The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-01-28
cHApTEn XXXV.

CHAPTErt XExV.
Jake was the king at the feast.
BEST dinner l ever had! his
black eyes praised Jennie. He
passed his plate for another slice
of her flaky apple pie. She
blushed, the knife in her hand
trembling.
He offered cigars to Jonathan.
And. sitting next to Chickie, he
hunched his shoulder down costly,
saying with a rich laugh: Like
the surprise we fixed for your"
Jonathan reached over and
patted her hand. Kind Of took
your breath away, Ell, Chickie
Girl?"
Though her lips trembled she
said, with a meaning look at
Jake, "Oh, I've breath enough to
blow one where I wish to go!''
He answered, challenging: $50
have I! AS you see, Chickie
dearw
She got up leisurely, defying
him with her eyes. But she
stood uncertain and almost in
tears at the door Of her closet.
Now-she would be judged again.
Barry would blame her. The fear
burned like a hot coal In her
breast.
Jennie came in with her long
gloves: See, dear. / cleaned them
for you. Wear the blue
georgette. You're so lovely in
that. Everyone dresses so for
the opera. Wear your crystal
DO ut
things" She stopped down for
Chickie's slippers, the gray silk
drawn tight over her plump
arms. She took short breaths, SO
great was her excitement.
Years ago when Jonathan and I
heard Madame Patti sing, l wore
yellow satin. That was In the
old opera house. It was wonder
ful. remember 1t so well.
Hurry, dear
Chichie polished her nails with
elaborate slowness. Her neck was
hot. She said, biting her lips:
You could have phoned and told
me about this, Jennie. / like to
know things. I didn't want to
Co."
Didn't want to go?" Jennie.s
chin dropped. A frightened pal.
Tor fell like a gray veil over her
flushed face. You didn't want
to go? We thought you'd be
surprised"
She looked suddenly 30 crushed
and tremulous, Chickle put down
the buffer, laughing: "Ho-Jen.
ME. ole dear-what'S the matter
with you? didn't mean IL that
way. Why-well, you. see, I
would have bought new gloves.
Ot course. want to go"
But she had sense Of being
trapped-an overpowering reluct.
ance to step into Jake's limousine
He said to her kindly: "Chickie,
dear, you're not that sore at me.
now, are you? Why, think this
was pretty brilliant in your dear
friend. Jake. I thought you'd
see the humor Of 1t. Take a look
behind you. my dear. Isn't
Jonathan looking grand as ST.
Peter tonight? This Is a night
to be remembered, little white
darling"
His exuberance was q magnetic
current charging through her
with its dynamic warmth.
"Chickie. you're a poor sport
Now, / would have thought 70
get one smile, anyway! Who's
hurt II you take an hour OF
happiness? Answer that"
You could have told me,
though"
Would you have come. them"
That's the answer, my dear.
l meant to have you in that box,
nook or crook. You'll say it's
worth 1t If there's an ounce of
truth in you. I'll gamble on
He walked down the center
aisle OF the auditorium with his
flashing, princely air, and in
spite of herself Chiclrie felt a
high throb Of pride. People IN
the other boxes, arranged parallel
with the stage. about two.thirds
OF the way down the hall.
stared at him. Many smiled.
He ushered ChiclSie to her seat
as though she were the only girl
IN the world. He whispered
close to her ear: Look around.
my beauty! Jake's got the
brightest Jewel in the whole
blooming horseshoe"
The scene dazzled. In al, tha
boxes about her superb women
sat In the splendor of furs and
diamonds. Their long bare arms
were white, their hair waved and
glossy. They leaned forward
murmuring delicately. Chiclrie,s
eyes rejoiced in the color ths
swaying brilliance.
She caught a look at Jennie's
race. vivid almost to pain: at
Jonatnan, erect and stately.
Jennie whispered in awe: "Chickie.
dear-My! My" She could find
no further word for her husband.
stupsndous enjoyment. Chickie
asked. "'
deed gorgeous!'
Jake folded his arms, smiling.
leaning down to Jennie and noint.
ing out this celebrity and that.
Her startled ewes followed him.
Wide with qualification.
AT the end Of the first act. the
music stealing through Chickie's
senses with soft. pervading glow,
ner nerves tineline IN the taunt.
ing passion It the "Elower Song"
Lima Caval'ieri entered. She
Dassed directIv in front of their
box. The whole audience stood
up. thrilling 70 the power of that
wondrous smile. II went through
the house like a radiant light.
ITO BE Continued TonOrrow.)
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