Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-23

couldn't do H without him. They were nice
young fellows, but they always did what Nike
wanted. N was his enterprise.
She was glad that they were going to thu
LudIows' tonight, 50 that she wouldn't have
to keep thinking about that court house con-
tract. And after they arrived, it seemed 50
absurd to worry ct all. There was an ease
about the Ludlow entertaining which was vera
soothing. It was pleasant just to be in their
house. People found new and pleasant qnalt~
ties In their dinner companions because the
food was 50 delicious
THE MerTfIls were not there, though they
might have been. Blake and Ruth Warner
were, and 30 were several other couples. as wen
as the McKinnons. Celeste and Alec fitted Id
many groups. just Is Kate and Michael did
OF course. everybody had known Alec when
he was bachelor, and after his marriage -
was unavoidable that his wife should know all
his friends. Sometimes Kate wondered 80
was what Celeste had expected when she mar
ried Alec. She had been studying piano with
an idea Of going into concert work then. But
In the last I'VE years her musical talent had
faded into drawing room one-taken Ou8
and aired ct parties when other diversions were
lacking or had grown stale. Celeste never re.
fused to play. She drifted naturally to any
piano. But she played less and less as If she
did not seem to practice ct all. What nttlo
energy she had, seemed to be entirely used
up In being agreeable company. Alec was have
ing q slow time Of It In the law, and Celeste
wore her few dresses casually. as only woman
of grace and talent could, and spent her time
making people Hike her.
She played for them after dinner tonight
while the hostess made up the bridge tables
Mrs. Ludlow was IS careful about that as she
was about her other arrangements They were
playing by families tonight. The Ludlows and
McKinnons Kate and Mike, with Ruth and
Blake, and the other two couples. whose bridge
was trihe below par, at table of their own
The Warmers and the Cars were placed 90
q red morocco table IN the library, with reds
and-blue monogramnned cards in sealed packs
lying ready for them.
''well, DO We clean them, Kate?" asked
Michael.
Absolutely" said Kate gayly She meant It.
too.
It was amazing how the cards ran and how
Hates good luck held. Ruth began to get o
little edgy after the FIRST two hours. She tried
first the red cards and then the blues: she
changed chairs: she sat on her handkerchief
and pretended at was joke. But nothing
made any difference. Kate and Michael moe
only held them. but they bid them together.
Their hands Atted. Michael went out on limbs
again and again, and not one Of them cracked.
About half past IL or quarter Of he bid
and made the small slam, doubled.
Kate was beginning to get very tired.
zone more rubber" she said.
wen have TO see about that" answered
Blake. Mike looked ct Kate as If she'd said
something she shouldn't, and she knew whas
his glance meant. When they were so far
ahead it wasn't for them to suggest quitting.
She tried TO convey in an answering glance
that she hadn't had any sleep to speak Of In
three nights. bat he was no longer looking at
her. And the game went on
She played q hand brilliantly mangled the
next one and Mike came to the rescue and wo1
the rubber.
''wen." said Ruth. it's o'clock. I'll gee
my things"
Ruth had left her wrap downstairs, and Kates
Ecing up, found Celeste McKinnon coming Gus
Of one Of the bed rooms.
~Your music was nice tonight. CelestaE