Evening star., 1941-10-05

Perhaps Lois would help her solve
the problem of Esther Brice. Lois was
a direct person with rather hard wis
dom, and never minced words.
Lois arrived one afternoon, wearing
a simple but beautifully tailored black
suit, silver foxes, the sheerest of hose.
Her face, except for lipstick, was a
pale, clear olive. Joe had taken time
off to drive down to the station, and
he greeted Lois warmly. with an ad-
miring hug and kiss on her lips.
Lois, looking little startled,
drawled huskily, well i haven't
been kissed like that in years. Is it
Twin Lakes special?"
Joe grinned. "A Twin Lakes special
for my big-town sister-in-law. Lois
was going to like Joe, Virginia thought
happily.
Esther opened the door and Virginia
introduced Lois. Lois nodded care
lessly, scarcely glancing at Esther.
She looked curiously about her. THE
rooms are divine, my darlings," Lois
said. A little puzzled frown crept be-
tween her eyes, But I thought you
we're going to have it completely re-
furnished? You wrote me -"
Virginia flushed and carefully avoid
ed Joe's eyes. I'VE like it," she said
painfully. ''Of course it's not new.
not terribly modem because this isn't
a modern sort of house. but Joe re-
furnished five years ago."
Joe smiled at Lois, an easy smile.
THE house is yours for the duration
of your visit, but may l ask one tiny
favor of you? The disreputable wing
chair at the left of the fireplace is part
of me. Please don't amputate."
"Pm afraid Joe had already formed
habits when l married him, Lois"
Virginia attempted lightness. Shall
we 60 upstairs?"
Joe left them. Lois said, where's
the maid? She could help"
Virginia hesitated for moment
81 could call her, but we don't need
her, do we? TN help you unpack."
In the guest room, 'Lois faced her
sister. Il don't know. Ginny, but
there's more to this than meets the
eye. Let the back hair tumble and
cascade, darling"
''Oh, Lois" Virginia cried, 81
haven't been able to talk to anyone
about it. I'm so glad you're here"
1T can't be Joe? I've known him
for only ten minutes; but ="
VIRGINIA shook her head. "Joe's
wonderful. But here is my problem:
When Joe was married to Harriet.
Esther was indispensable to them
both. Joe is so grateful he wouldn't do
anything to hurt Esther now
whats that got to do with you?
Why don't you turn the old horse
to pasture? Give her pension, let
her live with her memories It's the
only solution
I'D like to, but after you've been
here few days you'll see why l can't"
Nonsense" Lois said scornfully.
Get a young girl, train her, and run
your own home. It's taken me only
ten minutes to see that Esther runs it
now. Where's your backbone, Vir-
ginia? You're behaving like fright
ened young bride instead of woman
with years of business experience be-
hind her. wouldn't tolerate that
family retainer in my house for an
other minute
Virginia shook her head, helplessly.
you don't know Joe. There's deep.
sincere friendship between Esther and
Joe, something that doesn't concern
me at all. If Esther liked me, things
might work out. But she hates me-"
Lois kicked off her slippers and
wriggled her toes She's probably
got a mother fixation. Nothing in
trigues me more than problem. Do
you really want my help, Virginia."
Virginia's eyes suddenly brimmed
with tears. 1--WE tried everything,
triad IN ,,,ch tho ,rohlarp acida tried