Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-07-24

ment, Miriam Gray had been nonndinp
away at her faithful tipping -engine. Now,
with sigh of supreme content. she folded
the weary machine and tenderly put it to
bed on the shelf in the living room closet.
IF you re as tired as am. she addressed
the portable. you're glad that they've
safely married, never to be divorced" And
she turned to the sheets of manuscript piled
on her writing desk making little moue
at the memory of the applesauce her brain
had perpetra ted For despite her piquant
features and saucy Titan bob, the characters
she conceived were prim and modest
maldens. with very proper SWANS, whose
philosophy was a contrast to Miriam's views
of life.
They passed through the dreary pages Of
the dullest and most innocuous of romantic
magazines, and would have blushed in Grim
son shame could they have but seen the
alluring dishabille worn by the dainty crea-
ture whose brain had mothered them.
Yet her sentimental gush and slush had
won her a faithful following of simple, loyal
souls, who would have gasped with horror
had they known the author But even
Miram's closest friends failed to comprehend
her. especially those who understood the rest
lessness and intensity of her highly emotional
nature. Dainty Of hand and ankle. 1.-the
and graceful of figure, and with a mouth
that tantalized every male she met Miriam
seemed entirely devoid of the slightest sent-
ment as applied to herself and the opposite
sex
Now. in the restful twilight, she puffed at
her cigarette and took up her fountain pen.
But she set TO correcting her script the
telephone at her elbow rudely interrupted.
There she exca lined. taking it up, to
learn, with sense of relief. that Tommy
Vance was calling, Any one else would have
vexed her. but Tommy was never annoying.
Their understanding was perfect. and she'd
known him for smonths and months.
Come up and I'll read you my manu-
script. she mischievously invited. It's a
perfectly lovely story of a poor but honest
girl who meanly prosecuted. royal in
the array of rags that she found to be vir-
tues reward
THEN, anxious to finish her manuscript.
l. she quite forgot TO dress. and long be-
fore she expected him Tom was ringing the
bell oh we'll she sighed. What diff
ference" And opening the door for him,
she made him solemnly promise not even to
look If she should let him in.
Go out to the kitchenette and start to
spread the feast, Miriam suggested. Take
off your coat and be comfortable. Isn't it
brutally hot
why doll up for me-" he asked as she
disappeared into her tiny bedroom. I'm
not Mr. Grundy-
Nor are you Adam-and I'm not Eve,
Miriam called in reply, as she rolled her
shimmery stockings of nearly transparent
beige. But | shan't get arrayed like
lily since you're only you.
Tired" she asked solictously, and seated
herself at the table.
About done he confessed. But, Lord,
you look refreshing -
I'm looking to be refreshed. she re-
buked him abruptly. And unless you are
yourself, I'll read you my manuscript
Lady. lady, I'll be good.' Tommy pre-
tended panic.
Perhaps I'll write such stuff myself
when I'm senile enough" Tommy shrugged
his shoulders Meanwhile, I'm going to
forget that there's such thing as labor. IN
off tomorrow morning for two whole weeks
In Maine"
Really" Miriam murmured as she
munched a sandwich. That's perfectly
bully. Tom"
"Uh. huh!" he grunted indiferently. and
speared cold hot dog. Bob Rea owns an
island He's lending it to me-complete
with cabin, a cook and COW
How lovely" Miriam laughed But
what about companion? | wish that
could go?'
NO can do, Of course" Tommy shook his
head Even the COW would object to
such Haunting of conventions. But, honestly
MIN. you really ought to get out OF Town
for time
"AIl rgbt-1'll go along! she casually
informed him, and Tommy stared at Miriam
as though he had seen ghost, "Cnless
Won think Id bore you" she added petu-
lantly.
.Migbtn't that prove awkwardi' Tommy
was dubious. and wondered why she mao
never seemed quite so bewitching before
might even fall in love with you
Tell it to the happers" she advised con-
+omntnouslv. II naturally wouldn't sug-
rest anything quite so absurd II nadn
known you long enough to know tnat l
really know you. Besides, l know myself
I'm perfectly amour proof. When do we go
from here?"
ATER that night, in his uptown hat
~ Tommy whistled softly as he packed MS
bags, Nevertheless, he told himself, ne was
far from satisfied with Miriams arrange
ment.
Hang it an!' he muttered. She seems
70 think I'm sort of cross between
ST. Bernard and the late St. Anthony. Ana
until tonight j suppose l was a kind OF
blend of the two. But in that lacy thing
she wore she was utterly feminine-and nef
lips, her eyes, her hair-Im fool!
That, unknown to Tommy, had also oeen