New Britain herald., 1924-05-21
The Eager Question That Leila
 Asked Edith

Asked Edith
 My eyes ran quickly, furtiyely from one to the other of our little group wondering if they had seen what l had-the shadow upon Leila Durkee's face as her mother-in law planned the buying Of new clothes for her southern trip and the elder wom- ans realization of the younger's rcac~ tion to her projected expenditure.
 Dicky and Edith Fairfax had not noticed anything amiss. Diclly was gazing out of the window near which he was seated, and Edith was looking at him. l caught that in my quick survey Of the room, and re- membered that in her half-hysterical expression of remorse to me for her folly in the past years, there had been no assurance that her feeling for Dicky was dead.
 I had neither time nor inclination however. for conjecture on this point just now, but woman-like, l tucked it away for safekeeping even as my eyes came to Katherine's face and read in it not only a comprehension of the situation. but real anxiety as she watched her patient.
 For little Mrs. Durkee's reaction to the knowledge which had descend ed so suddenly upon her was pitiful, One hand went to her throat, as If she were choking, and the other beat at the air futilely. Katherine moved toward her swiftly. but she waived her back.
 Have You No News?"
 "oh, oh '" she moaned softly. "what a selfish old thing I am"
 Leila sprans 10 her side. alarm and the real affection, which is hers for her mother-in-law. showing in her delicate face.
 Mother, dear :" she entrested. "What is ?"
 A little gleam of resentment came Into Mrs. Durkee's eyes, She had realized her own thoughtless selfish ness. but she was not yet prepared to forgive her sons wife for her un- conscious betrayal of the uneasiness which had enlightened the older woman.
 Don't touch me '" she said sharp ly. T shall he all right in a minute. And you needn't worry. I've come 10 my senses and rallied things. shan't spend a cent on new clothes"
 "oh. Mother .' Leila's cry betrayed the astonishcd hurt which was hers. 'I haven't said"
 You don't need to say things" her mother-in-law retorted icldly, and felt my sympathies fast shift ing from the older woman to the younger. Just the look on your face was enough for me. But I deserve it I never thought of all the expense Alfred has been put to and will be later on. There's an easy way out, however. l don't need to 20 south. Then won't need new clothes"
 \ Glcam of Resentment
 It was plain 10 all of US by this time that "IIer. Fluniness," usually the kindest and mildcst Of woman, was enjoying her own fnartyrdom and ill-temper immensely. But it was anything but sport for the rest of us, watching Leila's face turn from red to white. and her futile attempt 10 keep the tears back. II saw Edith Fairfax's face harden and knew that only by the most heroic restraint was she keeping from angry speech. Katherine and ex. changed quick giances and she spoke decisively.
 "All this is beside the point. My patient is getting disturbed and that is very bad for her. Dr. Braithwaite would be extremely angry at mo if he knew this. So am going to clear all of you out Of here for a few min- utes. Perhaps I'll let you come back later if you're good. So-."
 She gestured smilinRly toward tha door and We all hurried to obey her As we went Mrs. Durkee murmured fretfinFlv.
 Not Msdgs. want Madrs to stay"
 Not even NsdEe for A few min utes." Katherine returned inexor- ably. snd reioiced in her answer as