The Washington times., 1905-08-20
PART I-cHAPTFR ".

PART IT-CHAPTER ".
| Mrs. Maxtead sat before her bedroom
| fire. It was wei past O'Clock. but as
yet her only attempt at retiring for ths
night had consisted Of drawing off all
her rings and making them into a lit
tie heap. 4 cup Of black coffee stood
on a table by her side. and against the
saucer rested a half-burnt cigarette.
On her face was an expression Of ex-
pectation-an expectation that settled
| into quiet certainty when the handle OF
her door was softly turned and soTne-
one came into the room. She made no
attempt to raise her head or to look
behind: but with a faint movement that
was satisfaction and decision in one. she
| let the rings slip to her lap and brought
/ her fnger-tips together.
| Anna came silently across the room
| She was wrapped IN a Chinese robe with
| fantastic pattern in gold. and wore
| slippers OF Oriental make. she crossed
| the room and laid her hands on Nrs.
| Maxtead's shoulders; then her eyes feia
| on the coffee cup and she smiled.
Coffee and cigarettes at two IN the
morning! How many women would be
slipping hot water and preparing for
day in bed!'
Mrs. Maxtead laughed her satirical
laugh. Days in bed make me realize
the grave" She gave a little shiVer-
AS for hot water-I never could toll
crate it outside my bath" She lifted
the coffee cup to her lips and, laying II
down, picked up the cigarette ana
tossed It into the fire.
But I've come to a conclusion con-
cerning you. Anna. Sit on the ground
and lean against my knees"
Anna gathered her wrapper about her
and obeyed. To sit On the ground be-
fore a fire and gaze into the 6iaze
charmed her now as much as It had
ever done. It was her most confidential,
her most familiar, pose, and long ago
Mrs. Maxtead had gauged its worth
For q moment they both followed the
play Of the freight on the dark blue
and gold OF the girls robe: then the si-
lence fell away.
Your conclusion. Jeanne? I am cu-
rious."
Mrs. Maxtead made a tower of her
rings, then tossed 1t down again TO
night passed. she said, but II can't bs
repeated. You're TOO conspicuous-nos
that's a hateful word; you're toe origi=
nal for London. Anna The dark cor
ners are too few
Jeanne. how inhospitabie-how very
horrid OF your Anna raised her eyes.
How considerate or mer' She touched
the girls cheek. My dear child, some
thing must be arranged In three days
pople will be talking: IN week you will
be recognized in a whispering, half
hearted way, and the big splash that I
have promised myself viii degenerate
into a little ring of bubbles. can't have
that, YOU know can't have it'' She
Strengthened herself.
\ moment followed in which the words
died away; then, half humorously and
half seriously. Anna set her lips.
Il won't leave England, Jeanne; it's
no use"
\ faint amused gIeam crossed the oth-
er's eyes. .EEgiand-or London?" she
asked below her breath.
Anna hesitated; then unaccountably
bltished ''England-I think
Mrs Maxtead Ieant back In her chsirI
she seemed to make deductions and caI-
cuIat tions that were not unpleasant 70
her mind: when at last she half raised
her lids and spoke again her voice had
its old silky tone.
You've heard me speak OF Irescar.
Anna?''
The girl moved slightly. Her fingers
carefully outlined a gold dragon that
stretched across her robe.
Hel. companion almost smiled.
Have YOU ever thought OF Cornwall
as a place Of interest? OF course. the
sea there isn't Ike the sea at Naples.
but still She let her voice drop.
Anna bent over her task she was abb
sorbed in the curves OF the Dragons
'''' .arbere is great slope of rock at
Trescar and a stretch OF heather: ana
rather q picturesque view forges
whether you like Views"
With a twist OF the wrist Anna I'M
ished tracing the tail; then, smiling ir~
resIstibly, she turned round.
Jeanne, what are you driving at
For a space Mrs. Maxtead looked at
the fire in silence: then. against her wills
she responded to the smile.
My dear Anna, 1t Is not artistic to be
so abrupt. I'm driving at propositions;
I'm trying TO make concessions. She
paused a little; then leant forward.
speaking fast IF l cancel all my en-
come with me to Cornwall tomorrow
Stay with me there as long as I like;
put everything into my hands to maa-
age as | think bestT
Which means little quiet, and
eventually the splash Anna made A
slight grima,e:e
They both laughed; then the girl uuA
up her hand "SpatUer the whole town
! if you like. Jeanne; l don't mind For
a second their fingers touched, and thera
was something Of understanding. some
thing of sympathy IN the silent pres
sure; then gathering her rings tnfo a
little heap. Mrs. MaXtead slowly rose
She leant against the mantel-shelf ara
stood looking down. Has Princo
ROXoff asked YOU to marry him siFscs
| that night al the opera %
(To Be Continued Next sunday.l