Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-22

dence of money everywhere, from the
late Mrs. Aaron Ward roses in the cut
glass bowl to the soft fire in the CRATE.
Mr.. Sprague Is out of town." Min.
ME explained. Il am expecting him
home tonight, though"
After supper they had a pleasant
evening alone together before the fire.
place Minnie laughed a good deal.
but veered off from personalities. She
was interested in Angevine, but not
curious.
You look successful and satisfied"
she said.
Angevine produced her finest speci-
men of Dead Sea fruit.
II am. Nothing to wish for, really.
We are like one family at Mrs. New
tons. where / have been so long it
seems like home. And you" she said
laughing. look as sleek and contented
as cat that has been fed on chicken
and cream"
"Oh, Frank is great money
maker" Minnie replied lightly.
The next morning as Angevine,
dressed in trim serge with charming
touches of scarlet. came down stairs,
a door opened and Frank Sprague ap-
peared before her. He stared at her
unbelievingly. then came forward with
outstretched hand.
How do you do. Angevine? Sorry
I couldn't be here last night to see
you"
Angevine replied in kind. But her
thoughts whirled. He had not changed
save for a line or two of silver in his
gold hair and his manner, which was
more assured.
Her Dead Sea fruit seemed literally
to lose all power TO deceive as she
accompanied Frank to the dining room,
where the radiant Minnie waited. Paul
had not yet appeared.
They had passed the cereal stage
and We're beginning on the waffles
when Paul entered.
We'll SON" Frank said What did
/ tell You about being late for break
fast? Looks as if you and 1 would
have to have little settlement"
I'm sure there's no harm in Pauls
sleeping a little longer than usual,
Frank" Minnie said quickly. rs
pecially when he is tired"
Tired! Tired at his agew Frank
scoffed. What has he done to get
tired. No son of mine shall grow up
to be another Roger Preston"
Roger Preston was Minnie's brother
and Angevine knew just how worthless
he had been as boy. She heard Min
ME give gasp, saw her flush and
swallow hard.
You needn't always be throwing
poor unfortunate Roger up to me.
Frank" she said.
I'm not throwing him up to YOU.
my dear. I'm only trying to impress
upon YOU that one example of that
Kind in our immediate family is
enough"
A perfect storm Of angry, unpardon.
able words followed. No sense or con.
troll and no regard for the amazed
guest. Paul sprang up and flung out
of the room. His mother followed him,
Angevine was left alone with Frank.
but he was scarcely aware of her
presence. Presently she, too, withdrew
and went to her room.
There Minnie found her.
Il want to apologize for what hap
pened, Angevine," she said. But it is
no unusual occurrence, Frank never
let's up on the boy. It's too bad. /
Paul's all right" And sitting down
she t4lked at length, blaming her hus.
band, extenuationg Paul and herself.
Frank has one obsession that darling
Paul is like my poor brother used to
be-" she sighed. And that he'll come
to the same end unless he gets a lot
of trimming now. OF course it Is all
unreasonable and childish. 1t makes
me miserable. And it sets Paul
against his father"
Angevine said nothing as she listen.
ed. She saw the whole thing clearly.
Minnie stood by her boy undoing all
his rather tried to do. And Frank was
hasty and unsympathetic, not much
more right in his method than was
Minnie in hers. She wondered how it
would all end. Not happily for the
boy, she was certain, If Minnie went
on pampering him on the sly and his
father scolded him in public.
The day passed. Church, an after.
noon motor ride and two exquisite
meals. Paul was sullen to his father.
and barely tolerant to his mother.
His father Numbered at him, his
mother shielded him. 1t was all very
unpleasant and Angevine was glad
when it was over.
She left by the early train Monday
morning. Minnie kissed her good-by,
FRANK saw her upon the train. They
both begged her to come again.
She reached her own room at Noon
such sweet, pretty room! Her
books and pictures welcomed her.
Luncheon would be ready in ten
minutes. She was hungry.
On, home was good, her job was
good, her own money good. Had she
really loved Frank Sprague or en-.
wed Minnie? Better a thousand times
to be an old maid than to live like
that!
Then suddenly she found herself
laughing with real joy. Her poor
Dead Sea fruit. 1t did not seem pos.
sible but-they had changed to
peaches.