought Tom Chester to the sher- CT of his room. I constrained my a, oice to nonchalance: s He's in Sag Harbar, believe" ''Is he still as indifferent as ever :, Q all feminine charms save your, wn?"
 What do you mean?" I flashed ., ngrily, then with an uneasy fear that s, 'icky might have awakened, added q, uickly: Don't be ridiculous .''
 I'm not" she returned imperturb- fl bly,. But I sure would like to know, cs pr I'll tell thesworld he's about the tt iftiest lad I've ever seen. Even in F 1e days when Herbie's gloomy nj )mantic eyes intrigued my youthful W imagination, l had a weather-eye out W ,r that lad. But would he look at c le? He would not and anybody be ith half an eye could see the reason hy. But, surely, you don't inted to c