The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-04-01

tney talked; IL they drank, very
much; IL they were kind to their
their help, or If they really treat
ed them with arrogant scorn. She
even wondered II they actually
put on fresh sets of silk under,
wear twice a day. This was an
extravaganza she craved. Well
she fancied they dwelt in a magi-
cal world with maids bobbing up
to crafty the slightest wish.
Why, even in the middle Of the
night, II one were whimsical, lit
tie chicken sandwiches and sweet
old Wine would be brought by
maids who didn't require sleep.
Driving out to Riverside, she
had tingled with excitement. And
Immediately. she had found the
appointments disappointing in
their simplicity. OF course, the
house had really been closed. And
OF course there was this royal old
garden where they even ate
breakfast and might, indeed, have
whatever they wished.
Then the maid ran the water
! for their baths and their laundry
was set in the drawers, fresh
ribbons in place. But Jennie had
done all such things for Chickie.
Nothing SO very thrilling about
that.
But it was the pickering, the
burning antagonism, the common.
place talk that disappointed her.
She had never dreamed that a
sister and brother would actually
despite each other as Lee and
Edith did. Or she thought that
they would surely hide it. Their
attitude had a shabbiness about
1t--made the whole beautiful place
paltry and mean.
Chickie scarcely ate. She kept
walking to the door, listening.
She heard nothing.
Hours passed. A soft, hurried
knock. Barbara entered, She
was transfigured, her eyes so bril-
liant they cast a light over her
face. She smiled. 1t gave her
beauty.
Chickie walked up and kissed
her, unable to speak because of
the fullness rushing suddenly to
her throat.
After a few moments Barbara
sat on the bed. "Soon, Chickie,
won't give him a chance to
change. We just told him. Dads
an old darling, anyway. He Just
said to her, That will do. INV
dear She's furious enough to
Kill. Chickie, just think l never
dreamed 1t was to turn out SO.
You shall be the maid of honor
because Lee is Paul's great friend.
He will be best man. Oh, I think
you two make stunning pair, I
watched you the other night
walking down the garden. Do
you like Lee?"
"Of course. do
Barbara laughed. ST wish he
was as happy as 1 am now. .
VIII you?''
viii l WHAT"
Be maid of honor"
Don't be silly. Barbara. You
want me to lose my job, perhaps,
and starve to DEATH
THAT doesn't count with me or
with Lee"
ut does with me. So that's
THAR
Barbara shrugged. 'You oh.
serve, Miss Bryce, that I always
get my own way-hook or
crook
I'm that way myself, Brr-
bara =.
I'm that way myself. Bar
wins. I'm going to Pasadena to-
morrow. We leave here. Are
you sorry?"
I'm a way"
But you like me a great deal,
don't youT
Chickie laughed. "Yes-I do"
She began to pack up her
clothes. AS she did this, she be-
came nervous. Going back to the
boarding house-sitting at dingy
table-using the same napkin
three meals in succession-going
to work each morning-walking
with Wilde in the evenings
we'll.
When finally she went to bed
she said aloud: This is soft"
She took long breaths of the sweet
scented summer night. Yes
going back to an emptiness.
Barbara and she sat in the ton
neau of a deep cushioned car.
They Sned with swift silent