The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-07

-IA-.~... d NuSlilGn
 Helen West turned pettiShly from the telephone and sank upon the davenport. Peggy has backed out" she said.
 No" Marie's expression changed.
 ''She has. She says it's too hot to motor so far from home, but that didn't deceive me. Billy Newfield is over at his aunt's and Peggy-has hopes"
 How provoking! Try some one else. Try Molly Judd. She never has a thing to do." But as it chanced young Mrs. Andrew Judd had many things to do that day, as Helen found out imediately by telephone. 'Dressmaker and-fits. So she's counted out. Who else, Marie?"
 There's Edna Stearns-"
 ''She's rehearsing for the concert and hasn't a minute. I don't know whom we can ask, Marie. And it's no fun going alone. Let's give it up."
 When we have each other we're not exactly alone" Marie said gently. And there's Saul"
 "Oh! Saul is only the chauffeur and never speaks unless he's spoken to. Besides, we're so small that we bounce in the back seat.''
 We could take cushions" Helen was rather difficult when things were not going her way. Marie tried to think of something as she gazed from the win dow. They had taken some pains to plan this trip, counting on Peggy Sher- man, whose vivacity made her a gay companion. The lunch was all packed and Saul, the chauffeur, was fussing about the big twin-six awaiting the signal to start. It seemed too bad to give up going for on such days the lake was lovely.
 Suddenly Marie gave a little excla- nation. Mrs. Hopper has sat down on our curbing,' she said. "I believe she's faint. I'm going out to see." She ran out of the house.
 Whats the matter? Can I do any thing for you?" she asked as she bent over the thin woman in black, who had dropped all her parcels when she sat down.
 Mrs. Hopper lifted her tired, elderly face to Marie's fresh and much younger one. Its the heat think" she said. ''I felt faint suddenly-we've had such trying weather"
 Don't try to walk another step," Marie said. Saul shall take you home." She called and Saul came has tily. 'Take Mrs. Hopper home, Saul, if you please" She picked up the parcels and when the car came assisted Mrs. Hopper to seat within. I'm going with you" she said.
 This is lovely !' Mrs. Hopper said as the air brought the color back into her pale face. How you girls must enjoy your car!'
 We do, Today we are going to the lake, that is-won't you go with us, Mrs. Hopper? I'm sure the trip will do you good"
 Mrs. Hopper flushed with astonish- ment and pleasure. The lake! was never there in my life. In fact IT haven't been out of this town since Mir Hopper died. that's nine years. No reason for going, you see-Thank you, my dear. Do you really want me-"
 "Of course I want you"
 'And-and your sister," Without doubt Mrs. Hopper was trifle afraid of snapping-eyed Helen. My sister, too. will leave you to get ready in half an hour! !"
 Tn fifteen minutes-my dear !'
 Marie smiled all the way back home.
 Mrs. Hopper is going to the lake with us, she told Helen.
 Mrs. Hopper! How funny" Helen laughed.
 Not funy at all. I'm ashamed to think we haven't taken her before And yet she's lived just round the cor ner in that little gray house ever since l was baby. I'm afraid that with all our advantages we lack neighbopliness, Helen"
 Helen was silent an instant. Well, l daresay she'll do in place of a cush- ion" she said.
 Helen Please You'll be nice to her for my sake?" Helen shrugged her shoulders She really was very much disappointed about Peggy Sher- man.
 Half an hour later they were on their way to the lake Mrs. Hopper sat be- tween them, very quiet. with her hands, worn by many household tasks and con stant sewing, clasped in her lap. But her eyes were immensely active. They were like the eyes of child who is taking her first journey into the world.
 It was sixty miles to the lake through