Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-12-28

Pauline, were having a pleasant
! l. time making out list of women
| whom they wished to invite to
an afternoon tea, which they had been
planning for long time. On snowy
afternoon in coy room, no more de-
llghtful occupation could be conceived
OF than this, of making arrangements
for party, Emily was listing names
at the old-fashioned splnet desk while
Pauline at the window glanced up and
down the street trying to decide on
| the next?
"There's Mrs. Wilson," she said,
1--WE mustn't forget her."
"rve got her down." Emily nibbled
her pencil thoughtfully. She was the
younger Of the two sisters, slender
graceful woman past middle age.
Pauline closely resembled her. Added
to their good looks they had the re-
flnement and dignity that comes from
quiet ways, plenty of means and a
taste for culture.
"And Maud KellyT suggested Paul
Inc.
"Yes."
There was silence while they both
thought and thought In a mutual anx-
iety to leave no one Of their neighbors
out. Suddenly Emily gave little
start.
"ohl There's Mrs. Spicklel" she
exclaimed.
Mrs. Splcklel" Pauline looked
slightly alarmed. "Ohl Yes IL sup
pose we mustn't leave her outT"
at wouldn't be kind" Emily said.
"She might feel hurt. And we are
quite safe to ask her, dear. She new
er goes out anywhere"
81 know she doesn't, poor thing"
Pauline. sighed. "Well, we will ask
her then. Has she telephoneT
"rll see," Emily rummaged in the
directory. mo. She hasn't tele-
phone. Well have to send her note.
VIII you write it2 You have a gift
for notes"
Pauline wrote the note on her dain-
TEST stationery and committed 1t to
the postman. OF course she could
have run down the street to the hid
eOus green-and-yellow house where
Mrs. Splckle resided, but 1t was easier
to send a note. Besides, the sight of
that house showing against the fresh
snow gave her an absurdly bilious
sensation.
In all that neighborhood Mrs. Spic-
kle was the one odd member. She was
woman Of middle age, childless, with
husband who humored her foolishly.
Old Mrs. Grant said Joe Spickle
couldn't have existed moment If he
hadn't humored Eunlce. Still, nobody
was sorry for him. He was the kind
of man made to be bossed by wOm-
an. Just lately he had received
great sum OF money through the death
of relative, and everybody was won
derlng what good this new fortune
would do them. Certainly Eunice
would never spend any of II, either
upon herself or other people. She
was woman of narrow and selfish
habit of life whom most people avoid
ed But she was a nelghbor, In the
eyes of the Bartletts, and as such
must not be overlooked.
Having done their duty by Mrs.
Splckle the sisters went on with the
preparations for their party which
was to take place the next afternoon.
Their pretty, Old-fashiOned cottage
had most gracious air of hospitality
at any time, and with few flowers
used decOratlvely II expressed
charming festlvlty. Cakes were baked,
ice cream ordered, and the best china,
linen and silver brought forth.
BY the following afternoon the SIS
tiers had received acceptance to all
their invitations save one, Mrs Spic.
ke had as yet made no sign.
"The poor thing hated to say she
couldn't come, may be-" Pauline said.
ut doesn't matter. We didn't really
expect her"
At three the sisters we're ready to
receive their guests. Excitement tint
ed their pretty faces with sweet
color and made their blue eyes
sparkle.
The guests arrived by twos and
| threes There was hustle of wraps
being removed, compliments, gay con
versation.
Somebody had just started the old
fashioned game OF gossip when the
doOrbel rang loudly, imperlously. EN-
| lily excused herself and whisked to the
door. She opened It, gasped, and tried
to pull her features into the proper
expression of welcome.
II was Mrs Spickle who stood there
"Guess you're surprised to see me !"
she said. But thought I'd come and
make you twice gIad-glad when !
came and glad when | went away"
81 am sure you have made a real
effort, and | am glad to see you" En-
lily said. "Just go upstairs, please,
the room to the right-and leave your
things"
Mrs. Spickle went upstairs She
was gone long time, Emily waited
for her, It was cold In the hall and
her flesh grew goose pimply She
could hear Mrs. Splckle moving about.
"What can she be dOlngf Emily
asked herself. She thought she heard
bureau drawer open and close. 1t
couldn't be-No! OF course not. She
was ashamed Of entertaining such a
horrld suspicion.
Presently Mrs. Splckle appeared at
the head of the stair. At sight Of her
Emily gave another gasp. Mrs. Splckle
was brave In her best 6nery-a green
taffeta skirt, red blouse, very short
OF sleeve and low Of neck, white can
vas pumps and carelessly trailing