Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-18

ferent way Let's settle down to dinner
and leave the principals to fix the RESPONSE
biity of the mix-up." 1t was Jim who
spoke in response to Ralston's sign OF en-
treaty.
When the conversation had resumed nor
NAL proportions the latter turned to his
dinner partner.
will you forgive me for giving you such
scare? he asked.
cit was rather a poor beginning, yet
somewhat original" she mused Tel me.
do you often begin in that fashion, her
expression was most sober-all save htr
laughing blue eyes.
IF you'd seen me when I unstrapped that
suit case you wouldn't believe it WAS m.
territorial Why, even Jim was afraid OF
that top layer"
you didn't go down any further" sac
demanded, with a quick little gasp.
Hardly" From his oysters he looked
up askance.
IF you'll agree to be perfectly frank, too.
I'll tell why l asked she proceeded, tenta-
lively.
Agreed"
well, 1 had read your last two books.
and l enjoyed them immensely. too. They
both turn out SO true to life-their very nat
uralness is their greatest charm think.
They lay at the bottom of that suit case
you toted about awaiting their authors
autograph-if / liked him we'll as his
wares.
"And you've already made up your mind
to the contrary?
Not quite that she considered. AT
first l thought possibly you had seen my
photograph at Jim's. and, recognizing me,
had merely walked off with my suit case
in order to WORK out the material for
story. / wasn't quite ready to forgive you
that-even if it was done in the pursuit OF
reality.
Il suppose Nan pictured me as a hawk
eyed, beak- noSed adventurer with pencil
behind one ear and a note book ever IN
hand at the expense of my friends, he
laughed. Wasn't that about the SIZE of it
frankly?
''She did say that none of the house party
equal to entertaining you, they being
all society friends, and that 1 simply must
come to help her out. What did Jim say
about me-frankly?"
"Oh. he told me about your running
hote!-and lots of other things, he evaded
That's not fair she protested with
vigor. You're crawling"
well, if you will know Ralston plunged
in. ''he said l might think you had fool
ish name-May B!ossom-but that L was
welcome to try to change it.
Very kind of him. she interrupted with
a blush. TN get even with jim"
And that ] simply must come to save
him from Mormonsm.
They both laughed.
"Well, were to be running mates during
our stay, we may as well make the best
of it, she observed.
And you'll wear that black and oink
fuffineSS tonight?"
"Oh. surely if you'll be so kind as to
turn my possessions. I hate to dance I'M
der false colors,' looking down at the blue
gown.
II wonder if YOU brought bathing suit?'
he Gueried cautiously.
"Of course. 1t was mild today"
Sh-h, don't murmur 1t above Whls-
per. 1t isn't fashionable at Elebron to use
the big bath-tuh, as my little niece dubbed
old Neptune. The only time you can safely
battle is at am. if you wouldn't be for
ever branded pleb, :" mimmckng Jim. Il
say I'll toss a pebble against your window
hot Jnon AM trn1
II hate golf she admitted.
Good. We're both plebes, sure enough.
We go boating while they play
They're progressing famOusly,' muir
INJURED the owner of the blue gown to her
host.
"And not discussing books, either. I'll
warrant Oh, May could animate a stick
of wood with those talkative blue eyes of
hers
1t was Monday morning, bright and early.
In order to reach her kindergarten in time
Miss Blossom was obliged to catch the 1:0I
train. Ralston also found an early depart
ure necessary. AS the motor drew up
within the porte-cochere the rest of the
party struggled sleepily down stairs to
speed the parting guests.
Poor, misguided mortals, who think they
are in the real swim by staying out of the
ocean, murmured Miss Blossom, whose
wide-open blue eyes and glowing cheeks
gave evidence of an early morning dip.
They won't really be awake before noon,'
agreed her companion, he slung the
cases beside the chauffeur and assisted her
to mount the steps.
Sure you can distinguish between them
this timer asked Simmons, Jim's ''tril-
Honaire."
With a start of business conjunction
Ralston realized that he had not even men
toned plans to the prospective cottager
His choicest designs still lay unopened at
the bottom of the suit case.
by the way, how are you going to end
that story?' sang out Jim, the irrepressble.
Just as it will end in real life. May
Miss Blossom is a steadfast advocate of
realism In fiction" replied Ralston, signal
ing the chauffeur to proceed
Jim turned to Miss Blossom, just as the
wheels began to turn: Il say, how will it
end, May?"
But, bent upon conquering the refractory
top clasp of her glove, Miss Blossom deftly
evaded the ScrutiniZing question.
Might give a fellow some satisfaction
grumbled their host, as he sleepiy rubbed
his eyes.
His WIFE more wide awake, smiled know
ingly her appreciation.
oh density, thy name is man. she
commented. Come in for a cup of coffee
all of you. Breakfast nine thirty
TIM cpTTT OF uTMcrrr