The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-08-08
SenOB! Ia! e
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When Sheila reached the pension
she found that Raoul had called
her five times. The sixth message
came as she reached the top of the
stairs. His voice was anxious but
tender.
Mother wishes you to have tea
with her" he said. Il hope you
won't disappoint her. Sheila. II
you will take taxi TO my home
I will join you there later"
He did not ask where she had
been and Sheila did not tell him
but she knew he was worried for
fear she had been making ar
engagements to go home. She
agreed TO the engagement with
his mother for two reasons.
First because she really wanted
to see the older woman again.
Second because she suspected that
his mother would not know her
son and his fiance had quarrelled.
To refuse would call for unnec-
essary explanations. But when she
entered the elegant Gastalu home
sheila decided her supposition was
wrong.
Raoul had evidently confided in
his mother sufficiently to enlist
her cooperation. How much she
had been told Sheila did not know
but the soft sweet charm of the
dark-eyed sonora was as deliber-
ate in its own way as the less
subtle method of Mildred.
The room into which Sheila was
directed was an upstairs sitting
room with thick beige rug, dusty
rose hangings and delicately
wrought French period furniture.
Every single detail from the prints
on the wall TO the cabinet filled
with priceless objects dart was
correct. Entirely feminine It was
the epitome of luxury and comfort.
A perfect background for the
smooth skinned. lovely lady who
wore the most exquisite cream
colored tea gown Sheila Clayton
had ever seen.
Silky Hair
Her small, dainty hands flashed
with jewels. Her hair with sim
gle streak of gray over each tenn
pie WAS silky as ravens wing.
The girls are at the hair dress
ers," she explained kissing Sheila
lightly on both cheeks, adding that
she thought IL would be an ideal
time for them to become better
acquainted.
The room was fragrant with the
scent Of yellow roses.
They are my favorites," Seniors
Gastalu said. My husband sends
them to me every week"
While tea was being served the
conversation remained impersonal
but the moment Sheila entered
this room she had relaxed.
1t was as IL the world with its
problems and struggles was shut
out. Here was nothing but beauty
and comfort. The hot tea, tho
delicious little cakes and SLOW
graceful movements of the seno
ra's jeweled hands were like .
drug To the girls jaded nerves.
When the servant had left tn,
room the older woman said
"Raoul tells me you are be
trothed."
Sheila could not deny II. Thi'
peaceful environment was not the
place 10 confide her disillusion
ment. Besides she could not hur'
Raouls mother when she was be
ing so gracious 10 the girl her sor
had asked TO be his wife. 81
Sheila answered in the affirma
tive and was rewarded by a ga,
little smile.
Fine Man
He Is fine man." Raoull
mother declared. 'Raoul is hk'
his father. He will make you I
kind and considerate husband.
have been very happy. My life ha
been a beautiful one. My only sor
rows the deaths OF my dear par
, ents and a little infant son"
ANY one can see that by look
: ing at you" Sheila said sincerely
Il think it's very unselfish Of yo1
? - - vyilline for Rao,tl 70 r.arv-