Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-13
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I.
Mr.. Strong Returns.

the great terminal depot, and among the
first to alight was a stalwart man, carrying
a grip, who walked quickly through the
smoke, past the painting monster, toward
the entrance. Confronted by those persons
awaiting the arriving passengers at the end
of the long platform, the man almost eager
ly scanned that miniature sea of faces. A
comprehensive look, but amid the express
sve countenances wherein was written
every variety Of expectant emotion he ap-
parently did not find some one he sought!
His footsteps slackened; again he scfuti-
nized the throng-men, women and children.
smiling, beaming, some even waving hand
kerchiefs and hands at the incoming people
then pushed his way through the assem-
bled crowd.
''How do you do, Mr.. Strong?' At the
same time hand took the grip.
Very WELL James Mrs. Strong got my
telegram from Albany?'
Yes. sir. This way to the carriage, sir
Mr. Strong followed the man to the curb,
gazing sharply toward the carriage as If he
thought some one might be there-inside
perhaps. But the carriage was empty-he
saw that very plainly when the man threw
open the door-and. as Richard Strong en-
tered, his face, bronzed by the winds of the
plains, expressed trace of feeling. Disap-
pointment? He would not acknowledge It,
nor would he permit himself to analyze any
intrusive emotion. Drawing an evening pa
per from his pocket with seeming unconcern
he began to read by the failing light
AS they drove on the familiar hum OF the
city failed to arrest his attention. and 1t
was not until the carriage stopped that he
looked up. folded the paper and thrust it
into his coat Ascending the front steps of
his home he felt for his keys, but found
that he had misplaced them and rang the
bell For some moments he waited and was
about to pull the knob again, when the door
was opened-not by her-although she met
him In the hall - whether accidentally
or purposely, he could not tell. She
had been coming from a room and at
sight of him paused With start he
conceded how her beauty had unfolded.
and yet Mentally ne compared the
expression on her face with the expressions
on those other faces at the depot and his
own countenance relaxed: he smiled grfinly.
while certain larger emotions, bred In ma
lures vaster western amphitheater during
the past few months became dwarfed, be-
Titled.
You are looking WE'LL he said.
$50 every one says" she answered, con-
fident. seif-poised. Was your trip sue
cessful?"
"Quiter' he answered laconically, and
dropped her hand.
Your telegram came but short time be-
fore your train. We are having little
company tonight. 1t was too late to change
any plans
II would not have you do that" he re-
turned.
He now noticed the house was brilliantly
lighted; that she was attired in something
light indescrbable, and looked fresh. white,
with touches of color in her cheeks, like
the tints of delicate roses He felt dusty,
tired. with the complexion of a ranchman.
Abruptly he turned started up the stair
way, only to experience a revulsion of feel
ing. Gazing down, their glances met. At
first she drew back, SO dark was his look
then returned 1t proudly almost mockingly
the vision n Slap6ar
grew upon him.
You enjoyed yourself-at Newport"
Very much"
Closing his hand hard he went on to his
Some time later a servant knocked timid-
ly at his door.
Mrs. Strong wants to know If you will
soon be ready to come down"
He responded perfunctorily and in a few
moments repaired to the drawing ROOM
where he found assembled a merry COM
pany-his wife. Posie. Charlie and the
Shadow. Mr.. and Mrs Rossiter and the
Reverend Doctor Clement. AS Mr. Strong
entered, Elinor's face appeared buoyant
care-free; she was talking quickly and
every one was laughing. At his coming she
broke off In what she was telling and turn
ed to him.
Excuse my sending word" she explain
ed, but we really must go in." And as
Mr. Strong greeted her guests generally and
individually: People are coming later-a
musicale-and If 1 had known earlier you
would arrive"
How very reprehensble Of you, Mr..
Strong, not to let Elinor know" murmur-
ed Mrs. Rosster she took that gentle
mans arm and moved toward the dining
room.
But behind them Posie tossed her fiowery
head. I'm sure dIlinor wouldn't have liked
1t half so well. If she had known sooner.
AS it was, your homecoming has been in
the nature of surprise, Mr.. Strong You
don't know how pleased she looked when
m &C loa
color and"
"Blushed like bride, I dare sayp' And
the Reverend Doctor Clement beamed be-
n1gnly from host to hostess, as the party
seated themselves around the board
Look at her nowr' Posie clapped her
hands.
The blood had indeed rushed to F,linor's
cheeks and for the moment she looked
forward and half gaily invited the scrutiny
of the company.
Yes; look at herr she said.
The only persons who did not join in the
conversation were Mr.. Strong and Charlie
Dalton The latters countenance wore a
conventional expression, but close observ-
er might have noted how his face had
changed at Posie's words and how he had
Strong's response. he too, had involunta-
rily leaned forward and striven to meet her
gaze, but in turning her face from one to
the other, as counting a full and individual
ii'SpSNtioi, ShC efltly overlooked Ddl-
ton. The young mans eyes fell; with one
hand he fingered the thin stem of his glass;
the other clasped his chair little tighter
You brought back a good color" said
Mr. Rossiter, addressing the host of the oc-
casion. You must have been exposed
great deal?"
Yes; In the saddle along the line of con-
struction. For month 1 lived outdoors.
'Outdoors!" cried Pose. How delight
full! OF course you had many adventures.
Can't you tell us some of them?"
Il am afraid 1 cannot pose as hero
Miss Stanton, returned Mr.. Strong his
face relaxing.
Il did not know railroad presidents had
to work so hard,' remarked Mrs Rossiter
irrelevantly.
Sometimes through preference, madam"
was the reply. II had longing for a
breath of the old life-the glory and soil
tude of Gods true worldv
The rector coughed Wouldn't you In
clude the cities in that category, Mr..
Strong?"
Il hardly think l should call Mr.. Tweed's
city Gods world"
of course there are certain evils
Then why not thunder against them in
the pulpit?' Mr. Strongs gray eyes shot
a half quizzical glance at the speaker.
The Rev. DR.. Clement changed color
Thunder? In his church? He rubbed his
hands gently.