COMMUTER'S WIFE 199 



Lot's habit, instead of hobgobbling them with shoe 

 thread as my Familiar Spirit suggested. By the 

 way, this " Familiar " is not of the guardian angel 

 tribe, for it is frequently a suggester of question- 

 able short cuts and of shifting purpose, invariably 

 opposing me in argument. 



I have given the village tea, which passed off in 

 a cloud of glory composed of hot oysters, chicken 

 salad, chocolate with whipped cream a-top, sand- 

 wiches, biscuit glac6, and pistache cake, instead of 

 the usual local sop of salty ice-cream and adaman- 

 tine chocolate cake. 



That collation was an inspiration of Evan's. I 

 said, having argued fore and aft about it with my 

 Familiar for two months, 



" I must have this tea as a matter of course, for, 

 you know, having no reception at the time of our 

 wedding, and going away so soon, they scarcely 

 realize us as a unit." 



" Which you are quite determined that they shall 

 do, having made up your mind to that effect, 

 and notified me long ago," said Evan, laughing. 

 " Do you know, Barbara, there have been times 

 when I've been afraid that you were not quite 

 feminine enough to be wholly comfortable in your 

 surroundings, but I shall worry no longer ! " 



