The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-04-09

IDENTIFY served as living room as
well, was crowded with furniture
A large square table occupied the
center of the room, a Sideboard
flanked with dishes was damned
in a corner, two rockers and an
easy chair were grouped around
the windows at the rear.
"You sit at my left, opposite
Marie, please, Edward" Julie
said. She took her place at the
head of the table. and Charlie
took his at the foot.
IF I had known what an oc-
casion this would be. I'd have
done BETTER" she continued. LAS
it was, I did the best I could on
short notice. We have real good
delicatesSen up the avenue, You
understand I can't do much, be-
ing a business woman and Marie
never took much interest. Maybe
she'll change now. I hope so, for
your sake"
Marie'S eyes were on her plate.
Edward looked across the center
piece Of dollhouse roses and
maiden hair, to her. He was self
conscious and angry. He wished
he hadn't come. He knew it would
be q mistake to tell. and another
mistake to come for dinner. But
what could he do2
At the conclusion Of each course
Julie got up and went into the
kitchen. Marie gathered up the
dishes, and followed her. Once
or twice Charlie opened his mouth
as if to speak, but words failed
him.
Finally Julie appeared with ice
cream and cake, and Marie with a
tray of coffee cups. The end was
in sight.
IT suppose we should have had
fruit cake, for a wedding cake"
Julie said.
Again Marie's eyes were on her
plate. Edward stirred his coffee
and slipped it gratefully. He was
finding q little comfort in it's
warmth and strength, when his
new mother-in-law spoke again.
'Well," she said, I'VE may as
well get down to business"
Charlie cleared his throat.
Have a cee-gar?" he asked Ed.
ward. He displayed row of five
in his vest pocket.
Thanks, 1 WILL" said Edward
who hated cigars.
They Lit them Solemly.
Marie reached for pack Of
cigarettes on the sideboard be-
hind her, passed them to her
mother.
Thanks" Julie said. She took
one, tapped it viciously on the
table, but she didn't light it.
Il hope needn't pretend to be
pleased about this strange mar.
riage of yours" she told Edward.
well, it was fast work." he
admitted. And in spite of him
self, a little smile played around
the corner Of his lips.
"Fast and what else?"
REALLY, Mrs. Alexander - x,
cuse me, mean Mrs. Bronson
I'm not trying to be funny!
just mean that it was-fast Love
at first sight. after a year of cor
reSpondence. I'm no poet, but it
was the same with Robert Brown.
ing and Elizabeth Barrett, you'll
remember, and"
IF you don't mind. We'll skip
the Brownings," Julie said.
Marie isn't much more than a
child, and I'd like to know a
little more about her husband
and her husbands background
than I know about you. You
must admit that"
"But I know ALL about Ed.
ward! I've told you and TOLD
you!" 49,.
Edward squeezed his brides
hand, under the table. IS h e
really does know the story of my
life, Mrs. Bronson. Of course
I'm not rich, or famous, or any
thing Of the kind. But assure
you I'm perfectly respectable per
son and if there's nothing in
particular to be proud of, there's
nothing to be med Of
either!"
"Now you see, dear?" Charlie
said. GIVE the kids a chance!'
Julie flushed angrily. do vol
mind telling me why this mar
rage is such a heavy Secret?"
IT told you, mother"
I'm asking Edward"
''Well," Edward said, "the idea
was that we're in love, and We
wanted to harry. You believe
in that, don't you?"
II co." Julie sad, tapping the
cigaret.
The idea of keeping it secret
was that I hadn't expected to