Evening Star Newspaper, December 26, 1929, Page 24

This Strange Adventure By Mary Roberts Rinehart Copyright, 1929, by North American Newspaper Alliance and Metropolitan Newspaper Service. SYNOPS!S any & unspeagaviy duil. Mre. Cotlas " ionores Missie’s step-sister Eilen and the pirl is cut of from every ome she has known, but something ~pleasant happens very unmez- pectedly, TENTH INSTALLMENT. IFE—surging, happy, romantic life—had begun for Missie. On an errand the day before she hld met Harry Sloane, met and lked with him. And there had been a new look in Harry's eyes bs he gzaed down at her. “I hardly knew you, you've done something to yourself “I've put my hair up,” she told him vely P But you're prettler. Youre awfully I mean it. Can I come to see She told him and he seemed im- pressed. He knew of the Colfaxes, of Everybody knew of the Col- But look here, it wasn't pos- that they would shut her up like that! Anyhow, she could get out. They tould take some walks together. Now lhu‘d found her, he wasn't going ta let er go. And all the time her poor, silly heart beating like mad, her color like a rose, her eyes shining, hep resentment gone. Gone, too, Stello's warnings, her pre- tept and example. “I'm coming around and ring the floorbell some night, anyhow. They tan’'t do more than throw me out!” “Oh, please! Please don't, Harry!" “Some of these days you'll hear a scuffie and a thud. I'll be the thud!” ‘When she left him she had forgotten fo mail her letter. She had to go back in. wg'nfmportmt. after that catastrophic meeting, the letters to Cecily Stanwood. Missie no longer cared to go to sleep at night. She preferred to lie there the darkness and dream dreams. She was in love! The sun rose, the birds sang, the dull daily life went on to that refrain. Each walk now was an ad- venture; every head that rose above its fellows might be his. Forgotten was the girl that night under the trees. There was only Harry looking down at her with soft, faintly girlish hazel tyes and saying more with nmn uun his words implied—saying pretty, fidgeting a bit with hll hlndl, watching her. Every night, her hair smoothed, she listened for the doorbell. She would watch the clock—7:30, a quarter to 8, B, a quarter past. Adelaide rolling paper spills, her grandmother knitting, trect in her chair, a deadly hush over everything; and herself a tense young fgure, her muscles quivering as the hands of the clock moved on and at a guarter after 8 drawing a long breath, ivering a liitle as if with cold, and pe gone again. He never came. Her first Christmas with Sarah and elaide was uneventful. Sitting in T room Missie remembered other Christmases — Stella’s Christmases. pothing done until a day or two before, then a wild scramble. Stella coming in puffing, her arms full of bundles. “If I catch you girls peeping under L.Ilzi bed there’ll be trouble. Mind g A ‘mysterious odor of evergreen when 'fl! opened the cellar door. - “Mom, can I go down and get some You stay right here. I'll get it my- On the night before Christmas tella’s cewing machine would start. It like her to dress the dolls at the st minute. It would start and stop ickly, as if it had sewed a very short m, and the little girls would listen id know just what she was doing. etimes they could Rear their father ken and grumble and hear her reply- I‘nx lhl.‘rply, and at dawp, in their vering little n;um would steal down the stairs to the cold parlor. There would be the trees strung with popcorn and threaded cranberries, and paper cornucopias filled with hard candy, and underneath would be the dolls, dressed d ticketed in Btella’s writing: “To Ellen, from Santa Claus.” “To Mijssie, from Santa Claus.” She made a pincushion for her grand- Escbher and since Adelaide was always losing her keys, & key rack for her. This last was very handsome. It cin- pisted of & rolling pin, gilded and Wi!h small brass hooks screwed into it. she had tled pink bows to each )undle n by which to hang it brought forth exclama- tions of delight Xmm Norah, the house- taid. ell now,” she said, “if that isn't &:ee t shines something ‘wonderful, sn't 16? And it's useful, tool” Although her sppreciation, there was little or no Christmas spirit in the house that day. Mrs. Colfax gave her a copy of Schil- ler's poems and Adelaide gave her | Pope, the total result of which was a Idisllke of poetry which lasted almost all her lite. The truth, and she was to know it ; |later, was that the two women were \won-:ea and anxious about money. The | panic of 1893 was approaching, with its bread lines and its unemployed, cold and hungry, seeking shelter in the sta- tion houses, where they lay on the floor, covered with newspapers for warmth. They had welcomed the excuse of Stella’s death as offering them a year or so o( mlu.ulon Queer that Stella dying h served them when Stella living 'h.ld been an intolerable t«nfi:dy to them. They still had a few callers, elderly women in handsome calling cos- tume, for calling was still a function. One dressed for it. They came in, portly figures or lean ones hidden under a vast redundancy of clothing. Wherever a silhouette threatened to emerge, save at the waist, it was hldden under shirrings, ruchings, ostrich bands, lace flounces. They sat for the conventional 15 min- utes, rose with all their encumbrances of clothes, trains and card cases and moved out with the overwhelming de- liberation of battleships. Yss, Stella’s death h-d served Sarah well There was no entertaining. Now and then Mr. MacDonald came to_ dinner, bringing with him—he was always a few steps in advance of her—a thin, gfi:flmfl wife. uslhc l’w“ L an erefore, supposed to be delicate. she apparently enjoyed her condition, carried small knitted shawls about with her and had Missie tuck pillows about her back. “I am not strong, you know,” she would say plaintively. By her fragility she kept her husband under control. It was like & weapon in her hands against him. Years later Missie was to hear that she drank vine- gar in secret to reduce herself to the last stages of attenuation. After dinner Mrs. Colfax and the lawyer would shut themselves in the library and long and hard were the in | battles fought there. “Just how much have you sent Bert this year?” “Very little. But I cannot live here in comfort and let him suffer.” “You'll not be living here very iong ;mless you let him stand on his own eet.” One night he tfled to explain to her. The country was in bad shape; com- :e‘rcl:ln' and bank failures were increas- comprehe) does Adelaide do with her bit of money?” he d “She puts it in the sa " “Then tell her to hold onto it,” he said Ahorfly “She may need it, if things keep uj But Adelnlge as Missie have told them, was not hol onto it. ‘Winter house died before her eyes. tiny blue gas points dimly lighted the parlors and the drawn, the world was shut out. Amr a time she ceased lisf tor the door- bell at 8 o'clock. She gth'gxe,r‘n hands folded in hzrul:p ln'f ore alpitating life ouf side; try not to 'h&k One thi ening of tried, an nlmolt physical Donlm:twn about her 'm.va you seen any of the old friends?” “(;)116 mu indeed! I never knew (Continued in Tomorrow's Star.) Sentences Commuted. ALBANY, N. Y., December 26 (#).— Six convicts in New York suu prisons received as Christmas State a commutation of thel.r sen- tences. Gov. Roosevelt announced the commutations Tuesdsy. COUGHING STOPPED OHWIM‘M. ca of “Hermes” braided bags of genuine calfskin in back strap and long handle pouch styles. Colors—brown, tan, green and black. Silk lined with inside frame purse and fitted with mirror. BELKERs 1314 F St. N.W. THE EVENING S Handkerchiefs A marvelous lot quality handkerchie! ones for women. wool, full-fashioned hose. Mussed and Soiledl/2 0“ For Men, Women, Children Originally 10c to $1.50 Now 5c to 75¢ al n and fancy borders for for children. Handkerchiefs—Street Floor Outstanding Values All.Silk Full- Fashioned Hose 95¢ Pr. | Ordinarily $1.50 and $1.65 .. D k ‘. : . s . hi FoamelimaSandl cria sl s A AN Only 390 pairs—you'd better come early for t k chiffon, with picot tops; service. Street Floor Chinchilla} Tams 145 Price chinchilla Fifth Floor Room Size Rugs *16.95 (11) Beautiful velvet pile rugs, in tan and taupe grounds that look well with every color scheme; in Fifth Floor Remnant Drape Fabrics, Now 19¢ yd Enameled Kitchen Chairs, 2% yl"ow—- cheery addition to any kitchen; originally Sixth Floor AR, WASHINGTON, D. C., more than 1,000 =« d, plain, i and tams, in shades to match chinchilla coats; suitable for boys or (24), were Remnants Inlaid Linoleum Reduced *1.25 Sq. Yd. R-mnnt- of our high-grade linoleum: ; quality that sold for $2.15 square Warm Blankets of fine all- imum warmth; &i ; brown block plaid design; origi- Sln 0x80 inches. Third Floor Save (100) MEN'S WHITE BROADCLOTH SHIRTS, collar-attached and neck- b.nd styles; htly leo $1.29. broken sizes. (450) WOMEN'S COT- TON JERSEY DRESSES, in green, blue, tan, rose, and only (050 PRS.) WOMEN'S SHOES, patents, s. Friday only (100) G 69¢c. Friday only.. Beautiful Ger: girl 63), were $3.45; now $1.72— 97c-—(66), were $2.45; now $1.22—(67), — were $1.45; now 72 Bo: Shop—Sireet Fi ‘Was dw‘ ~ loor widow to nd o lemanded finally. . vings bank. o et long. WW Ubrary; shides ware itabl pantry, bathroom and -nnn -t- ‘would sit quietly. medlll Seamless Velvet L] n she ol designs that will go in any room. Rugs that sold for $24.95. rom the L] L] (500 yds.) Olmn[ a spl d selection of useful ! the s t! L] L] (18) Attractive panel-back ch sturdy emough for hard kitchen use; enameled and bright red or CHILDREN’S SHOES, low and high styles of pat- ent leather and calfskin; some with crepe soles. ‘BJuI: and tan, broken sizes. ere $1.89 to $2.69. Friday only 31-39 (75) MISSES’ AND WOMEN’S DRESSES, flat tins and novelty ted colors, hn s 14 to . Were $3.95 to 35. Friday only. . 92,95 (20) WOMEN 'S COATS, from 40 to 46; of roadcloths, lined and Im;d| l-;ltri-m ed. 10 to $1S. Friday only..... s3 50 BOYS’ FLANNEL SUITS, novelty button-on models, in bl--7nd‘|vn-; izes 3 to . ere Friday only.... 44c THURSDAY, China and Glassware Priced to Go! (1) OBLONG AQUA- RIUM. Was $4.95. $2.95 Friday only l{,.’i';s chBLE AQUA.- Rl . ere $2.49. Friday only $1-49 (48) METAL CANDLE HOLDERS. Were 50c. loc Friday only....... (¢] EXTRARLIARGE TA- BLE ACQU : UM. Was $4.95. Friday only 32-95 RS2 SASSEROLES AND AMES. ere $4.95. Friday only 81-95 v §1), SILVER DEPOSIT ASES. Were $1.95. Friday only $1.00 5&2) BOTIER FLOWER . Were $4.95. Friday only 92,49 (s8) 2-GAL. TABLE AQUARIUMS, in attractive drum sha; .dw Bowl and sturdy stand. ‘ere $295. Friday only.. 91,95 (1) DINNER CHIME. ::l.; $9.00. Friday 34.50 (1) DINNER CHIME. - e T (1) DINN RCHIME Was $11. only ... Sixth Floor Lamps Greatly Reduced! (6) WOOD BRIDGE LAMPS. Origi ly $7.50. only (2> METAL 2.LIGHT JUNIOR LAMPS. Were S 10. Friday s 4.9 5 I.A(MIP) ‘P#ET‘AL TABLE . as $10. Friday only $4.95 (4) TABLE LAMPS, with shy . Were $10. $4.95 Friday only Sixth Floor $1.00 Neckwear, 75¢ Collars, vestee sets, plas- trons, sweetheart sets and panels, of dainty ecru lace, some combined with geor. gette. Neckwear—Street Floor Drastic Reductions On Floor Coverings (21) 15x27-INCH AX- MINSTER RUGS, for halls and small spaces. Were $1. only (5) SEAMLESS VELVET RUGS, fringed ends. Were $37.50. Friday 327 95 only . 15 S.) V ELVET STAIR CARPE'I" remnant lengths. $1.¢ yard. Fr yard (435 YDS.) PLAIN RED CARPET and 57 yds. plain blue carpet, extra heavy. :‘;‘5‘0 u.:s and .50 yard. Friday oniy, yard $2.95 (3) WORSTED WILTON lUdGi.l léixlg.s. W n $115 an 38. ri -y - " $86 (3) SEAMLESS AXMIN- STERS, 9x12; pleasing col- ‘-;'- n-: zdnigm. ere 9.95. Friday only.... 921.99 REMNANT LENGTHS of 50c¢ F| lowen, 25c¢, Odds and ends of all dur Christmas flowers, some slightly _soiled from han- dling. For street and for- mal wear. Flowers—Street Floor Daytime Frocks at Savings (200) WASH DRESSES, smart prints with contrasting trim; sleeveless and short sleeve models. Were 74 $1.00. Friday only.. | 4C (84) HOUSE FROCKS of linen@ pongee and prints, in gay floral patterns; broken size ranges. Were 3185, Friday onty 31.29 Third Floor (50) GIRLS’ SILK SSES, mble effects 8 t $2.95. day only BOYS’ SHOES AND OX. FORDS, calfskin and elkskin in tan and black. Sizes 11to 6. Were $2.79 and $3. Fri- 32 day only (10) BOYS’ LEATHER. ETTE TRENCH RAIN. COATS, black with fleeced ible collar $2.50 sizes. Wm $4.95. Friday only...... Basement Store L ————— DECEMBER 26, Save on Tots’ Wear! (18) TOTS' WOOL JER- SEY DRESSES. with bloomers, sizes 3, 4 and 5. Greatly reduced for Friday only. .. 91.00 (21) BOYS' SUITS, bro- l‘(.;n .ln;l f;zm 2 to 5 years. ere $1.50 an $1.95. Friday only $1.19 (12) BRUSHED WOOL SUITS, including sweater, mitten: leggins P Wer 5. F Jigheal $3.95 (19) INFANTS’ HAND- MADE DRESSES, slightly soiled and mussed. Were $1.55. day only (35) TOTS' COATS, of tweeds and suedes, with warm fur coll Sizes 3 ;osc yom--d Were 95 and $7.95. Friday only. . $3 95 (81) PANTY DRESSES and baby boy suits and creepers. Friday only Fourth Floor After-Christmas Clearance of Girls’ Wear (21) FINE WINTER COATS, with fur collars and cuffs; warm chinchilla and tweed fabrics; 7 to 14. Were $1 3.95‘ $10.95 Friday only . (23) WINTER COATS of fine woolen coatings; s 8 to 14 yea Were $7. 93 and $10. only (37) GIRLS’ RAINCOATS —blue, green and black; 6 to 14. Greatl - duced to.o-.0... 91,99 (21) GIRLS’ }!ESTYETT! RAINCOATS, to 14 years Fourth Floor Odd Lot Flannelette Gowns and Pajamas (51) FLANNELETTE PA. JAMAS, slightly soiled; full cut; dainty striped patterns. Were $1.39 to $1.50. 98‘: Friday only ... (25) PAJAMA! ondu'd fron:n;, plain colors and stripes. ere $2.95. Friday only 31.98 (12) GOWNS, with col- lars and long sleeves. Were $1.95. long sleeves. We $1.50. Friday only.. Third Floor Thrifty Gleanings in Corsets! (57 STEPIN GIRDLES, Were $1.15. Friday only 79c (12)_S1D E-FASTENING GIRDLES of brocade, lightly boned. Were 1 3259, Friday only 91.79 (9) LIGHT-WEIGHT CORSETLETTES, swami wp -'nd brocad ere $1.19. Fri only . T 19c (13) BROCADE COR- SEl;I'{:ET:‘ES‘vvnthmnorholhx well bone: ere $7.50. Friday only 55.49 (7) BROCADE CORSET- LETTES, swami brassieres. Were $5. Winter Underwear Reduced! (37) CHILDREN'S VESTS AND PANTS, heavy wool and cotton mixed; broken sizes. Were 79¢ to $1.25. Friday only.. 99C (48) WINTER COMBINA- TION ~ SUITS, part wools broken si $1.39 to day only (95) CHILDREN'’S RAYON BLOOMERS, pants and combinations. Were 79c. only . (152) CHILDREN’S RAYON VESTS AND BLOOMERS, broken _sizes. ere 59c. Friday only .... "7 39c ‘Thi 25% In The Basement Store (150) BOYS’ GOLF CAPS, tweed mixtures, with and un- 6% to (50) BOYS’ 4 SUITS, well heavy brown, gra $5.00 to $7.95. Eeidyions $3.50 (75) TOTS' BATH ROBES, of good warm rob- ing, in bright colors and pat- terns. Sizes 2 to 6. Wor- $1.00. Friday onl (200) WOMEN'S FELT HATS, brand-new and Win. hr styles in high and All head 3 w -‘l's to $2.95. s] Friday only ¢eovvvnans Phone,Mall OrC.0.D.s Cannot Be ‘Accepted Every Friday is clean-up day at Lanshd are always a few odd lots way back in thriftiest Friday of the entire year—tomo thing odd size—broken lot—few of a kind the biggest price reductions of the year! on this page! LANSBUR 7th, 8th and E Sts—~FAMOUS FOR Fashionable Regularly $1.00 Now 50c to Silk and velvet remnants are ways so many things you can make frocks for the httle folks, lingerie, ever so many more! All our price! Choose From Thes Chiffon Velvet Flat Crepe Velveteen Printed Velvet Metal Brocades Transparent Velvet e Wool Goods 1/2 Off Remnants Now 50c to $3.50 Yard Some of these remnants are four yards lon, for a dl-eu for a small person or yzunlzhrl'?m Ln(!h Cotton and Rayon Remnants Marked Now 12ic to 50c Yard So many home articles may be made from these ate garment bags—and they are guaranteed washable! gr;’c:l.,u, mnllnm,‘m.drn, utm,':rudclothw::phy::. Third Fleor Trimmings and Now 10c to 50c Each Benuhful laces in various widths—cream, white, and ~—marked half price for clearance tomorrow! Art Needlework Needs 1/ 0 ff Now 8¢ to $1.25 Stamped dresses, voile nightgowns, lunch cloths, Iudel, hanging fixtures, silk fringe, silk braid, and trime mings for bedspreads and shades—1/; price Iomorrow! ——— Y5 off tractive remnant; dry bags, aprons, boys’ blouses, crepe and many others. Lace Remnants 1/2 Off ; ecru; tulle in dainty evening shades; fine nets and braid In Remnant Lots towels, dish cloths, pillowcases, bead and rhodoid lamp $1.25 to $3 Boudoir Slippers 69c 200 pairs of pretty nl-p— pers greatly broken in sizes Handbags $ 1 39 slightly shopw: d back All sizes in the lot. Second Floor Street Floor