The Washington times., 1935-07-27

Donetta was grateful for the in
terruption they caused.
The new guests were admitted
by the butler, and followed him
into the cheerful library, to greet
their host and hostess.
miss Betty Potter" announced
the butler. "and Mr.. Lawrence
Vane."
The group clamored around
the new arrivals, making much OF
them.
"You stole a march on US.
Betty" charged one man.
How Gomez" she laughed.
There was an awkward pause,
broken by Boobies effervescent,
light voice.
WED only just learned that
Vane was coming" he said. 1T
was q surprise for Donetta."
Betty put her arms around
Donetta, where she still stood
fighting for SeH-control, q stereo
typed smile Of greeting painted
on her face.
II think it's mighty nice tc
have q husband who thinks up
SURPRISES" she told her, land
such nice ones, too" She threw
q shy, laughing glance at Vane,
THANK you, Miss Betty, for the
kind words" Vane tried to fit
into the careless gaiety Of the
room, but the drawn lines Of his
face showed the strain under
which he lsbored. Then bowling
formally over Donetta'S hand, he
said:
MAY I hope that you are
pleased also with your husbands
thought, Mrs. Millbanks?"
AS the last two words dropped
from his lips. q flush of relief
swept Donetta'S face, her eyes
frightened, drowning out their
look Of fright.
II am most happy to welcome
you to Millbank Manor, Mr.,
Vane," she said, sweetly and for
mally. There was just the slight.
est stress placed upon his name
as she said It.
AS his head bent over her hand
again In acknowledgment, Do.
netta'S eyes once more met those
Of Bobbie Nichols-and now his
smile was wide and delighted, his
eyes bright with malice. She
could have sworn that his nose
tWtched like that Of q hound on
the scent.
CHAPTER XVI
The gaiety Of the cocktail party
before the fire, carried on into
the evening.
AS they all separated and went
to their respective rooms to dress
for dinner, Donetta followed
Betty into hers.
Il hope you like the room
have given you" she said. "Your
netghbor on one side is Bobbie
Nichols, then comes Mr.. Vane,
and right next to you on this
next side Is my room, then Schuy.
1er'S." She was so unused to re.
ferring to him casually and init,
mateIy, that she fluShed-to the
great delight Of Betty.
And next to Schuyler" she
vent on hurrtedly, rs Wilbur
Renton."
"For Heavens sakel" Betty ex.
claimed. wilbur isn't coming
here. is heP"
"Ohl I am sorry! Do you mind
very much?" Donetta was upset.
"sillyI OF course not, Not at
ALL" Betty treasured her gener.
ously. II was just sort Of startled,
that's all. I didn't know he was
coming" She paused a moment,
then: "I'll be glad to see him. Who
else is coming?"
"Well-let's see," Donetta
thought. "Mr. Renton will be here
in time for dinner, and then there's
some Baroness haven't met,
some friend Of Schuyler's, and an
elderly I-ande dame from Vienna,
I believe. Oh, yesl and Roger
Thornley,, II he gets here in time. "
Roger Thornley," Betty was
surprised and showed 1t.
Eyes. Don't you like him?"
"Sure I do. I like him fine, but
I thought he had gone to the ORR.
ent-look!" and she took from her
bag O telegraphed notice to her as
Society Editor, to the effect that
Mrs. Roger Thornley, was listed "a