The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-12-12
Listening In On EUe
FROM LUCILES DIARY


 uAH, MISS DELANCEY, how ss radiant you look," declared
 Ivan Ouranoff, slipping an en- to happen to mar my efforts. It is real ly discouraging. Last week met Susy Marshbank downtown, and I exclaimed that it was simply ages since had seen her.
 "Yes," she said, "you see have no maid and no convenient relatives to park my blessed baby with, go it isn't often that can come into town. Today, by great luck, I was able to employ the services of a reliable woman, who some times goes out by the day. I'm simply flying around, trying to do everything at oncer'
 "Susy," said impulsively, "can't you get that woman for another day soon, and come in and have luncheon at our house? I should just love to have visit with you. Do try!"
 Maybe I could get her for next Thursday. She told me a few days ago that Thursday she would be free while some people she works for are south."
 ''Then I'll expect you, unless I hear to the contrary I said gayly, though l realized afterward that, as that is Til lies day out, it wouldn't be a very good day after all. However, decided not to change the plan, except to take her to a nice tearoom near us for luncheon. This was really necessary, for mother, Cousin Fannie and granny were all go- ing to the church guild for a noon meet ing.
 Just after they had left the house on Thursday I was greatly surprised to hear Major Latwoods voice over the telephone.
 five been ordered down to Washing ton," he explained, ''and I am in town only between trains. Do come down and have mess with me, Lucile."
 'Oh, should perfectly love to, but
 "No, of course not" I returned laugh ingly, and I promised to meet him with in the hour.
 I tried to telephone Susy, but the woman who was taking care of the baby said she had been gone for more than two hours, so 1 knew that she might ar rive at any minute. For an instant I was almost frantic. Then with my us ual resourcefulness, I thought of putting note on the door, asking, her to meet me at one of the big stores for afternoon tea, and explaining how had been sud denly called downtown on a matter of importance, which was imperative. 1 suggested that she could get her lunch at the neighborhood tearoom, and, of course, I said how dreadfully sorry 1 was that this had had to happen at such an inopportune time.
 ''There's a pretty little woman look ing at the back of your head, Lucille, with almost a ferocious glance" said Major Lakewood as we were lingering over our dessert and coffee. Of course l turned to look, and I met the indig- nant gaze of Susy Marshbank. Although I was considerably startled, I bowed and smiled, and she made only the slightest response by bending her head ever so little.
 "She doesn't seem to be a very warm friend" remarked the major in an amused tone.
 "Poor dear," I said sweetly, "she is really lovely, but at times she shows a strange coldness. I've always been glad that I'm not temperamental person with varying moods. Probably when I see her later in the afternoon, as I ex- pect to, she will be all-smiles"
 But, as it turned out, I did not see her, for she failed to keep the rendex- yous I had appointed. I waited and waited for her. It was most annoying to have any time wasted in that way.
 Although was very much vexed with her, thought best to telephone in the evening to ask why she had not met me for tea.
 "If you don't know without asking" she answered crisply, "it seems hardly worth while to tell you. But I quite un- derstand your defection, Lucille. A ma jor in uniform is excuse enough for you for any"
 ''But, Susy, you don't understand at all. You see, dear"
 'On the contrary, I think I do, and besides my baby is crying. Good night"