Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-08

urely in his direction. Didn't you hear the
lady speak to your she inquired.
No" ne responded without looking up.
(which lady was it?
The lady of the house. of course she
retorted. Nobody else is likely to-"
"Oh, don't know" he said, iaziiy.
She sat down on the window seat az
little distance from the scattered cards
What are you doing?" she asked smoth-
ering a yawn-
Playing solitaire"
The last resource of a vacant mind"
Not always" he replied, gathering up
the cards. This is the game Napoleon in
vented to relieve the deadly monotony OF
S.. Helena. 1 thought it especially apTopos
of the occasion"
How tactful you areG" she exclaimed,
with evident admiration.
That isn't tact: it's truth. Tact Is the
art of lying gracefully"
He snapped a rubber band around the
cards and tossed them aside. On the
dead, Helen. isn't this about the worst
house party you were ever Gagged up In -
1T certainly is" she answered, with more
animation. Cant you do something TO
liYen il up bitP'
Il came here for entertainment" he COM
planned, and m not getting it. It's up to
the ClaXton family.
We can't do anything with wooden In
dian" she said, pointedly.
Il might propose to you again" he VEN
tured Il don't know any parlor tricks. but
She smiled scornfully and left him. I've
been presented with an epigram." she an
nounced. going toward her sister-in-law.
'' Tact is the art of lying gracefully
''Of course it is" said Jean Griffin. sitting
up straight in her chair; for, next 10 golf,
she loved an argument.
kerwin joined the group. I've got wis
dom TO burn" he said, oracularly. Lying
IS the only thing that keeps society to-
gtther. If all spoke the exact truth we
should be a nation of hermits, each living
In his own little hut"
Il don't tell fibs" answered Mrs Claxton,
with a natural resentment, since she was
famed for her tact. IF think nice things
about people l say them, and If l don't l
keep SILL
Truth concealed is the same as a lie.'
argued Kerwin.
Miss Griffin had a pretty color in her
cheeks, being interested in something for
the first time in three long days. "Tll tell
you how wen prove it or dlsprove It," she
said. Tomorrow all of US will tell the ex-
act, unvarnished truth all day"
There were faint muTmurs OF dlsapproval
from the women, and the light OF amuse-
ment came into Kerwins hazel eyes. At
the unusual signs of life three or four men
came from distant corners OF the room and
thoughtlessly approved OF the suggestion.
Mrs Claxton, seeming disaster ahead,
FASTENED TO say: oh no, lets not do that!"
You just said you didn't hb,' retorted
Jean. Aren't you willing for the rest of
to follow in your virtuous footsteps for
one day only?"
Bargain day in morals" suggested Miss
Jeffries. laughing. Truth marked down.
this day only
Mrs. Claxton relsnted. "AIl right" she
said, soberly, If 1t rains, We will do It,"
The rest of the guests were speedily
drawn into the arrangement, 1.-THE truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth. "
explained Kerwin. 'for tomorrow emily
After that-an armlstlce.'
You're a pessimst.' said Miss Griffin
accusiGgly as the guests separated fer tbs
night,
"I'd just as soon be pesslmist as an an
arehlst." he responded. Nice little bomb
you've put into the party. II somebody
isn't hurt | miss my guess."
Still. it was not until he was alone In his
room that the possibilities of the situa tien
were fully revealed. He smiled at first and
chuckled softly some moments later, "I'i
Try II" he said to himself. TITS the last
throw Of the dice. I guess I'd better pray
for rain"
The morning of the fourth day made nc
change In the monotonous drizzle. From his
window he could see the links. stAggy and
dotted with pools of water. He was en-
thusiast who did not mind cold. but he had
no fondness for aquatic golf.
As he was dressing there was a rap al
the door, and card appeared on the TIRES.
hold. He picked 1t up and read, in Jimmy
Claxton's clear. bold hand: 1.-THE truth, the
whole truth and nothing but the truth 70,
one day only He heard the servant rap