Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-01-27
HER
DEAD SEA
FRUIT
(a By D. ,. walsh.)

NOENlNb hlANh was PNSSA6
"A the hall table when an I'M
1 usual impulse made her turn
back to look at the mall lying
there 10 two neat piles, papers, and
magazines one place, letters another
II was seldom she received a letter for
she wrote none. In fact, there was no.
body to write to any more. And yer
there was a letter directed to herself!
without recognizing the handwriting
she tore 1t open and read 1t while
through an open door somewhere the
cdors Of the dinner being prepared
BY Mrs. Newton and Bessie gathered
In intensity.
She smiled scornfully as her glance
flew from word to word, then she
laughed. She laughed again after she
had reached her room upstairs where
she reread the letter, dwelling upon
its contents more particularly. Min
ME Sprague had written to her
Minnie Sprague Of all people. What
is more, Minnie Sprague had asked
her back to Westmore for a weekend
visit
She crushed the letter In her hand
and tossed 1t into the wastebasket,
but the phrases fingered in her mind
as she brushed her hair and changed
her office uniform for a soft crepe.
Minnie would not have written IL she
did not really want her. Must have
got my address from Mrs. Piper" An
geyine thought Mrs. Piper was stor-
ing a few things that belonged to
Angevine against that time when, too
old to work, she might set up home
for herself. An old maids paradise
Of course; Minnie had the man she
had always wanted. Irony for Minnie
to ask her to come back after four
teen years and see how happy she
was with Frank.
"She wants a chance to sample my
Dead sea fruit" Angeyine thought,
as she ate the chicken, Maryland style
Mrs. Newton was a fine cook
laughed at a joke of Mr.. Everson's
and enjoyed the table decoration of
xinnlas captured from the first frost.
Her Thoughts were busy with the sub
ject of her invitation, doubtful, curl
GUS, yet tempted. By the time the
cream pie came she had decided to
take Minnie at her word. "If she
thinks I'm afraid to come I'll show her
that she is mistaken. Even II |
haven't got over the fact that Frank
Sprague threw me over for my dear
est friend l think / can mystify her a
little. And II l must take my Dead
Sea fruit along for her to inspect I'll
take only the finest specimens and
pretend prefer them to all others"
Three days later Angvine packed a
suitcase with her choicest wearing ap-
parel and began her journey of eighty
miles.
Very composed and charming in her
black tailored suit, sable stole and
hat she stepped from
the train at the Westmore station and
found Minnie Sprague's chauffeur
waiting for her. She entered the
comfortable sedan and was rapidly
driven TO the old Sprague home where
once she had hoped to enjoy life
time of usefulness as the wife of the
man she loved. AS she mounted the
steps Minnie came out TO receive her.
Accompanying her was her son, lad
Of thirteen.
Angie, dearest! I'm so glad to see
you. Come right in; Paul, please take
her suitcase to the west chamber.
Would you like to go up at once,
Angevine?'
Angevine went upstairs. The room
was lovely In Its bun and white with
a touch of blue. She sighed as she
opened her suitcase and took out her
gray crepe, her gray hose and
strapped pumps. Gray became her,
for she was dark and spirited looking.
But how pretty Minnie was Fair,
plump, white-skinned after fourteen
years. Suddenly her Dead sea fruit
seemed to crumble and show their
ashen content.
They dlned alone, Minnie, Paul and
Angevine. There was maid, evil
dence of money everywhere, from the
late Mrs. Aaron Ward roses In the
cut-glass bowl TO the soft fire in the
CRATE.
mfr 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 of from personalities. She
was interested in Angevine, but not
curious.
"You look successful and satisfied"
she said.
Angevine produced her finest specl-
men of Dead sea fruit.
IL 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 content
ed as cat that has been fed on
chicken and cream"
ooh, Frank is u great money max.
err" Minnie replied lightly.
The next morning as Angevine,
dressed in a trim serge with charm.
ing touches of scarlet, came down
stairs, door opened and Frank
Sprague appeared before her. He
stared at her unbelievingly, then came
forward with outstretched hand.
"How dc you do, Angevine? Sorr,
| couldn't be here last night to see
yop,"
Angevine replied in kind. But g..
thoughts whirled lie had moi r,.,t..