The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-01
LISTENING IN
 ON EYE
From LdciIe,s Diary


 ing. I do think it was incon- siderate of her to disturb my beauty sleep, but was glad anyway to have hef call me, for sometimes she is strangely cold to me, notwithstanding my efforts to please her. l realized that at her advanced age her interests con stantly narrow and feel that I must give her my young c0mpanionship all I can. I often wonder if she has made her will. Once when I was telling her all the good I should do if I had wealth, she laughed and asked if Il intended to marry for money. Her jokes rarely appeal to me.
 f'Lucile," she said over the phone, please come over to the hotel and help me entertain an old friend who is here from Boston,"
 "Thank you, Aunt Rachel" I replied sweetly, ''Who is it?"
 That's telling" she answered. Wear pretty frock and come pre- pared to stay for dinner. Perhaps we can find some mild amusement for the evening""
 I told mother that I should probably be bored to tears. "What can say to a dry-as-dust old New England wo- man?" 1 asked.
 You may not find Aunt Rachel's friend dull," said mother, land if you do it won't hurt you to be pleasant. You can work on those napkins we are hemming while you visit. That will please Aunt Rachel, for she is proud of having taught you to hem and make buttonholes."
 eff it hadn't been for her I would never have had to sew at all. It makes me nervous to use needle"
 "The use you give needle will never seriously affect your nervous system, Lucille.
 Before I could reply to mothers rather sarcastic thrust lilly came to tell me that was wanted at the telephone. It was Louise Fuller speaking.
 "Canby has a friend here from out of town, and he wishes to have a little informal dinner at the Wayfarers' to- night. hope you haven't anything else on, for I'm inviting Dexter Haines for your partner"
 T don't like to disappoint you and Canby. Maybe I can arrange to come. IEJI l pFULuISeu'
 When can you let me know? If you don't come I'll have to get some body else"
 "I'T go," I answered promptly. Il knew that she would doubtless invite Ursula Moore if didn't go.
 You are making a mistake, Lucille" said mother when told her couldn't go to Aunt Rachel's. "She will surely H. uses long words when she is vexed with me.
 But, darling" I said, "either you or Cousin Fannie can go. I'm sure you or she would be much more con- genial to Aunt Rachel's old friend than I would be-"
 ing your azure crepe and she can just wear 1t herself and go in your place.
 But, mother, that dress is entirely too-toO-"
 'No, it isn't too young for her. It will just match her eyes," declared mother, and to my amazement she per suaded Cousin Fannie to masquerade in my beautiful frock. She didn't look as bad as I expected.
 "WeIl, how did you enjoy the old dearY asked her yesterday.
 "Very much, indeed" replied Cousin Fannie. "We saw a good play and Mir. Howard brought me home in his beautiful car."
 "Mr. Howard?"
 ''Yes, Aunt Rachel's old friend, Evan Howard. He is charming. am hay ing lunch with him today, and tomorrow he is taking Aunt Rachel and me to the theatre again."
 "Is he a decrepit old chap, Cousin Fannie?'' I inquired, laughing.
 No, indeed; he is just my age. Aunt Rachel told me how old he is. Her dearest school friend was his mother"
 ''Where are his wife and children ?" I asked.
 "Oh, he's a bachelor and awfully handsome, Lucille"
 I suppose Aunt Rachel thinks she was exceedingly clever, but think she was most unkind not to tell me who her old friend was. I can't fancy, though, that Mir. Howard could be seriously interested in poor dear Cousin Fannie. I must have on something extremely becoming when he comes to take her to the theatre. It's certainly annoying that can't wear my azure crepe. nerves he pulled out the book and ask ed him or her to read to him!
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