The San Francisco call., 1904-12-11

=
equal-an intellectual equal" Alec in
sisted hotly. He was hot on a subject
which did not seem necessarily to de-
maud warmth because he too had de-
cided what he wanted. He had fallen
into a passion which can be described
only as unscrupulous. He wanted 10
marry clever, distinguished, brllllahI
Anna Selford-to marry her at a reg
istry office and take her TO live on two
pounds a week Cor thereabouts) In two
rooms up two pairs of stairs In Batter
sea. Living there, consorting with the
people who were doing the real think
ing of the age, remote from the batted
bourgeoise. she would really be able 10
influence opinion and TO find a scope
for her remarkable gifts and abilities.
He sketched this menage in an aDstTact
fashion, not mentioning the lady
name, and was much annoyed when
Jeremy opined that he wouldn't nnd
girl in London to do it"
''Oh. as for you, l know you are go
ing to become a damned plutocrat,
Alec said, with a scornful reference to
the dyeing works
rot" remarked Jeremy, but he was
by no means so annoyed at being ac-
cused of becoming a damned plutocrat
as he would have been a year earlier,
before he had determined to seek
speedy riches and fame in order TO daz-
zle Dora Hutting, and when he had
not encountered the gentle eyes of Eva
RaymOre. Whatever else plutOcrats (if
we may now omit the epiphetus or
nans) may or may not do in the econO-
my and service of the commonwealth.
they can at least give girls they like
fine presents, and furnish beautiful
houses (and fabrics superbly dyed for
their chosen wives. There are, in short,
nlitigations of their lot. and possibly
excuses for their existence.
Jeremy's state of mind may easily
be gagged. The dyeing works were
prominent, but the experience or life
was to the front too. He was working
hard-and had his heart in his play
besides. For his age it was a healthy,
and a healthily typical, existence. The
play part was rich in complications not
unpleasurable. The applause OF large,
admiring brown eyes is not negligible
matter in a young mans life. There
was enough of the old Jeremy surviv-
ing TO make the fact that he was fall
Ing in love seem enough to support an
excellent theory on the subject But,
on the other hand, he had meant the
fame and riches for Dora Hutting-to
dazzle her anyhow-whether to satisfy
or to tantalize her had always been
moot point. In imagination Jeremy
had invariably emerged from the pro-
cess making wealth and fame either
unalterably faithful or indelibly mi
sogynistic-Dora being the one eter-
nal woman. though she might be
proved unworthy. 1t had never oc-
CURED to him that he should label the
,ame and riches to another address.
To be jilted may appear ludicrous to
the rest of the world, but the ardent
mind OF the sufferer contrives to re-
gard ii as tragic. A rapid transference
of affection tends TO impair the dignity
of the whole matter. Still, large brown
admiring eyes will count-especially If
one meets them every day. Jeremy
was profoundly puzzled about himself,
and did not suppose that Just this sort
Of thing had ever occurred before.
Then deep sense of guilt stole over
him. Was he triflfng with Eva? He
hoped not But of course there is no
denying that the idea of trifiing with
girls has its own attractions at a GER
tain age. At any rate to feel that you
might-and could-is not altogether an
unpleasing sensation. However Jere-
my's moral sense was very strong-the
stronger Gas he was in the habit Of
assuring Alec Turner for being based
on pure reason and the latest results
Of sociology. Whenever Eva had been
particularly sweet and admiring. he felt
that he ought not to go to Buckingham
Gate again until he had put his rela-
tions with Dora Hutting on an ascer-
tanned basis. He would knit his brow
then, and decline to be enticed from
his personal problems by Alec's invi-
tations to general discussion. At this
stage OF his life he grew decidedly
more careful about his dress, not aim
ing at smartness. but at a rich and
sober effect. And all the while he
started for Romford at in the morn
ing. He was leading a very fine ex-
istence.
"These are very roseate hues, Kate"
Christine Fanshaw observed with deli
cate criticism as she slipped her tea.
Kate had been talking about Eva and
limiting benevolently about Jeremy.
'Oh, the great troubles always be-
hind No, it's not so bad now, thank
heaven But If only he could come
back for good! I'm sure we want
roseate hues!"
"I daresay we do" said Christine,
drawing nearer the fire. 1t was au-
tunn now, and she was always chilly
little body.
Look at those wretched Courtlands.
And somehow 1 don't believe that
Grantley's marriage has been alto
gether successful.
She paused a moment, and there had
been a questioning infection in her
voice; but Christine made no comment.
For myself 1 can't complain
And you won't get anything out Of
me. Kate"
But we do want the young people to
to give us the ideal back again."
II suppose the old people have al
ways thought the young people were
going to do that. And they never do.
They grow into old people-and then
the men drink, or the women run
away, or something"
mo, no. Kate Raymore protested
II won't believe 1t, Christine. There's
always hope with them. anyhow.
They're beginning with the best, any
howl"
"And when they find it isn't the
best?''
"Youre-you're positively sacrilegi-
ous!''
"And you're disracefully senti-
mental"
She finished her tea and sat back. re-
garding her neat boots.
Walter Blake's back in town." she
went on.
He's been yachting. hasn't hep
Yes, for nearly two months. 1 met
him at the Selfords'."
A moments pause followed.
There was some talk" began
Kate Raymore tentatively.