The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-12-27

trace OF coquetry she flashed her eyes to-
wards him. Lieut.. Jeffreys,'' she said,
and he bent his head anxiously to catch
the forthcoming confidence. ''There is
one thing even an American man can't
do.
"For you? Impossible p he murmur-
ed. Name it.
"Use fan properly. No man can. 1t
must be fault in the construction of their
collar-bon
"Pshaw p he calculated, crestfallen.
81 thought | was to have an opportunity
to- You say no man can? Show me
how to do it.
II am very thirsty, she said, laughing
at his evident discontinue ''Do you
know where the water is p
'tTt is downstairs, . said her partner.
eff you wait out here in the alcoye I'll
bring some up here. - He led her out of
the ballroom and they descended few
steps to the curve of the stairs to small
alcove-a bower of palms and vines
where he left her.
Her face as it fell into repose was in
startling contrast to its former brilliant an
| imation. As if a waxen mask of care had
descended upon it, color and light died out.
She leaned against the wall of the alcove
oblivious to the music, the laughter and
the dancing feet The tones of her part
ner' s gay voice foated up from room be-
low; she heard it as in dream.
s'That you, Billy You're awfully
late. Jolly girl I want you to know.
She started up, rigid, at the sound Of
the voice which replied "Tm looking
for jolly girl every day. You had bet
ter come away from that punch if you want
to make good impression. -
The face of the man who had spoken
had not lost its smile as he came up the
stairs. Fascinated, Frances watched the
little figure as it assembled step by step.
With each step her heart beat faster
He did not look up until he was almost
level with her, when the shimmering sea-
green satin of her gown arrested his atten-
ton, and he lifted his eyes.
For an instant, breathless, they con-
fronted each other.
"Frances! You-here
He took her hands and held them until
with the instinct of sef-preservation she
retreated into the shadowy alcove. For
an instant there was no sound but the
noisy hum of conversation from the ball
room during an intermission in the dancing.
''This is no place" he said abruptly.
81 know this house. Get your wrap and
something for your head. 1 don't want to
talk to you With all these people about.
He drew her hand within his arm pc
remptorily and led her down the stairs.
"Who were you waiting for out there?''
he inquired, pausing.
'Lieut Jeffreys went to get me some
water
II will speak to him while you get your
wraps. The dressing room will be empty
now. HurryP'
He opened the door for her and she
went in and searched wildly for her wraps.
When she emerged, sheathed in dark
cloak and with something white and f1eecy
on her head, he was waiting Through
dimly lighted library he led her, opened a
French window, and let her out upon small
balcony, set in the wall overlooking the
street. She was trembling with excitement.
He hastened to reassure her.
"We are safe, don't fear Are you
sure you will be warm ~ he said, feeling
her wrap.
"Fur," she answered laconically. "But
you, Billy?'
He did not answer at once but leaned
against the gray stone of the sidewall and
looked at her gravely.
"Tn be warm enough. Now tell me
how you happen to be here. . 1t was
spoken quite steadily.
'I am visiting my cousin, Mrs. Lowe
Mrs. Chandler Lowe. Do you know
her?''
He reflected, gazing at her face, across
which the white rays of an arc light passed.
"Er-I DON t think SO, he murmured
absently.
ssWhat are you doing here yourself p
she asked.
'sI came out here to practice. You
know l always thought this good old
State"
~ suppose you have some clients by
this time?" A tinge of bitterness crept
into her voice, in spite of her control.
81 get along" he answered smilingly
She looked away from him over the
snowy street.
''How long will you stay ??
sTwo weeks, she answered, lightly, be-
ginning to recover her. .equapimity. "You
must be nice to me, Billy, and give me a
good time for"
"For what?' he insisted, as she left the
sentence unfinished.
"For it your pleasure, she finished
with short laugh.
"That wasn't what you intended te
say" he observed confidently.
"No, it wasn't "
He knew that impertinent tilt of the
head to be final, and did not urge the
point.
eNever mind, L IL give you good tim'
as Tell me now, before somebody
comes, why you stopped writing to me-
, She turned her head slowly toward hin