Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-26
THE EVENING STORY

The DRAGONS were on the wire. They
were passing that way and were perish
ing to see the much-talked-of Lakeside
and fain would stop for glimpse OF
it. Incidentally" Lalia grumbled
mentally, "for a bite of lunch"
Mrs. Dartmouth'S course was obvious.
The DRAGONS arrived and Immediately
began to amuse themselves taking in
the surrounding scenery, while Lalia
hurried together things she had brought
from home for her own lunch, not yet
having had time or opportunity to stock
her larder from the village stores or
nearby farms.
In the midst Of it all the Meachams
sailed grandly into the driveway in a
splendid new car and announced that
they were simply ravenous."
Luncheon went by fortunately with
only a few bitches, the principal one
being the emptiness Of Ladia's own
little tummy. She sat patiently waiting
for the combined surprise party to move
on, intending the drive Libbie into town
for supplies at once. Not q mention Of
going was made.
Finally Mrs. Meacham suggested that
she and Mr.. Meacham would remain
overnight and have q motor boat ride
ing noon. Immediately the DRAGONS
indicated that that arrangement ap-
pealed to them immensely, and as Lalia
had pridefully shown them over the
house previously the question OF nous
ing so many never arose. Lakeside could
take care Of IL people comfortably, with
its big stack OF ready-to-make cots re-
posing in plain sight in an areaway.
Lalia telephoned for supplies and din
ner was gotten through with, the guests
Immediately thereafter taking to the
rowboats, while their hostess did the
dishes. Hot, tired and disguised. Lalia
sat on the front porch tanning herself
when siren rang out and another car
drew up at the back steps.
1t was the Mattinglys. with their new
Airedale puppy, which looked and acted
ready to eat up anything and everything
on the place. Bud Mattingly had learned
to run the motor boat the year before,
and when he beheld it riding the water
at the pier he parked his car and chased
out to 1t. calling gayly to his wife to
hurry along II she wished to ride with
him.
That was the last straw for the long
suffering hostess of Lakeside Cottage on
Lake Penewee. She went straight to
the telephone after the Mattinglys were
out of earshot and long -distanced Ida
Stems and the next day when that
est1mable lady appeared with host Dart
her bed Immediately with severe head
ache.
The village doctor happened to have
Summer cottage less than a quarter Of
mile from Lakeside, and when he
came downstairs after having been sum-
moned to see Mrs. Dartmouth he told
the assembled multitudes that their
hostess must remain In bed for a day
or two.
so Mrs. DRAGON can wash the dish
es," Mrs. Stems announced sweetly,
nodding in that lady's direction, land
Mrs. Meacham can walk up the road
half mile for milk, while Mrs. Mat
tlngly and I shell peas and peel po-
tatoes for dinner after we do up the
beds. Mr.. DRAGON will have to drive to
town for supplies, while Mr. Mattingly
drives east half mile for chickens and
eggs. and Mr.. Meacham goes a mile the
other way for cooking apples. Harry Is
taking care Of Lalia"
oh! We were Just about to leave"
the DRAGONS and the Meachams chorus
ed in one breath, while the Mattinglys
disgustedly began the assemblyine Of
wraps and bags, not to mention the
Atredale, which already had chewed UP
one OF Lalias bedroom slippers. a cor
ner out OF Harrys overcoat and Ida
Storms best handkerchief.
Come on down. dear heart" Mrs
Stems called out to Lalia as soon as
the coast was clear IT done me duty
as seen 1t and you're going to have
at least one quiet week end at this busy
place"
THE END.
(Copyright 1921