The Washington times., 1937-02-09
By LLOYD G. DOUGLAS

would nave Deen Ql1leTellI'
There was a little silence, and
Phyllis. coming to a tt n t. n,
seemed struggling with a desire
to say something more - some
thing that was difficult to express,
Would you mind if I asked
you a question: she entreated.
Yes" replied the dean. IF it's
the question 1 think you are going
to ask, I would, indeed, mind
very much You mustn't"
"No-I suppose not" She
frightened a little and began tug
ging on her gloves. Forgive me
won't you-for asking?"
"You didn't ask. Phyllis"
That's true" She rose to go.
Wen be seeing you tonight
at our dinner?" said the Dean.
She nodded. patted his hand,
and crossed the room. At the
door, she paused, smiled, and SAID
softly. I'm glad he wanted to
tell you all about it."
In her gentle and modest way
Mrs. Crandall felt that she was
an efficient hostess. and enjoyed
a secret pride in her accomplish
mentS at the buzzer-end OF Dean
Harcourt's table.
Because they we're interesting
out-of-toWners, it was clear enough
that Professor Patricia Arlen and
Miss Elise Graham should be
seated at their hosts right and
left. The distinguished lawyer
whom the SinclairS were bring
ing-probably a business friend
of Mr.. Sinclair-might find Miss
Arlen an enjoyable companion.
Sonia Duquesne, whose sparkling
Small-talk could be counted on,
should assist in this entertain
ment of Mr.. Corley, with DR.. Nor
wood at her right. of course. but
these two must not be separated.
Doubtless thei r friendship had
flourished amazingly by this time.
The Robert Sinclairs, man and
wife, Mrs. Crandall proposed to
take care of herself, for she
wanted to discuss with them the
urgent need of new rug for the
larger parlor in the Parish House.
Mr.. Talbot, at the right of Mr..
Sinclair, would be primed in ad-
vance to assist her in this worthy
cause, and since Talbot wouldn't
relish the job she would put
Phyllis Dexter next him as a re-
ward of merit. Simpson, on the
other side of Phyllis. could amuse
this Miss Graham whenever the
Dean might be engaged in
learned talk with Professor
Miss Graham was demonstrating
a guileless gladnesS that would
have made a surly cinic of Polly
anna. Elise had. it appeared, been
just now in receipt of much adula-
ton for her singing on Sunday.
She accepted the applause very
prettily, and began replying to
queries, the Deans first, who
wanted to know something about
life in little Leeds; and Simpsons,
who hoped she would give them the
high lights in her recent Spectacu-
lar debut in Louisville. Perhaps II
was the proprietorial complacency
of Mr.. Corley's expression that de-
t6mined EliSes decision to share
her honors with her valued friend,
Hathan Parker, who, she gratefully
conceded was responsible for her
success, and without whose timely
assistance she might have gone on
for life unrecognized She spoke
his name softly, CareSsingly.
Tell them about him, dear"
urged Mrs. Sinclair, Il think it is
SO interesting" she added, init
mately and with promising little
mods to Sonia, whose eyes She had
happened to pick up at the mo-
ment..
"Well-to make long story of
it" began Elise, girlishly ingenu-
Gus. Nathan Parker mysteriouSly
dropped in at Leeds, late last fall,
on no particular errand, accom-
panied by a valuable red setter"
Il say" piped Mr.. Talbot's Oxon-
ian treble. Dashed if that isn't
odd! Wasn't that the chaps
name, sir, you said would return
to claim a dog he'd left here yes
terday? He must have done so
while I was out"
Dean Harcourt seemed unim-
pressed by this coincidence, return
ing his attention Immediately to
Miss Graham, implying with a nod
that her narrative had the right
of way.
And lived at my Uncle Clay
Brooks hotel" continued Elise
dryly, the Interruptions seemed
to have damped her enthusiasm.
"NatUralIy-We met, and-well"
she heSitated, lowered her eyes
Shyly, and groped her way
chats about all there is to it.
Nat took an interest in my voice
and arranged everything for my
recital in Louisville And my
grandfather liked him so much
that-that we saw quite a lot of
him" There was another pause,
accompanied by a delicious tell
tale confusion which fetched a
hiPh-keyed "Ah-ha" from the