Page:The Tattooed Countess (1924).pdf/71

 Ella! and then, I'm Mrs. Chase now, you know. Three children, Ella.

How splendid, Effie!

After they had embraced they took each other in. Ella found it difficult to reconcile her memory of the pretty Effie Manning of the late seventies with this stubby, short-waisted woman, whose bodice sagged above the top of her corset, whose skirt was hitched up in front, and whose back formed a curve which with that of her bosom almost completed a perfect sphere. She wore a white taffeta dress with wide, black stripes, which gave her the appearance of an eccentrically painted barrel.

Well, Ella, how do you like Maple Valley?

The Countess noted that even Effe's manner of speech had changed, the result, possibly, of ill-fitting teeth-plates.

Just as much as ever, she replied.

But there are so many improvements! Have you seen the new water-works?

I arrived only last night, Effie. I've had so little time. ..

That's so, and you must see the new High School—O, that's not built yet, but it's planned. We're very proud of our little city. Of course, it's not as big as Paris yet, but it's newer. I must drive you around. I can't think, Ella, she went on, how you could stay in Europe during the World's Fair. It was wonderful! Of course, I've never been to the old country, but everybody says that there's