FEMININE REFLECTIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 207, 21 November 1927, Page 5

FEMININE REFLECTIONS

TOY DOG CLUB SOCIAL EVENING Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, of Quadrant Street, Onehunga, were the host and hostess at a charmingly informal social evening given on Saturday to the members of the Toy Dog Club and their friends. More than 60 people were present, and during the evening much interest was shown in the judging of some Pekingese by Mr. G. Hunt. The prize was won by Mr. Harris’s entry. Mr. Carbury gave an interesting address on a familiar doggy subject, and a number of pleasing musical were contributed by Mrs. E. Asher, Miss Gwen Martin, Miss Gladys Ryan, Miss Dick, Miss Lingard, Mrs. Herbert, Master George Asher, Mr. F. Garthwaite, Mr. Molon-Howard and Mr. Harris. Miss McLeod acted as accompanist©. Mrs. Nelson received the guests in a charming frock of wistaria mauve georgette with pailette trimming. Among those present were: Mrs. Herbert, who wore a frock of ciel blue silk crepe with a gold and black embossed overdress. Mrs. Cowley, frock of mignonette green crepe leise, with black chiffon velvet and pink roses. Mrs. Moffat, frock of navy blue crepe marocain. Mrs. McGaw, ivory crepe alonza, inset with Maltese lace. Mrs. Asher, white crepe faille frock, embroidered with Chinese blue. Mrs. Garthwaite, frock of geranium pink satin, with relief of black. Mrs. Pillenger, frock of black striped crepe romaine. Mrs. Harp, black frock of georgette. Mrs. Paul, mole-coloured frock of silk crepe. . Td f s - Moore, black frock of taffetas, with Spanish embroidered shawl. ~ette S Hunt ’ beaded frock of black georgenrUette iilbertSOn ' frock ° f cha «-Pasme roma!ne G ' ynCS ' fr ° Ck of unreli «vea black ille IrS ’ j!amieson » frock of embossed chenfonlrS ‘ Somerhaves » white frock of chifsatin S * royal blue georgette and Mrs. Molin-Howard, frock of slategrey crepe marocain. faille 5 * Shorter » nav y blue frock of crepe Christine jumped into the car a smile of satisfaction on her face. “The friend isn’t bad —a decent sort of girl. I’m glad she turned up or Dora Leighton might have refused to come.” She told the chauffeur to hurry as it was growing late. The smoke of Ironhampton was left behind, and soon they entered the drive; ahead she saw her husband, and with him Garth Cameron. “I took you at your word, Mrs. Warner. I felt I wanted a breath of fresh air, so I came down a day earlier. I hope you don’t mind.” “You’re always welcome,” she answered truly, not only for her own sake, but for her husband. Cyrus Warner liked Garth, and was always glad of his company. ground. She is lunching with me tomorrow.” “Diana!” he said in amazement. “No —Miss Dora Leighton, the woman you see on the stage.” Christine thought quickly, and then turned to Garth. “I know I can trust you, or I wouldn’t let you meet her. Perhaps it is. better you shouldn’t stay. She might see you. Take the car and go back home.” He started to go, but she called him back. “Garth : I think she’s simply sweet — more than that, she’s a genius. I like the child, and I’m going to look after her. If you were the ordinary sort of man, I shouldn’t allow you to meet her, but I’m going to give the girl a few hours of happiness.” “You’re a real good sort,” he said, and his voice was not quite steady. When Garth reached the Warner’s house, he went straight to the smoking room and very methodically filled his pipe. Now he was more content, for Diana was not starving. Indeed, from what Christine had said there was every prospect of her succeeding in the profession she had chosen. And in a few hours he would be speaking to her again. And then his face became grave. Was it fair to meet Diana when she so evidently wished to avoid him? But he trusted Christine Warner; she was a good woriian, and saw no harm in their meeting. Soon after ten o’clock he went to his room. He was reluctant to meet the Warners, and although sleep was far away, he went to bed. But he could not decide whether it would be better to leave at an early hour in the morning. CHAPTER XIX. When Mrs. Warner had left them, Diana turned reproachfully to Cora. “Why did you accept her invitation? I didn’t want to go.” “For one thing, the change will do you good. And another is that the Warners have spent pounds and pounds on tickets for to-night’s performance. The least return we can make is to accept an invitation to lunch,” Cora answered drily. But Diana remained silent. “Besides, I like the look of the woman,” Cora went on quietly. “She’s a lady, and we don’t meet too many of ’em. Moreover, a jolly good lunch will be good for both of us. Her husband is a millionaire, and I suppose they do you well.” Diana said no more, but during the performance that night she caught Mrs. Warner’s eye, and the latter smiled most graciously. So that when the car called for them in the morning, both girls were in the highest spirits. Ironhampton was a most depressing town, so it was very pleasant to look on the beautiful country through which they drove. The house itself was not exactly beautiful, but the grounds were perfect. Mrs. Warner received them, but very soon her husband joined them, and immediately entered into conversation with Cora. “Come and see my baby,” Christine said to Diana. “No. I don’t want your friend,” she added hastily. --I want you alone.” Diana was just a little surprised but followed Christine upstairs. For aquarter of an hour they played with the son and heir, and then they went to a perfect little boudoir. “I keep this place for my intimate friends. Even my husband does not come here without an invitation.”

CHILDREN’S AFTERNOON ST. GEORGE'S KINDERGARTEN A most enjoyable afternoon was • spent by the members of St. George’s ! Anglican Kindergarten, Papatoetoe, and their little friends, at the residence of Mrs. A. C. Lipscombe, Landscape Road, Papatoetoe, on Saturday, when the two head teacners of the school, Misses G. Leonard and R. Lipscombe, acted as hostesses. Over 60 children attended the function, and included in the number were some of the tiny inmates of the Papatoetoe Orphan Home. All the little guests spent a delightful time in playing all kinds of games on the lawns. A “grown-up” afternoon tea, served outside, was the crowning glory of the party, and just prior to the departure of the little guests, three hearty cheers with musical honours were given for Mr. and Mrs. Lipscombe, for their kindness in lending their beautiful grounds for the function. BIRTHDAY PARTY A delightful children’s party was given by Mrs. H. C. Ernest, at her residence, Station Road West, Papatoetoe, on Saturday afternoon, for her little neice, Anne Coates, who is on a holiday visit from Melbourne. The children romped and played games on the lawns throughout the delightfully sunny afternoon and indulged in strenuous sweet scrambles, after which they were given a really truly party tea. The table decorations were very novel, consisting of quaintly-dressed paper dolls and masses of bright coloured balloons. In the midst of this gay array stood a huge birthday cake, with six twinkling candles, that tried hard to resist the great puffs that finally made them wink their bright eyes and go out. Mrs. Dick, taffetas frock of apricot shade. Mrs. Campi, black frock of silk crepe. Miss Dick, floral patterned frock of voile. Miss Bailey, ivory crepe alonza frock. Misss McGaw, hyacinth blue taffetas frock. Miss Ryan, rose pink frock of satin carreau. Miss Gwen Martin, frock of japonica pink satin beaute, with apple-green motifs. Miss McLeod, black georgette frock. Miss Lingard, frock of cherry red silk crepe. “I feel honoured,” Diana answered, quietly. “Well, you may feel honoured. Please don’t be ironical. I want to be friends.” “You are very kind. I did not mean “I understand. You are just a poor, unhappy girl who is eating her heart out.” “Really, Mrs. Warner ” “Please call me Christine. I call Mr. Cameron —Garth.” The colour left Diana’s face, and there was a hunted look in her eyes. “Mr. Cameron —Garth —what do you mean?” she added, tremulously. “Garth Cameron is staying with me. He is in the house now, and is only waiting for me to fetch you to him. He has told me your story, and I am so sorry for you both.” “Did he tell you that I had deliberately hidden myself from him?” “Yes, and he was reluctant to force himself on you.” “You should not have brought me here under false pretences, and I trusted you. Yesterday, when you called upon me and professed a liking, it was for Garth’s sake —and ” “No; it was not till after I had met you that Garth told me your story. Even then I did not know that his Diana was the Dora Leighton I knew. He came with us to the theatre last night and recognised you.” "I did not see him.” “I advised him to go away at once. Miss Leighton, please don’t be angry with me.” “You -ire a woman of understanding. 1 love Garth Cameron with every fibre of my being. I only know real happiness when I am with him. Once I believed that friendship between us was possible, but I quickly found out my mistake. I’m not going to meet him.” “Can’t you trust yourself?” Christine asked with gentle sympathy. “It is my duty to try and forget him. I believe you are a good woman. Do you think it is right for me to see him? I do want to do what is right,” she said, piteously. Mrs. Warner placed her arm around Diana. “I honour you for your scruples. But I respect Garth Cameron, and you are a good woman. You will come down to lunch and meet him as you would meet any ordinary guest of mine. That will do neither of you any harm. And you must promise me you won’t disappear again. It wasn't fair to Garth to hide yourself. The poor fellow has been worrying terribly about you. Dry your tears and come along with me.” Diana no longer hesitated, but, woman-like, she went to the mirror and touched her hair. “You look very sweet,” Christine said with a smile, and slipping her arm through Diana’s, drew her along. Warner and Cora had gone down to the drawing-room, where Garth was waiting with all the patience at his command. Cora was startled when she saw him. “Mr. Cameron, are you quite playing the game?” she asked, coolly. "My wife takes the responsibility for this meeting,” Warner broke in, briskly. Very soon Diana came in and she went straight to Garth and gave him her hand. “I am glad to see you, Garth,” she said timidly. “You are looking very fit. They tell me you’ve made quite a success, I must come and see you act.” “But you are giving a show to-night at the Town Hall. I should love to hear you speak, but, of course, that’s impossible. I wish you every success.” “Thank you!” he answered quietly. Lunch was announced, and Garth sat at the opposite side of the table to Diana. Now and then their eyes chanced to meet, but were quickly averted. Christine and her husband did most of the talking, although Cora was by no means silent. But there was a feeling of constraint present, and all were glad when the meal was over. ’ r ° u must come to lunch again tomorrow; in fact, the car will call for you every morning until you leave Ironhampton,” Mrs. Warner said to Cora, but the latter gave a significant look at Cameron. I am going to press Mr. Cameron to stay over the week-end. He is badly in need of a rest. I can see you don’t approve, but I know what I’m doing. * ou may safely leave Diana in my hands. You are both too good for the

AVONDALE CARD EVENINGS j BENEVOLENT SOCIETY BENEFIT As the result of “five hundred” tournaments held at the Avondale Fire Station, the local Ladies’ Benevolent Society has benefited by a sum in the vicinity of £l2. Winners at the lasts evening were: Women —Miss Harris 1, Mrs. Henderson 2; men—Mr. Taylor 1, Mr. Jones 2. There was a large attendance. At the conclusion of the evening, prizes were handed to the tournament winners by Mr. T. Rowe. The recipients were: Mrs. Henderson, 1; Miss Harris, 2; Mr. G. Peters, 1; Mr. G. Bell, 2. FOR THE POOR CONCERT AT NEW LYNN With the object of assisting the district’s unemployed, a sacred concert was held at New Lynn. The sum collected, £l2, was augmented ,by £5 from St. Thomas’s Anglican Church. To the total it is expected the town board may contribute. Praise is due to Mr. Browne, convenor and organiser of the concert. The talented artists who contributed have also the satisfaction of knowing that, in addition to providing an excellent musical programme, they assisted a worthy cause. They included Mrs. Cyril Towsey, Mrs. Hobday, Mrs. Parry, Miss Beryl Smith, Miss Frost, Miss Vera Ziman, Miss Bentley, and the Messrs. A. Barnes, W. Brough, C. Prime, D. Black, and C. Towsey. KITCHEN EVENING The residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. McLaren, Braeside, Mount Albert Road, was the scene of a happy function on Saturday evening, the occasion being a “Kitchen Evening” given by Mr. and Mrs. McLaren to Miss Hazel Simpson in honour of her forthcoming marriage. The rooms were bright with streamers and balloons of many shades and colours, and the floral decorations on the supper table made a pretty picture. There were over 30 guests, and the gifts took a wide and useful range. Mrs. McLaren received her guests in a dainty frock of rose-pink taffeta. Miss Simpson chose a charming frock of rose beige georgette with lace panel trimmings. Dancing, games and competitions were* the order of the evening and a number of musical and vocal items helped the function to a happy - finish. company you’re playing in. My husband is making plans, and when he gets to work things generally begin to hum.” “Anyhow, I’m going to take her away with me now,” Cora said firmly. Then she saw that Warner was going into the house, and that Diana was alone with Cameron for the first time. CHAPTER XIX. —(Continued.) “It’s time we went,” Cora called to Diana, who left Cameron at once and joined her friend. “She’s playing a heavy part,” Cora now turned to Mrs. Warner. “And she must rest. I was very angry with you when I saw Mr. Cameron. I thought you had played us a trick.” “I hope you have forgiven me,” said Christine, “btit I’m not a bit repentant,” she added, with a smile. As soon as the car had left with the girls, Mrs. Warner joined Garth. “Well, is your mind at rest?” she asked him. “I’m glad she’s doing well. Do you like her?” “I think she’s simply sweet. I hate that man Fordyce when I think of her. Cyrus, come here,” she called to her husband, and her husband joined them. “Do you happen to know any theatrical people in London?” “I can’t say I do —but stay a moment. I once crossed with Trevor Thornton. We got on well together, and I’ve kept in touch with him.” “Isn’t he producing a new play at the Regent Theatre?” she asked quickly. “I believe he’s resting. Why do you want to know?” “Write and ask him to come here to-morrow. Actors never refuse an invitation from a millionaire. Most of them want financing.” “I guess he’ll come,” "Warner answered drily. “I happened to hear that Thornton was looking round for a capitalist,” broke in Garth. “That’s good news, Cyrus. Oh, yes! This will be your first theatrical venture,” Christine said merrily. “I Wasn’t aware I had any ambition in that direction,” he answered drily. “Just as you like. If you won’t take it on I shall. Go and write to Thornton. Get him down here and I’ll attend to the business part of it. Perhaps I shall manage it better than you.” Garth understood what was in Christine’s mind, and he threw her a grateful glance. Soon he left them, and went to his room, for he wished to put a final polish to his speech. At eight o’clock the Town Hall was packed, and for the first time Garth rose to address a big meeting. For the first few sentences he was distinctly nervous, but very soon his voice became steady. To most of the people there he was an unknown quantity, and they listened to him in silence. His voice rang out clearly as lie stated his political beliefs, and a loud cheer warmed his blood. Before he had been speaking for a quarter of an hour he knew that he held them in the hollow of his hand. He knew that he could play on their hearts’ strings at his will, and there came to him that feeling of exaltation that only the born orator knows. And then it was revealed to Garth Cameron and his friends that a great gift was his, a gift that would raise him far above other men. The peroration—a flow of living, burning words —raised the enthusiasm to white heat, and he sat down amid cheers that continued for several minutes. After shaking hands with numbers of his supporters he joined the Warners in their car. “Cameron, I guess you feel good. If I’d got you in the States I’d make you President in no time,” chuckled Warner. “Garth, God has given you a great gift, and this will give you a mighty power for good. I am proud you call me friend,” Christine said earnestly. “Y'ou both think too much of me,” he answered nervously. “I wish Diana had been there tonight. I was thinking of her all the time,” said Christine, and her husband frowned at her fiercely. Christine went to bed at once, for she was tired, and the two men ad-

journed to the smoking room. “I like your old England. It’s a great country, but we have many advantages on the other side. That nice girl could get rid of her brute of a husband as easily as winking, and over here it’s impossible. Just in a moment of anger, she’s ruined her life and yours. Why don’t you persuade her to settle in America and get a divorce. You can then marry and live in New York. If you want a political life, I can introduce you to lots of big people.” “Diana woudn't obtain a divorce in that way.” “You haven’t asked her. She loves you right enough, and a woman will do a mighty lot to marry the man she loves. She’ll even sacrifice her pride.” “I shouldn't care to ask her to do it,” Garth answered sternly. “You British are so particular. She wasn’t even married in church. Shall I ask Christine to talk to her?” “No,” Garth answered peremptorily. Soon afterwards he went to bed, and he felt much happier now that he had seen Diana. At any rate she was earning a living, and now that Mrs. Warner had taken her in hand, there was very little chance of her being destitute. In the morning, he walked about the grounds, and twelve o’clock found him near the gates. There he sat down and waited. As soon as the car appeared in sight he stood in the middle of the drive and signed to the chauffeur to stop. "Diana, will you walk with me to the house. I want to talk to you.” Cora placed a detaining hand on her, but Diana brushed it off, and jumped to the ground. Cora was about to follow, but Garth closed the door. “You can trust me—drive on,” he added to the chauffeur, and the carstarted away. (To be continued.)