Evening star., 1924-01-20

Three old Dutch peasants drink
ing tea can be SO beautiful" she
said regretfully. Then she looked
back at him with amused candor. "I
don't believe you will find me much
harder than Mrs. Pine"
ITS worth trying. then!'
"oh. should say so; very well
worth it,
Lawrence Strengthened up as
though he threw of half a dozen
years. And then he patiently took
them on again. for Frank O'Brian
on Gloria.
Lawrence excused himself to hunt
up Mrs. Pine and followed blindly
where she led. answering her COM
ments with jerky vagueness that
presently brought q mischievous smile
into the kind face.
'I declare. I've taken in all can."
she said very soon. IT know that's
meant for a cliff, but It looks to me
for all the world like fine three-rib
roast with the outside slice cut of
for Bobs. I guess I better go home"
You must meet Miss Penrose first.
the lady who made the fountain,
Lawrence said. suddenly reused to at
tention.
IIc led the way through the rooms
to a bench whence Gloria and Frank
OBrian worshipped what was only a
pile of peaches to the crowd, but was
TO them a little miracle in the laying
on of paint.
Gioria's quick rising to meet Mrs.
Pine seemed to leave O'Brian out Of
II. and when Lawrence turned to
escort Mrs. Pine to the door, Gloria s
direct, You Will come back for me
here?" eliminated poor Frank forever.
They were scarcely aware that he ex-
cused himself
When the crowd thinned, they ex-
changed their bench for taxi with
no consciousness OF interruption. Mrs.
buttons perfect little dinner passed
in the same absorbed exploration
Every miraculous moment turned up
some fresh charm or value in one or
the other.
Mrs. Dutton served them at first
with a startled stiffness. then with a
gradual relenting, a thoughtful con-
slderation OF Lawrence's pleasant per-
son. BY dessert she had an air OF
brisk interest, and when she carried
their coffee TO the studio fire, she
took a survey of the apartment as
though canvassing for a possible ex-
ira room. She undoubtedly planned
TIE wedding breakfast before she
slept.
Gloria stood for good night, her
hand In both of Jim Lawrence's.
We're mad" she stammered. Per
fectly crazy. Life isn't like this. II
ont be true in the morning"
I'll come and find' out" he said.
THERE was never a moment when
it was not true-gloriously, sing
ingly true. Gloria was working fu-
riously. and Jim Lawrence looked on
with an arrested stiffness, as though
a revelation were at hand. And then
cne day he took sheet Of paper and
drew a plan.
He had told her abou. his queer lit
tie house down In an old corner of
the city, as he had told her about
Bobs and Chris and the series Of criti-
cal articles he was writing on mod
ern painters. But this plan brought
a secret smile that presently drew
her down beside him.
what Is it?' she demanded.
THE studio we are going to build
in my back yard" he said. and point
ed out its many charms.
Gloria listened with a troubled
brow. why, hadn't thought about
moving" she said slowly.
He was only amused. You have
thought about marrying me, haven't
you?"
"Oh, yes. Daily. But someway-I
suppose I took it for granted that
you would come here"
with two boys and Mrs. Pine7" He
was still smiling. Come down and
see my funny little house. You will
like it."
"Oh, know. This apartment
doesn't matter. But, Jim,"-her voice
faftered--"Mrs. Dutton."
He fought against understanding.
well, Piney will have to submit to
he said, sketching the studios Are
place.
A heavy silence crushed his brave
lightness.
do you see Mrs. Dutton helping
Mrs. Pine?" Gloria asked at last.
He took refuge in authority. my
good Gloria. they have to make some
concessions to our llves!'
YES, but will they?" She spoke
6rearily. And It isn't just that