The Glenwood post., 1924-04-24

Mr.. Gray was an interior decora-
tor; he was often away for several
days at time when he went to super
wise the work on some rich mans
country home. He returned home
always, with trifling present for his
wife: a bangle, pair of silver
buckles, a lacquered box, or perhaps
only handful of jonquils. Frequent
ly he took her out to dinner and the
theater, and once, to Lucy's positive
knowledge, he had inveigled her down
town in order to buy her hat.
That had seemed to Lucy the
apotheosis Of conjugal devotion. Her
own husband had never brought her
home Unexpectedly a present in all
his life. Once in a great while, she
induced him to go with her to the
theater or the movies. He had never
commented on anything she wore, or
took the smallest notice of hat or
gown.
Lucy, considering her own lot and
the happy circumstances that were
Mrs. Gray's on this particular morn
ing, said to herself with considerable
bitterness that while she was in no
danger of coveting her neighbor's hus-
hand, she did long with all her soul
for some degree Of contentment with
her own. And upon these reflections,
came Alice Gray, her sweet, composed
face free of worry, her serene beauty
glowing today with unexpected in
terest.
Alonzo had telephoned, she ex-
planned, that he was obliged to go to
Boston; he would have to be away
for several days, and he wanted his
wife to accompany him. Could she
arrange. her affairs to be ready to
leave with him on the late afternoon
train?
Could shef Alice Gray's eyes
danced with excitement as she caught
Lucy's hand. There was nothing to
detain ber; she had never visited
Boston, she thought 1t perfectly
sweet of Alonzo to want her to go.
There was the whole day before her
in which to get ready; she needed
new hat, veil and bag, and she
urged Lucy to come with her and help
her pick them out.
Lucy could not resist. She was not
small enough to refuse to share this
friends pleasure even though she
felt the injustice Of Alice Gray's hav-
ing SO much and herself so little. And
the bitter feelings Of the early morn
ing were forgotten, as she hastily
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to soak, gave an Indifferent glance at
the unmade beds, thrust head and
arms into her trim tailor skirt, and
reached for the smart little yellow
straw hat which she had only been
able to wear once since she bought 1t,
month before.
Later, seated beside her radiant
friend on the top Of Fifth avenue
bus, the spring sunshine flooding the
city, the street gay with fashionably
dressed woman, she caught something
of Alice Gray's exhilaration.
The two women threaded the aisles
of department stores, priced fabrics
and exclaimed over the novelties.
Alice Gray bought charming hat,
the veil, and neat little handbag
with nickel clasps, and Lucy INDUCED
herself in much-needed electric iron.
In buoyant spirits they made a lels-
urely progress at late luncheon hour
to one of the smart, new French res
taurants on Park avenue.
about to pass through the revolving
glass doors to the street, absorbed and
gaily chatting together, they encoun-
tered AlOnzo Gray and handsomely
dressed woman. A happy exclamation
burst from Lucy and she started for
ward with delighted greeting.
"Why, it's your husband-it's Mr..
Gray"
But her words died on her lips.
Alice Gray's fingers closed like wise
upon her arm, and the hand dragged
her aside. Something ugly and un-
pleasant flashed into Lucy's mind.
There was whirling silence, a dizzy
ing moment while her pulses raced,
and her breath was still. Then, un-
conscious and still chatting amiably.
Alonzo Gray and his companion passed
into the street.
'Two. please-and in the corner.
like those upholstered seats." Alice
Gray composedly addressed herself to
the head waiter, and serenely followed
him into the cool and fower-scented
restaurant.
"Come, Lucy
Lucy, shaken. bewildered, the sig
nificance Of what had occurred still
half guessed, mechanically obeyea.
Mechanically she ungloved her hands,
mechanically she pushed stray locks
of hair up under her hat. mechanically
she ordered. But when the obseQuious
head waiter had murmured: "Bien,
madame" and had departed, she could
only keep her eyes on her plate, and
sit tongue-tied, fearful Of any comment
she might hazard. miserably conscious
Of what must be her friends humili-
alton and discontinue. That unques-
tionably had been Alonxo Gray. and