The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-04-26
BY Ann Lisle,
Whose Serials OF Married Life
Have Won Big Popular
Success.

TIME volun1inous folds Of the
rich material had draped them
selves wonderfully about tall
and stately woman like Val Co.'S
BY, but when little Irna was.
wrapped in the metal cloth her
plumpness became danny. Her
healthy young prettiness was not
suited to the exotic material Of
the robe, and she lost her flower
like daintiness and became MOTH
ing but a lay-figure swaddled in
mummy cloth.
Quickly I decided to play Toms
game fOr him and play it as well
as | possibly could-for Irma's
sake. So holding up the mate
rial to prevent Irma's stumbling
over it., led her toward the big
mirror between the two windows,
crying out mirthfully as I helped
her across the room:
Remember how different VAL
erie Cosby looked in this when
you lent it to her for the mas
querade she gave in the good old
days Of long ago?"
"You were the one to lend the
robe to VAL" mumbled Tom, see
ing what my emphasis suggested.
But CLOSED this over with a
quick:
"You were always lending that
robe to your current-ideal. No
wonder don't remember who
was who and which was which.
But the robe had a good home
with your old friend Jim for a
long time, and so even in his
absence I'll be delighted to pass
1t on to Irma so she can dress up
and play Queen of Sheba in it.
Or do you feel more like Cleo
patra, Sorceress Of the Nile, in
it, my dear?"
This thick metal cloth isn't
right for any but a giantess," pro-
tested Peter, saying the right
thing so gentle and grateful in
her face that I felt rewarded for
the tableau I had staged.
Back to the piano for the hlue
brocade" said Tom. IT'S grow
ing stiff with age and can't adapt
itself to anything as sweet and
young as our Irma.. But the first
time 1 have you two girls down to
my studio for tea I'll get out my
collection of silks and let you
choose the daintiest of them all
all for the fairy princess, Irma,
''1rma's far too dainty for such
heavy drapery. It's, fine on a
piano, but it isn't for anyone who
is as spiritual as Psyche herself.
Let me help you out before you
smother"
"Pleaser' said Irma,
your generous!'' cried Irma.
splendid regal looking things that
become Anne so we'll"
II was stupid" cried Tom con-
tritely, ito offer any but the new
est and best to such a dainty lit
tie flower. You'd know better,
wouldn't you.l Stanley?"
IT haven't searched the world
for fine silks and odd iewels"-
AS he spoke, Peters face turned
crimson.
I could read his mind in a mo-
ment. He would never offer a
girl such personal gifts as Tom
makes nothing of presenting.
Tom waved his hand with a
movement that was lavish in its
wide gesture.
II love to share all have with
those I love-" he cried. There is
nothing too good for my dear
ones. Some men are less-shall
we say-ima ginative. And now
my imagination suggests that
Miss Warren may be eager to
unpack and settle down in her
new home. I've an idea that we
two can perform no better service
than taking ourselves off. How
do you feel about it, Stanley?'
Peter, with a sudden recovery
Of his poise, made gallant little
bow.
eff the best way to serve is to
stand aside-I can do that at
least" he said. st
Farewells followed immediate.
ly. l had no heart to protest
against them, and 1rma showed
no cordiality to warrant a protest
from me. But in the moment
when the door changed after our
guests she turned on me with a
flare of determination.
"Unpacking can waitr' she
cried. But you and can't delay
another moment to say a few
truths to each other. think, we
ought to have what the men call
"a showdown"
"A showdown ?" repe Ated,
...i.... A.. - .-.Ll.A - 80,