I CRIED, AND I CRIED, AND 1 CRIED!

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 70, 21 March 1908, Page 15

I CRIED, AND I CRIED, AND 1 CRIED!

Bob looked sulky. So did I. Bob said things. So did I. It was so sudden, too. Robert (he is always Robert on our touch-me-not days) had been standing, hands in pockets, staring at DaisT Lincoln's photograph. ''Pretty girl, that," he said presently. "Really V said I. INlaking due allowance for the circumstances, I was cool. '■Rippin' complexion," was his next comment. '"A complexion like that hits a chap where he lives, you know. So clear! So pure! Sort of cream-and-roses, gardens of HafLz, silvery moonlight and pagan dust sort of effect—what:, "You become interesting." I sa,id. There was an absurd little catch in my throat. I hated myself for it, and I hated the idea that he should guess it was there. It was horrid. But men don't see things. "Lord!" he went on calmly, "but a complexion is everything to a woman! Xo\t, yours " He hesitated. "Well?" "My dear Alma, if s- muddy. Of course, you can't help it, poor kid*. But there you are." Is it any wonder that I cried, and I cried, and I cried? 11. At the Valaze Massage Institute in Brandon-street, I saw a little lady with a soft, creamy, rose-tinted skin. She. 1 supposed, was the Viennese expert I had heard so much of. I wasn't sure. I'm not sure even now. She was dark and gentle, and her soft syllables were like petals that had fallen from the roses of her cheeks. She sold mc a large jar of Valaze for 6/9. "Rub a little on at night before you retire," she said. "Then the rollers— you have the rollers. Xo? Ah, but you should—then you shall see!" 111. At half-past eight I met Bob again. I stood under the strong electric light in the drawing-room, and smiled up at him. He put his hands on my shoulders, and looked scarchingly into my face. "Lord!" he said then, "I'm a queer fish. Apologies, kiddie. You beat Daisy Lincoln's complexion in a canter. Has some miracle happened, or have 1 been under a long illusion —what!" "Dear old boy."' I said, "you have had no illusions. It is a miracle —the biggest miracle —Valaze!'' Is it any wonder that I laughed, and I laughed, and I laughed?