Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-07

with his hat still on his head.
well, this beats me- he began effusively
coming forward and wringing Saxton's
hand. This beats me! I'm not going to
try to explain. I simply forgot that's all. "
He took Saxton's arm and turned him to-
ward the door where the girl still stood
smiling.
Evelyn, this is Mr.. saxton. He's come
to dine with US. Bless my soul! but for
got all about it, See here. Evelyn. you've
got to square this for me-" he concluded
and pushed his hat back from his forehead
as he appealed to her
She came forward and shook hands with
Saxton.
- don't know how 1T can be squared,
This Is only one of fathers lapses, Mr.
Saxton: You may be sure he didn't mean
mo. indeed" declared Porter; but I'm
ashamed of myself. Guess I'm losing my
WIS. lie waved the young people to seats
with his hat. as If anxious to have the apol-
og1es over as quickly as possible. Posi-
lively no refection-no, sir. Why, the last
time 1t happened
"A week ago tonight his daughter inter-
polated.
''The victim was the lord mayor of some
where. who was passing through town,
and L asked him and his gang for dinner,
and actually didn't telephone to the house
about 1t until half-past in the afternoon.
I'm losing my wits that's all" He contin-
ued to paint his social crimes, while his
daughter disappeared to correct his latest
error by having plate laid for the unan-
nounced guest. When she returned he left
OF the drawing room still holding his hat
ana exclaimed sharply: Evelyn, I'm sure
l must have told you about Mr. Saxton
being here when We were talking of the
Poindexter place last night. L told you
some one was coming out to take charge of
those things"
Very well. father she said, patiently,
turning toward him. He again vanished
into the hall, having he thought, justified
himself before his guest.
Ihls Is one OF our standing jokes you
see, and father feels that he must defend
himself. was away for SO long and father
has suffered.
But I'm sure he hasn't lost his instinct
of hospitality said Saxton.
NO; but It's his instinct of consideration
Tor the housekeeper that's blunted." She
was still smiling over the incident in a way
that mad the effect of including Saxton as
party to the joke rather than as its victim.
He found himself feeling altogether COM
lortaoie. and was able to lead off into
discussion OF the heat and of the appear
charming. h. ~
.Oh. that's fathers great delight" she
SAID: tell him he's far more interested
In the grounds than thee house. He's an
easy prey to the compilets of flower cata-
iogues. ana people who sell trees go to him
nrst; then they neversneed to go any far
They were touching upon the beneficence
or Arbor day when Porter, returned with an
appearance or clean cuffs and without his
hat, and launched into statistics as to the
number OF trees that had been planted In
the state by school children during the past
year. The maid came to announce dinner.
and Porter talked on as he led the way to
the dining room. AS they were taking their
seats a boy Of twelve took the place oppo-
site Saxton.
This Is my brother Grant" said Miss
Porter, The boy was shy and silent and
looked frail. The efforts of his sister to
bring him into the talk were fruitless.
When his father Or sister spoke to him 1t
was with an accented kindness. He would
not talk before stranger; but his face
frightened at the humor OF the others.
There was .ound table very prettiiy set
with glass candlesticks at the four plates
and bowl of sweet peas in the center.
Porter began discussion of some problems
relating to improvements and changes In
the grounds. talking directly across to his
de lighter. as che served the SOUP Her
manner with him was very, gentle She /
added father 20 most OF her sentences in
addressing him. and there was a kind of
caress In the word as she spoke it. Her
head. whose outlines had seemed graceful