Evening star., 1932-05-08


The disadvantages of having
child so attractive as Prissy
are all made up to you by the
advantages Of having one as un-
attractive as me, aren't they?"
And that was how it happened that
Henny Clark about to make the turn
into the Clements drive at that evening,
found himself halted by Mary. who stood in
the road by the gate.
A crash and moan of brakes.
III IELLo, Mary. I'm just on my way to
] pick up Prissy for the beach party
"You were you mean. You're not any more.
Prissys going with young Johnny. And-pre-
pare yourself for a big thrill-you're taking
me 1 am" and Mary swung herself into the
seat beside Kenny without bothering to open the
door IAN antidote"
Anti what? club member, ymean?
Somebody who tells other people they can't
drink. smoke, chew, or play any games except
croquet or grandpa? No, thanks. Get out
again. my girl"
mock panic but Mary's sunburned hand
stopped him.
"Antidote, I said. Against coting. It's very
simple. Mothers afraid you'll go doting on
Prissy, who is being kept for larger game. So
I'm sent to head it Off It's been proved to
Henny cast a curious glance at Mary. 1t was
the first time he had ever really looked at her,
for all the years he had known her What
he saw made him plunge the car full speed
ahead, remarking with loud cheerfulness:
Its only in the Elsie books that mother
knows best. And for goodness sake don't cry
about it. These are my best white fannels and
I think salt water might shrink en-"
He gszed tactfully ahead at the hard sand
road. And then, just at the wrong minute
he turned to speak. There was jsr-a yelp-
and rolling in the ditch behind them was a
small yellow dog. puppy. He must have
been draggled and dirty before Now he was
bloody besides. 1t Mary who picked him
up.
Gosh. what careless thing to do! never
hit anything before. Poor little beast! Is he
much hurt, do you tlink?"
Marys hand searched the squirming little
body tenderly and skillfuly.
only his paw" she announced, land that's
not as bad as it looks. Here-give me your
handkerchief"
A deft twist, and the white linen covered the
bloody fur. BY the time they had reached the
village drug store the little mongrel had quieted
down in Mary's lap without q whimper he
let her wash and bind his paw-an operation
she performed to the admiration of the drug
gist.
Oscar was installed cozily on a rug and fed
with bacon and milk when they finally got to
the beach.
When the business of eating was over the
beach party disposed itself to the much more
important business of watching the moon, sail
above the ocean. business which should be
carried on in very special company
Henny ignored the open invitation of Prissy
and adroitly escaped the attentions of q couple
of other females of the party to drop his lean
six feet on the rug beside Mary
How are you now, Auntie?"
"Auntie ?"
"Anti-dote. In person. thought you said"
"Oh, well Don't bother now. Just cut loose
among the innocent victims. Then you can
take me hcsne and you'll be as calm as a monk
again
Sure, you're an antidote? I begin to
wonder"
"Oh, don't bother to be gallant Henny"
"I won't" said Henny. And there he stayed
till the party broke up.
At 10 the next morning he announced to q
n none too cordial Mrs. Clement that he
had come to take Mary sailing
"Prissy's out she remarked absently
ssNdary said Marv-yoai know Mrs.