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 FLAMING

YOUTH

67

“In one way she’s crazy about him.” Dee’s curled lip suggested the way; also that she neither comprehended nor sympathised with it. But Mona laughed, relieved. “Well; that’s rather essential, you know, in marriage.

Ill talk to Connie about extravagance when I come back.” ‘As a preacher on that text,” began Dee wickedly; then bent over to give her mother’s hand an awkward and remorseful pat. “T’ll do the best I can, of course. And don’t think I’m not—not feeling pretty rotten over this,” she continued, huskily and a little shamefully, like a boy caught in a display of emotion... . “You say, when you come back. Going away?” “Oh, just a run over to Philadelphia to spend a couple of days with the Barhams,” replied Mona carelessly. “You and I will have to do a little figuring about the housekeeping, too, on my return. And you can pass it on to Pat when you get married.” “Pat! She'll be a grand little housekeeper when her turn comes. I pity poor Dad.” “She and your father understand each other, though, in a way,” mused Mona. Having meditated over this conversation with dubious feelings, Dee, who had a sane instinct for facts, went to

call on Dr. Osterhout at the little laboratory attached to his bungalow. This was on a Tuesday. Her mother had left the previous noon. Osterhout emerged from rapt contemplation of a test tube to find the girl standing over him. “Hullo,” he said. “What are you invading a bachelor’s

quarters at this hour for?” “Afraid of being compromised, Bobs?” she retorted. “Hadn’t thought of it. Why put such alarming ideas into my head? But my reputation will stand it if yours