Evening star., 1940-02-18

almost tempted to pinch herself to
make sure tl1At she wasn't still
dreaming. Rarely had she received
50 much good news at the same
time. She had been Q fool, she
decided exultantly, able to laugh
now at the thoughts which had de-
pressed her for almost q week. Shel
should have guessed that girl Of
Bettys type would live to be hum
dred, accidents and illnesses net
withstanding. And as for Erica
blush Of shame stained her cheeks
she had been too hasty in her judg-
ment Of him; she should have known
that he would not fail her just
when she needed him most.
Finds Herself Hideous.
!. She wondered what time he would
arrive and glanced excitedly at the
baguette wrist watch Aunt Ella had
given her for a birthday present.
Strangely, it was still keeping per-
feet time despite the crash The
hands indicated 2:3o. Recalling
suddenly that her nurse had sonce
mentioned that the visitors hour
began at ,, she pushed herself over
to the side of the bed in order to
more easily reach into the white
enameled cabinet. She drew out
her mirror-she must look her best
for Etc.
One glance at her reflection in
the glass brought cry of disnlay
from her lips. Why, she was posi-
lively hideous! Thankful that she
had possessed the foresight to check
up on her appearance, she reached
hastily into the cabinet for her
compact and then groaned, as she
recalled she had none with her. Her
searching fingers did find q comb,
however, and she drew this out and
began tugging it through the tangles
of her wavy brunette hair.
It was difficult to perform this
job satisfactorily in lying down
position, but she did the best she
could and was pleased to learn after
another examination In the mirror
that this seemingly inadequate at
tention had considerably enhanced
her looks. Her cheeks were red with
a healthy flush, and though she
could use a little lipstick and
powder; she placed the comb and
mirror back in the cabinet, decid-
ing that there was nothing more she
could do. Surely Eric would make
some allowance for the difdQlllties
under which she had labored.
Her Aunt Arrives.
Another glance at her watch in
formed her that only i've minutes
had been consumed in this tidying-
up. But that was impossible. Her
watch must have stopped. She raised
it to her ear and was disappointed
to hear the swift, staccato tick which
denoted a perfectly adjusted me-
chanism. She heaved an impatient
sigh, but then, realizing that inn
patience would accomplish nothing,
she made a determined effort to
quiet herself. She was being q fool
again. After all, only IS minutes
more. Just then noise at the door
brought her head swiftly around
and as 1t opened to reveal Aunt Ella
happy smile came to her lips.
Remember, only Is minutes" the
trim young nurse warned "And you
must not excite Miss Warburton." !"
Young lady" Aunt Ella declared
dryly, IF an automobile accident
couldn't kill my niece I'm sure she'll
live through my visit"
The nurse opened her mouth TO
speak, but apparently deciding
otherwise. she walked out Of the
room and closed the door.
"Elaine!" Aunt Ella rushed across
the room and placing loving arms
around her shoulders. Hall crying.
half laughing. she pressed her dark
head close to her motherly bosom.
Tt was 90 worried about you.
I would have Seen you soo01e only