Evening star., 1898-05-07

Chapter IV-Continued.
Bourka and Harew ood walked out to the
front door end sat down the steps.
After short period of meditation
Bourka said: Jim, do you agree with ne
In saying that our hostesses are as inno-
cent as two white kittens?'
why white kittens?" asked Harewood
argumentatively. and added. 'Of course
they are
WELL" continued Bourke because they
are innocent it would be shame to
disturb them-I mean to attempt any tool
Irritation Wouldn't it?''
Il don't see why you say that to me-"
said Harewood sharply.
II only meant-fof myself well as you
that we've got tC be careful You know
as well L do that what is called firta-
tion in America is not understood in
France. They would take anything like
that Seriously
Harewocd vas s:ltnt.
"Of course. I'm more or less susceptible
to a pretty face" continued Bourke; so
are you II your reputation doesn't belle
you
HARDWOOD.
Yes. it's not a subject for analytical
discussion. AS L say I'm not insensib.e
myself: but in this case wc-in shCrt-we
absolutely must not make of our
selves
What's the matter with your inquired
Hardwood GROSSLY.
The II after is that l think we had bet
ter be clear about this situation from the
beginning. Heaven knows we shall be
busy enough with our own affairs-anl
tLey, VIII be with theirs-and rs for cur
leisure hours. if We have any. don't you
think We can employ them mere safely
than in hanging around two oanserods-y
pretty girsE''
mo- f,fI
ing love TO them?' demanded Harewood
hoty.
Can you?" asked Bourke in his turn
HarewOod shrugged his shoulders II
can behave myself, he observed, IF 1
try"
You never have" retcrted Bourke. ITS
as EItufal to ycu>to make love as it is 10
breathe You never are serious and you
usually make mischief some way or other
You can't say 1 ever interfered before but
tell You, jim, 1 think it woulI be a id
Shame 10 trouble the peace OF mind of
j;de ChalaiS.''
sc do L. said Harewood. Lets drop
the subject
They stood up. looking at each other
Harewood coioFed and laughed.
Il can't help it, he said. I've gone too
far already. Cecil"
.'Already?'' cried Beurke, incredulously.
"Yes."
Good heavens" g-oaned Bourke. "you
aon,t mean to say you've begun already?"
res 1 M sorry 1t was thoughIiess-'
. 1ou-Sod haven't made love to her in
these few minutes? Jim, it's impossiblev'
Harewood moved uneasily.
Have you?'
Yes, L have
'Seriously?'
Not very
'You-you didn't kiss herg''
HARDWOOD was silent.
Bourke looked at him in amazement
Not Hilde?''
Harewood didn't answer
AFTER moments silence Bourke sat
down on the steps and swore under his
breath Harewood stood by, restless and
ashamed
You understand. Cecil" he said. in a
low voice, that was a confession-not a
Doast l m id sorry-she looked so dainty
and sweet-you know how thoughtless +
am about such things"
oh, hang it all!' burst out Bourke
Mhit do l care? If girl lets man kiss
her ike that-by Jove, she can take the
consequences.
Harewood wanted to speak, but Cecil in
terrupted him
was mistaken in the girl, that's all
She looks as innocent as a white kitten be-
hind 1nilk 1ug-and she is-just as inno-
cent They're all alike, anyway. Go on
business "a my
Harewood murmured: Cecil, you don't
No" interrupted Bourke. "I don't think
you re a blackguard. Jim, but it's selfish
pastlme this useless awakening of a wo-
man s heart What 1 fear is that you and
anu IL VIII perhaps leave one of YOU un-
happy And that won't be you, YOU know
Jim ' "'
Il don't know said the other. A oueer
nght flashed in Mis- eyes for moment then
ne laughed Anyway. don't take it seri-
ously- We were standing close together
cried VIII .6; mat ID monkey bit me. Hide
cried 'O' so prettily and looked so grieyed
ana II just put my arm around her
waist then she looked at me so-welI-so
-so-Oh. the deviit how do | know: let,s
forget IL, won't you? There are some
thinss man ought to shut up about"
don't ask your CONFIDENCE said Cecil
moroseIy 'i'
You're the only man who has ever had
II As for this child-the whole incident
was innocent and harmless enough. rye
in no time at ALL
An right" said Bourke: here come
winston and Sutherland. They're on time
It's lust - -, >~'