Evening star., 1938-01-10
CHAPTER X.

ShAf1Ln ~.
-HE next day Iris followed PATHS
advice and slept until almost
noon. She awakened to see
i the warm sun slanting through
the Venetian blinds, casting a mod
ernistic pattern across the rosy silk
Of her spread.
She stretched luxuriouSly. How
good it felt to lie and rest for while!
The apartment was quiet and she de-
cided that the maid must be through
with her cleaning by this time, and
called to her.
Marie came in quickly. Smilingly
she asked, Did you sleep well?"
Like baby" Iris answered, push
Ing her curls behind her ears and
reaching for her mirror.
you have had two calls Your
brother and a Mr.. Curtis. Mr.. Cur
tbs called twice and left his number
the last time"
Iris reached for the telephone be-
side her bed She called Hanks num-
Der.
i
know I've been neglecting you and
Cathie terribly"
Just so you pay up. young lady.
Cathie is pining away for you. And
even little Hank misses you. I don't
see why you had to go and get an
apartment of your own when you
know how we'd love to have you"
hnt rly h,,t
honestly. my hours are so hectic that
no one could bear to put up with me-"
Aunt Prue called and she's in
dither! We could hardly make head
or tail OF what she was saying, but
We finally found out that she and you
are sailing for Europe next week. Is
that right?"
Iris laughed merrily. Don't sound
~ aggrieved, darling I knew it only
last night or Id have told you Oh,
PATHS mentioned it, but l didn't
know It was settled until last night"
"All right, Ill forgive you this time.
Is it true that Roger Vashe is sailing
on the same boat?"
Yes, isn't it nice?"
Mice? 1 think it's perfect. AS
head of the family, I won't have to
worry so much about you two women!"
Hank, you're an idiot" Iris chided.
And how did you find that the man
IN question is so dependable?"
I've been around a little. Say,
Cathie and want you to come over
right away. You will, won't you?"
"Of course. I'm coming right after
lunch"
Iris took her shower and dressed
before she called Dana. She felt
In need OF her coffee and Marie
brought her tray in and set it up by
the fireplace. Iris thumbed through
fashion magazine and read her
mail before she picked up the receiver.
Danas voice was sulky from hav-
Ing been kept waiting so long. Won't
you have lunch with me today?"
Il can't, Dana. I'm sorry, but I'm
having breakfast just now I won't
be eating any lunch and have so
many things to do"
why don't you just say that you
don't want to see me?"
"Oh, but I do That is, I mean
that isn't the reason. I really am
busy. I'm getting ready to go away
for about three weeks"
Running away?'
Certainly not. Patti is sending me
to Paris"
"Oh. Then it isn't just because of
last night?"
Without quite knowing why, Iris
suddenly replaced the receiver. And
Immediately it rang. Then it rang
again and again. but Iris only mo-
toned to Marie that she was not to
answer it.
An hour later boy brought in a
long box which proved to be roses.
Iris looked at the card and read two
short words, Forgive me-"
Dana was so unpredictable Iris
shrugged her shoulders and put on
her coat and hat AS she stepped
into the lobby from the elevator Dana
rose from divan and hurried to meet
her. He was smiling and held out
his hand. She could do nothing but
place her own in it.
Even If you can't eat any lunch
you can drink cup of tea. I've got
q pot a-brewing, and you can't refuse"
Dana picked out small isolated
restaurant and led her to a table we'll
hidden by great fern. He picked
up Iris small gloved hand
Il know that I've been acting quite
ka mt
you? You know what's wrong, don't
you. Irs?"
why, no." she answered honestly.
"Just plain downright jealousy.
The green-eyed monster has attacked
me"
Iris was confused. But why?" she
parried.
Don't be = baby, Iris. Any one
can see with half an eye that Roger
vashe Is quite gone on you. Why,
It's oil one hears. Have you seen
The Eye Opener this morning."
mo. I haven't read the papers.
That columnist makes me furious!
Why doesn't he keep his nose out Of
other peoples business?"
Dana laughed. my dear, that's
how he makes his living. Anyway,
the item am referring to is honey.
He leaves nothing to imagine"
Iris eyes shot sudden sparks. If
Roger hears, I'll bet someone gets
himself all mussed up over this
You're awfully pretty when you're
mad. Iris"
did Miriam see the column?"
"Of course not. She's never awake
until IL. And she really wouldn't
care anyway. She's too busy; she's
making plans and seeing decorators
every day to have our penthouse done
over Tell me more about your trip"
Iris studied the tips of her rosy
nails. There isn't much to tell. Patti
is sending me because she doesn't
want to leave just now. Aunt Prue
is going along, and I think we'll have
very nice time"