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

comfortable. said Mrs. Claxton, icny
'Perhaps--''
on. come off. Dorothy exclaimed her
husband joVlally. Don't crush the poor
worm-he's only telling the truth"
Miss ClaXton arrived at this juncture
late, as usual. She looked unusually
color famed in her cheeks. there was a
dampness around the roots of her hair. and
she had the unnamable freshness which
comes with the morning plunge.
kerWin stared at her, and she smiled as
she took her place beside him. Don't I
look nice?" she asked in her most irritat-
ing manner.
AS nice as usual" he responded, calmly.
You're going to comb your hair after
breakfast, aren't you?
Il comb It Saturdays" she replied. coolly,
land this Is only Thursday. You must
possess your soul in patience till then"
Jimmy Claxton. at the head Of the table.
was enjoying himself hugely. but his wife
was plainly fright ened and he winked at
her reassuringly.
Jean was talking with Miss Jeffries in a
low tone, It's bad manners to whisper at
the table" volunteered Reginald. Miss
Griffin flushed. but made no other sign of
having heard him.
Helen helped herself to large and lus-
cious-looking banana, then moved the
dish toward him. Want one?'' she asked,
taking the first delicious bite.
No, thank YOU" he answered, coldly.
Don't you honor bananas with your dis
tingushed approval?' she inquired, lightly.
Not since l went through the Italian
quarter in New York and saw how they
rIpen EN- he answered. ''They-ouchI
There's no need for you to walk on my
FOOT"
Miss Jeffries, who had the skin OF a
banana on her plate, asked to be excused,
and somewhat hastily left the room.
Kerwin disappeared Immediately after
breakfast, coming in a little later in his
macintosh and brandishing an umbrella.
10 he IIar
after the mail" he announced ANY of
you want anythfng?"
Don't you want the trap, old MANI"
asked Claxton, kindly. ITS quite swim
down there"
NO thank you," returned KerwIn.
shortly. 4 could overtake that old plug
of yours in walk any day
For the first time Jimmy Claxton was
irritated His thoroughbred chestnut mare
was the pride of his heart even though she
had never wen a race nor taken a prize at
the horse show. The shaft struck Helen
even more keenly, for she had a high-spirit-
ed woman's love for beautiful horse, and
spent many an hour in the trap behind
Juno" watching the glossy coat culver
with the joy of living, and her heart beating
| quickly in response to the sharp clatter of
| the mares little feet upon the broad high
ways of Morristown.
I Can 1 do anything for you, Helen?" in
quired Kerwin.
Miss Claxton, If you please she COM
manded- Il want nothing that you can
| give me. Nothing" she repeated, with
| emphasis. and fiounced out of the room.
| After obtaining various small commissions
| from the others, Kerwin sailed out into
/ the rain, biting his lips to conceal a smile.
| The women were watching for him eager
| ly when he returned. He was laden with
parcels, which he distributed with aggra-
waiting leisure.
Roses for you, Mrs Claxton," he said
| carnations for you, Miss Griffin; a book
| for you. Miss Jeffries, another for you,
| Miss Sprague; magazine for Miss War
| ner and sweets for the rest of you" He
| placed bundle of letters and papers on the
| table. I'm take the rest upstairs" he
| said, suittng the action to the word.
| mo letter for mel sighed Helen, as she
| sorted the mail.
| Never mind" said one of the other girls
| soothingly. What did you get out of the
| lottery?"
| Her color rose high. but she did not tenn
porize. ''Nothing!" she answered, bravely.
| Luncheon was very dismal affair
Seemingly by common consent, no one took
| any particular notice Of Kerwin. though he
| came into the conversation briskiy when
| ever 1t was possible, and Ciaxton, mindful
of the duties Of hospitality, endeavored to
be amiable.
During the afternoon a servant brought
| Helen letter, and a note. which she opened
| first. 1t read as follows:
| Mr.. Kerwin presents his compliments to
Miss Claxton, and also the accompanying