Evening star., 1933-05-07

IN their gay tangled world Of shifting rela-
tionships they stood out as . fairy tale.
The Kents. They were too handsome and
happy to avoid attention. Muriel Kent
didn't wish to; Oliver didn't notice-at
first.
OF the two, Muriel Kent was the more self
conscious. She knew that there never was
q woman who could have more than she. Her
awareness Of privilege was almost terrible. for
somewhere lay hidden the fear that it might
be snatched from her.
Against such danger she trained habits
around them like vines to thicken year by
year. The pause at the door to lift her small
shining head for q kiss. Dancing certain
dances together. Her eyes seeking his over the
silver and flowers Of dining tables. Sharing
their world, their friends. his work.
She often thought how fortunate 1t was that
Oliver happened to be an architect, a profess
sion In which she could help and advise him.
He had noble and impractical ideas when he
came back from the Beaux Arts. For his own
good she had to seem selfish when he spoke
of the enterprise Of the West and the chance
Tor young men In new cities. Quite impossible,
Of course She was sure that he understood
now that he had built those lovely houses on
Long Island and in Palm Beach. And every
one said. If you're going to build, you must
meet the Kents."
ried her. He shouldn't look so tired at the
beginning Of the Winter season, even II they.
did 60 out q lot. The going out was q neces-
sary part Of his career.
One day when he had a headache, he said
abruptly. Il wish you wouldn't. Muriel"
wouldn't what, dear?"
"sit there staring at me as If I were dying.
Didn't Harriet expect US to drop IN for q
cocktail? Why don't you go?"
I'D rather not, darling" He should have
made an effort. He knew that Harriet de
Witt was planning house in Palm Beach next
Winter.
\A/1TH Jane Reeves coming to town every
w thing seemed to grow more dificult
Muriel only vaguely remembered Jane as a
name connected with divers Beaux Arts days.
He and Jane, 1t now appeared, considered
5 themselves old friends.
Muriel meant to be very tactful about It.
But she was secretly set against the girl. And
when she met Jane Reeves. she was not dis
armed by the clear straight gaze from brown
eyes, the wholesome freshness and frankness
Of young woman who treated Oliver with
the affectionate ease Of past comradeship and
the assumption Of renewed intimacy
"shes . peach, isn't she, Melov?" He looked
90 very young and eager that morning.
"A nice girl" she murmured over her break
fast tray. Wen give q little dinner for her."
she added In . tone that solved q not-too-
important problem.
II told her to come in and take pot luck
with US tonight" he said. watching her.
Oh, did you?" She poured . second cup
Of coffee before she spoke. I'm so sorry, but
we have dinner on tonight. We're dated up,
you know, every night this week. Perhaps
tea"
you would keep an evening or two open.
James been looking forward to seeing Us q
lot"
He hdgeted at her dressing table. "IT run
around and see her before lunch. She wants
me to help her find an apartment"
I'VE have an appointment at II with Cora
Ellis" she reminded him sweetly. II promised
her you'd help her pick out some rugs. And
we're lunching with the Devons." She had
him hemmed in with engagements which ordi-
narily he would have welcomed,
II wish you'd consult me sometimes when
you make these dates" he said moodily. and
strolled to the door without his usual kiss
That afternoon he took Jane Reeves for .
walk and brought her back to tea.
We've had the grandest talk-just like old
times" Jane sparkled, pink-cheeked, red
tipped.
James been telling me about some friends
af hers In st. Louis" He was flushed, excited.
"Muriel we don't realize here what they're do
ing In other cities. I'd like to 60 out there
and see for myself"
His old dream. She shrugged it Of lightly
with smile. Rather far, isn't it,"
I'VE don't think anything of going to Eu-
rope. A lot Of stale ruins"
Her heart sounded alarms Most Of our
houses are inspired by those ruins
"Oh-houses Of the rich!"
"ONrer's right" Jane had positive way Of
speaking. The architecture Of the future is
right here in our country"
II daressy. Won't you have some tear"
Her manner closed the subject. She would