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

Evelyn was one of those who, in Raridan's
own phrase, did not take him seriously. She
had seen more of him than of any other
man. She had great fondness for him,
and she glad to find that after her abb
sences he always came to the house as IL
there had been no break. and took up
their pleasant comradeship where they had
left it. She had speculated not little as
to the violent firtations which he carried
on SO openly. and had wondered whether
he would sometime grow serious IN one or
them, and what manner Of girl would finally
steady him and win him to a real affection.
She did not understand the mood that had
swayed him, or that seemed about to sway
him tonight; but a WON ms natural In.
stinct in such matters had warned her that
he wanted to change their old attitude to-
ward each other, and she knew that she
did not want to change 1t. She liked his
gentleness, his humor and his generous inn
pulses. She had seen enough of the world
to know that the qualities which set him
apart from most men were rare. HIS lk-
ingS in themselves were unusual, and
though they were not sincere enough for
his own good, they constituted an element
of charm in him. HIS ecSy susceptibility
was amusing; and it was more marked
in fiirtations with girls than in lllyings
with books or pictures or music He was
certainly a delightful companion. almost
as satisfactory to talk to as bright girl!
She felt,- though, that there a real
power in him: she could dramatize him in
situations where he would be a leader or
forlorn hopes on battletieldS; but she stop
ped short of LOVING him; she had, she told
herself, no idea of loving any now; but
neither did she wish to lose a friend who
was so entirely agreeable and charming.
She resolved as they sat talking of per.
fectly safe matters, that their old footing
must be maintained, and she felt confident
that she could manage this.
Don't you like John Saxton very muchT'
he asked, and she felt that the day was
saved when he would talk of another man.
Il like him better all the time"
Eyes: people are saying agreeable things
about him. But he's pretty serious, isn't
her"
well that makes him a good COM
panion for me, you know. Acute gaiety il
diagnosed as my chief trouble" he said. q
little bitterly. He was trying to feel his
way back to the talk of an hour ago. but
she had resolved not to have 1t SO.
Its very nice of you to be kind to him."
IF you mean that / bring him up here.
that isn't kindness, It's just ordinary de-
cent humanity.
He was cheerful again, and he went away
assuring her that he would be at the station
to meet the approaching visitors the fol-
lowing afternoon. He abused himself, as
he went down the hill toward the electric
lights of the city. for having permitted
Evelyn to defeat him in what he had in
tended to say. He stopped the long
viaduct that spanned the railway tracks
and looked modify down the lights of
the switch targets and the signal lanterns
of the trainmen. Then he turned his eyes
toward the Porter house. which stood dark
ly against the starlit sky among the trees.
AS he looked light flashed suddenly in the
tower. He laughed softly to himself as he
turned with a quickened step on his way.
Maybe it's Evelyn, and maybe It's the
cook; but any lady in a toweri The thought
of 1t doth please me WE'LL
Go be continued Monday