Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-03

| lengthy explanation of how he hap
pened to drop in so soon again that
Laura Immediately saw the truth. She
permitted Avis to entertain Gilbert.
which she did with much revealing of
silky lasheS and turnings of a lovely
profile. All the witchcry and charm
known to an 18-year-old were certainly
overworked that day.
Gilbert loved Avis. A more obtuse
girl than she could have seen it in his
eyes and heard it in his voice. She
knew that he was trying to hold himself
out Of an engagement until hts studies
were over, but she did not will 1t that
way: Her glistening dreams had made
Laura'S apartment an unbearable place.
At last Gilbert listened no more to
the voice of his wiser nature. He sue
cumbed. He asked Avis to marry him.
They were alone in the music room
of Laura'S apartment. The rosy glow Of
the table lamp made Gilbert's face SO
handsome that Avis glowed with pride,
knowing that he loved her. His voice
held all the romance Of all time. It
simply throbbed with love and devotion.
Avis suffered pang Of regret that she
was missing the thrill that girl ought
to feel in this moment of her life. That
was her only emotion.
She promised Gilbert that she would
marry him. Gilbert kissed her hand
with tender, gentle thankfulness. He
was anxious to talk then of their plans.
He wanted her to. go upstate with
him to visit his parents, but Avis was
nobody'S fool. She thought of his fam
lily Directing to her penniless state and
mad visions Of his mother seeing through
her little scheme.
They were married the next day.
After 1t was over, Gilbert and Avis took
the train for the home of the TrentS.
days work. Gilbert was insanely happy.
When they left the train at Gilbert's
home town. Avis expected to see a linn
CUISINE awaiting them. But there was
nothing In the way Of a greeting at the
station. Gilbert did not seem surprised
or annoyed. He Signaled the station
hack and away they rode.
And Avis had her first glimpse Of her
husbands home. She had visioned
spreading lawns, enormous trees, a
house Of majestic beauty. Instead, the
cab stopped at the door Of little house
OF nondescript color. On either side
Of it stood similar houses, Haunting
their grays and browns, their lop-sided
porcheS. Avis held herself in control
even as she observed the tiny, neglected
graSsplot and the narrow, dark alley
that separated the Trents' house from
the one along side Of it.
"IS this home?" she asked Gilbert.
Her voice was terrifying blend Of oil
and ice. It passed unnoticed. He was
transported with delight at being home
and having her with him.
He squeezed her hand. eyes" he
said. isn't it funny old shack2
You'll just love the folks
Gilbert's mother opened the door. She
was the plump maternal type Of woman
who mothers everybody who come with
in her reach. She wore a gingham
dress and her hands testified to the fact
that she'd done housework for many
years. Gilbert's father was lean, griz-
zled little man. He rushed to put on
his collar and tie when he saw Avis.
So this was Gilbert's home and his
parents! Avis could think Of nothing
but the mean trick that had been played
on her. Gilbert himself was utterly
guiltless of the deception.
He had never said or done anything
to make her believe him wealthy. The
Kingsleys had probably exaggerated the
Trents' standing when they spoke to
Laura, and Laura had unconsciously
EVERY NOW AND THEN SHE
WOULD co TO THE THEATER