New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1925-12-10

May say that in the story?"
asked Barbara, with her pencil
poised.
Mrs. Stacy frowned and leaned
hack rcflectively. NO. not just yet,
think. II all depends upon some 9TH
or developments. I may be ready 10
make that announcement in a few
days. But might change my mind"
It seemed to Barbara that her
hostess eyes dwet upon framed
picture that stood on the piano, with
its back to toward the window.
"Ill tell you, Miss Hawley. If you
and the Telegraph will jump into
this enterprise and give it all the
publicity you can ! may have a good
story for you soon. want to see
how the thing catches on before I
plunge, myself" Again she glanced
toward the picture,
Barbara was buttoning her coat
and picking up her gloves when
Mrs. Stacy stopped her. Don't so
yet" she said. Stay and have a cup
of tea with me. It's such a gloomy
lay, III love to have company"
But I really ought TO get back, "
Barbara was saying, when the maid
appeared with a tea tray.
your life must be very interest
ing, Miss Hawley." said Mrs. Stacy
arranging the tea cups. always out
in the world, meeting new people
and new adventures. How l envy
you"
Barbara glanced at the carefully
groomed hands that toyed with the
cups, and at the satin smooth checks
and glistening hair. IT'S not an easy
life" she replied, but it's wonderful,
if you like it."
Mrs, Stacy was apparently ready
for an afternoon of philosophy. 'I'vc
always thought" said she, that
would have made an excellent news
paper woman myself If only I hadn't
been cursed with enough money to
live on"
"Mr. McDcrmott spoke Of your
news sense" Barbara smiled.
The compliment told. Lydia Stacy
gave an airy gesture. Enough OF
that. am doomed TO be an idle wo-
man for the rest Of my life. Every
thing Is against me. You and your
kind will go on, seizing all the real
fun in life and learning more about
the world than I'll ever know. Just
because my late husband was
thoughtless enough to leave me pro-
vided with enough money to live on
III never have a chance 10 live"
Barbara looked embarrassed. I'm
sure" she began, wish heartily that
she could escape from the tea party,
But it was no use. a cup Of tea and
a plate of sandwiches and cake were
offered to her.
Someone wishes to speak to you
on the telephone, Mrs. Stacv." said
the maid, appearing Ill me door
way. Il think it's the cleaner. He
wanted to see you when I gave him
| the evening dress. Said he didn't
know whether the wine stain would
come out"
THE wine stain" Mrs. Stacy
started from her chair. Did you
send my dress out to be cleaned?"
"Why, yes, ma'am. ! always do,
when they need it. And this was
quite spoiled for another wearing,
unless he can take the stains out"
Lydia Stacy paused, biting her lips.
Never again send a garment with
out speaking TO me about It first,
Della" she said, and swept out of
the room, trailing the Spanish
shawl after her.
The maid turned a woebegone face
to Barbara, and. seeing sympathy in
her yes, burst into tears, 81 never
can tell what the likes Of her will
do" she whimpered. First, do
something and it's right, and then I
DO something and it's wrong. I'm
for giving notice at once"
"Oh, now" said Barbara, she'll
forget all about it. / wouldn't feel
like that II I were you" But she
looked apprehensively at the door
through which the naughty woman
| had passed.
she didn't get up till noon" sob
bed the maid, land when I see that
red evening dress lying there with
all that wine spilled down the front.
I says TO myself, III Just call the
cleaners and get that cleaned for
her. And now look at her. She's
been in q terrible mood all day. oh