Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-17

week, ana was TO return u the City IA a
few days. Antoinette and Mr. Glover had
planned a neighborhood party in his honor.
He was five years the latter's senior, but 50
friendly and genial that each member OF the
family looked upon him as a particular
friend and We'd with one another In making
his stay pleasant.
How many have We now?'' asked Antol-
nette. addressing small envelope.
"Thirty-one," Mark answered, land three
over in the box. The Ponsonbys will make
thirty-six."
Ann can scarcely get enough Ponson-
bys.' said Cover, teasingly. such pity
there are but three of them. Why not ask
Papa and Mamma Ponsohby, sister,
..'Thirty-six," repeated Antoinette, pre-
tending not to hear, although the pretty
color that flushed her cheeks told o!ief
ent tale. Phil can deliver the invitations
this afternoon"
Phil, It's always Phil around here late
~" exclaimed Cover. You people seem
to think he must do everything. Why don
you send Jim or CobbY a.,
Il don't know" answered Antolnette.
really never thought how much we were
calling on him. 1 fancy it's because he's
always be depended upon to do an errano
well. isn't it, Mr.. Glover?"
You got along without him before ne
came" persisted her brother. Hes over
worked now; doesn't get to play halr
enouxh.'
To suit you, Antolnette HnlSneu lne
sentence. well, l must see about thou
sand other things, and must leave you. l
believe you'd better send Jim with the IN
vitations. Mr.. Glover; and would you allow
Cover to go to Easton to engage the mu-
sicianS?
Certainly; his lessons are all done"
Antonette went first to her grandmoth-
er's room. Mime. Dupre was by this time
quite recovered from her Illness.
Dear grandma" she said coaxlngly-and
she could be very winning-"1 have such q
favor to ask" kissing the withered old
hand still white and soft.
And what is that, ma cherie?'
I'VE are to have such delightful party
for Mr.. Harlow, and 1 wish to look my
best"
For him, my pet?'
"Oh, grandmammal How can you ask
that? For nobody at all but Antoinette
Montjoy, because she loves to see herself
look we'll"
And what would you ask? The string
of pearls for your pretty throat or the dia-
mond star for your hair?"
Neither of Them" murmured Antoinette.
ut is the ruby ring, please. 1t looks SO we'll
en- my hand, you remember"
You will be very careful Of it?'
Yes, yes, indeed and l will wear a guard
and not allow it off my finger"
Very well. I've no objection to your
wearing 1t here at home; it cannot be hurt
The only thing Is not TO lose It,"
Il shall be sure not to do that. Thank
you so very much grandmamma. When
am all dressed I'll come for it so that you
may see my new gown and the effect"
On the important evening Antonette stood
before her mirror looking very well pleased,
and who could blame her? The rose was
her only bit of color, and she wore 1t to en-
phasize the ruby. for which she now hast
ened to her grandmother's room.
Shall l dor she asked standing where
the light would fall upon her.
Il fancy you we'll know that. darling. My
little girl must not be vain; but how beau
III oy,I ,,ol,f vl,rk
the highest praise Madame Dupre could be-
stow-"How French!' This granddaughter
was her pet, the idol of her heart. Even
II she were to find the missing grandson
he could never usurp her place in madam's
affections.
Papa sent me the new gown this very
DAY from the city. Is he not darling
papa?"
''He is, indeed, my child Here is the
ring.
The girl slipped it on her finger and re-
placed the tiny guard she wore.
''Ah, it is the finishing touch!" cried Ma
dame rapturously, as she saw the jewel
flaming against the diaphanous muslin. She
was so thoroughly French that the har-
money of Antoinette's toilet filled her with
pleasure. Go cherie, and be happy" she
said, kissing her. Youth is the one time"
The others were awaiting her when she
reached the lower hall.
my eye. Antoinette!" exclaimed Cover,
II don't wonder you stand so long before
the glass! Won't Stedman be bowled over
when he sees your"
Before she could reply Gyp challenged her
brother and both sped or to the staircase.
Gyp flung the tambourine she was carrying
with exact aim and II landed on the bear
skin rug at the foot of the stairs. uninjured
She followed almost as fast, with Cover at
her heels. and won the race.
"Oh, Gyp! you'll ruin your frock" cried
Antoinette. How perfectly wild that child
is! And I wonder where Cover picks up
all the slang he is using of late? I'm afraid
Phil is not good friend for him."
slang Is the language Of boys" said Mr..
Harlow, smiling.
The guests now began to arrive, and con-
versation about the shortcomings Of Cover
and Gyp ceased: and the latter found her
self one Of the brightest stars of the even
ing. Afterward the musicians from Easton
arrived. and the festivities continued till
midnight.
my life" exclaimed Stedman Ponsonby as
he wiped his brow and led Gyp to a sofa.
You must rest bit. then" she said
kindly. Go over there and sit by sister"
All. thanks Gyp. How thoughtful of
you" And he went to Antoinette's side
where he seated himself.
"Meow-meow. me-ow-ow-owi" came In an
anguished shiek from the poor kitten which
Cover instgated and paid by Gyp. had
slipped into his pocket
Upon my soul! 1 didn't see that cat on
the chair. All! where's the thing gone?'
looking around, until another faint meow"
told him.
ITS that little-little-it's that Gyp," he
said. thinking a great deal more than he
uttered He knew why she had sent him
over to Antoinette-to make him ridiculous
He looked over at the sofa where he had
left her with such fair words but no Gyp
was there; she and her brother were In the
hail closet hugging each other In an ecstasy
OF mirth.
I'm sorry we had to have the cat
pinched, but it's for Antoinettes own good"
said Gyp. holding her sides. Didn't Pom
look too silly? l hope she noticed IT."
Il wonder what will be done to u.s." said
Cover. for this evenings work."
Never mind that. This fun's worth all
we'll have to pay for It."
That's easy fer you to say; I'm the one
that will catch Hip
We'll. I'll not desert you at any rate: ~
you're imprisoned I'll come and cheer Won
up. and perhaps bring you flowers, ri
surely bring you whole making of peanut
tary. Come out OF here and let's look
around. They will be going before long"
Gyp reached the door In time to give Sted-
man sly glance and receive a wicked one
In return. Then she and Cover hastily
sought the safety OF their own rooms
ITS very singular, very" Mr.. Harlow
said abruptly, walking the length OF the
verarda and back, and watching the smoke
wreath and curl from his cigar He and
Mark were enjoying their last chat after
the departure of the young people. aIthoueh
the new day had come.
-hat t. 81,