Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-11-26

M her knees, where she had
WI been wiping the dust from
i the vanished floor. MarJory
gave every bit of her house
keeping the most exquisite attention.
Even though the floors were only var
nished. she cared for them as II they
we're waXed oak of the highest order.
Resides. she wanted everything 10
look it's best for her friend, Lena Ell
lott, who was coming to visit her'
Marjory had not seen Leila more
than twice in four years, ana theh 1t
had been only briefly in the city, where
she had gone for the days shopping.
On both occasions Leila had taken her
out to lunch at an expensive restau-
rant. where they had talked a little
about Mariorys marriage and Leila
increasing success in the business
world. Even in her best clothes Mar
iorv had felt shabby and small-toWny
beside the graceful and modish Lena.
She realized that Lelia's freedom, sal
arv and opportunities made her ana
her achievements seem small ana she
did not blame her friend for patron
izins her.
Now Leila was coming to make her
a weeks visit, and she realized that,
eager as she was to see her friend,
she nevertheless dreaded having Leila
there in her home. Not that MarJory
was not perfectly satisfied with her
home; it was only that Leila would
see all the little makeshifts and short
c,,ts. Leila would understand at once
that Wills salary had to be stretched
to the limit in order to cover all their
needs nav for the small house and
still hoard something for a rainy ay.
Earning $4,000 a year. Wills $1,000
was going TO seem infinitesimal to
Leila.
With n sigh Marjory looked around
the plain yet coy living room. Like
all the rest Of the house, it was in
state of perfect order now to welcome
the arriving guest.
Leila came by the o'clock train,
and Will went in the flivver to meet
her while Marjory fused over the
Swiss steak which was to be the 'big
special" for her dinner. 1t was rain
ing soft Spring way and the Gro
cuses had blossomed forth in a great
flock of gold and white and lavender.
There was a low glass dishful Of them
on the dining room table, which Leila
noticed almost as soon as she was in
the house. She looked handsome and
in her dark tailleur, but
some way worn, and the excellent
little dinner did not seem to revive
her much.
"You need a good nights Sleep"
said tenderly.
But in the morning Leila looked as
if she had not slept well. She came
down in a charming neglige and cap,
breathing forth faint, exotic perfume
which Marjory at once mentally Ia
beled Partisan. She herself was wear
ing pink percale bungalow dress that
had been washed many times and her
hair Smelt of coffee. But Will kissed
her good-by without a glance at Leila
as he went away.
Before the morning was over Mar
jory realized, unhappily. that either
she or Leila had strayed from the old
common ground where they had used
to meet. Marjory tried everything
books, plays. fashions - she thought
she kept up on these things, but al
ways Leila came back at her with
some SCATTERING remark: 'Oh, yes, l
saw that at the Premier" or Il glanced
at that" or That's going out in the
city" accompanied with disparaging
shrug.
thought desperately. And she was
kitchen to prepare lunch.
The afternoon was worse. That eve
ming Will took them to the movies
and Leila lokoed so bored that Mar
jory was ashamed of her own enjoy
nent. They were proud of their little
Bright Spot movie theater.
The third day Marjory felt as If she
must jump out of her skin. Leila was
getting on her nerves. 1t rained very
hard all that afternoon and Marjory
got out her new set of nah jong given
to her by her parents. But Leila was
not interested. Presently she said she
she believed she would go to her room
and take q nap.
An hour later Marjory ran upstairs
for something and heard a sound of
crying coming from her spare bed
room. Leila was crying! Without
hesitation Marjory walked boldly in
and sat down on the bed.
Whats the matter? Won't you
tell me?" she pleaded and she bent
over and kissed Lelia's hot, salty
stained cheek.
Leila hid her face in the pillow.