The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-11-16

them. content. now that she was alone with
him, to take his time.
At one end of the plaza the Presidents
band was playing native waltzes that came
throbbing through the trees and
beating softly above the rustling
skirts and clinking spurs of the sem
oritas ard officers. sweeping by in two OPP
posite circles around the edges of the tes-
sellated ~pavements. Above the palms
around the square arose the dim, white
facade of the cathedral. with the bronze
statue of Anduella. the Liberator Of Olan-
| cho. who answered with his appraised arm
and cooked hat the cheers of an imaginary
populace. Clay's had been an unobtrusive
part In the evenings entertainment but he
| saw that the others had been pleased. and
felt a certain satisfaction in thinking that
| King himself could not have planned and
carried out a dinner more admirable In
every way. He was gratiied that they
should know him to be not altogether a
barbarian. But what he best liked to re-
member was that whenever he had spoken
she had listened, even when her eyes were
| turned away and she was pretending to liz
ten to some one else. He tormented himself
by wondering whether this was because he
interested her only as a new and strange
character. or whether she felt in some way
how eagerly he was seeking her approba-
ton. For the first time in his life he found
| himself considering what he was about to
Cdys aHd NC seAtSt " AtA oesioiS MI
1t was at least some satisfaction hat she
had, II only for the time being. singled him
out as of especial interest. and he assured
himself that the fault would be his II her
interest failed. He no longer looked on HIM
self as an outsider.
Stuart's voice arose from the farther end
OF the balcony, where the white figure of
Hope showed dimly in the darkness.
They are talking about you over there"
said Miss Langham. turning TOWARD him..
"Well. I don't mind" answered Clay. "as
long as they talk about me-over there"
Miss Langham shook her head. You are
very frank and audacious." she replied,
doubtfully. but 1t is rather pleasant as a
change"
II don't call that audacious. to say I don't
want to he interrupted when I am talking to
you. Aren't the men you meet generally
audacious? '' he asked. II can see why not
though" he continued: you awe them"
Il can't think that's q nice way to affect
people," protested Miss Langham, after a
pause. Il don't awe you. do I?'
oh. you affect me in many different
ways" returned Clay, cheerfully. Some
times I am very much afraid of you. and
then again my feelings are only those of
unlimited admiration"
'"rhere, again. what did I tell you? ?" said
Miss Langham.
THAT is one OF the few privileges left
to a man in my position-it doesn't matter |
what l say. That Is the advantage of be- |
ing no account and hopelessly detrimental. |
The eligible men of the world, you see,
have to be so very careful. A Prime Min
lister. for instance, can't talk as he wishes, |
and call names If he wants to. or write let |
tiers, even. Whatever he says is so impor- |
tant, because he says 1t. tina he must be
very discreet. I am so unimportant that !
one minds what I say. and SO / say 1t. !
the only comfort / have"
Are you in the habit of going around
the world saying whatever you choose to
every woman you happen TOTO" Miss
Langham hesitated.
ITO admire very much" suggested Clay.
ITO meet" corrected Miss Langham.