Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-14

vision died away in glow of rose, pink and
red gold. Ones readiness to pay the piper
depends upon the quality of the dance.
It's terrible grind on Dick said Dick 5
chum with fine relish Nancy looked pa
thetic. When Nancy drifts into gentle
pathos, men who know her will reach for
life preservers, but Ormsby did not know
her.
My sympathy is all for myself she
said. "Of course this is all very charming"
she added, with a glance that neutraliZed
the chill into which her first remark had
cast Ormsby and raised his temperature
to fever heat, '.but-but it really is en-
barrassing and" she blushed. BOBBY
always says that the blush Is more fatal
than the pathos.
She looked at Ormsby doubtfuly. Then
with a little outburst of friendly confidence,
leaned toward him. It's worse than en-
| barrassing," she said: Its tragic, My
mother has gone out for dinner, and she
told both maids they might go and stay
until nine o'clock
Ormsby arose to the occasion. He be-
lieved he had evolved glittering idea with
out assistance. Bobby would have known
better. Ormsby's guardian angel clutched
at his shoulder. but Ormsby shook him off.
gout-inspired torrent of paternal opinion
clamored in his ears but could not daunt
him.
II wish" he began, then paused to
take breath, and went on with rush:
II wish you would let me take You to
dinner. 1 haven't had mine and I'd have
ernorD It's such foriorn work dining alone.
I'd be so awfully pleased If you would go
with me-
1t was out He looked at her appre-
hensively. The pink gown and hood and
the stunning fur cloak that had slipped
from her shoulders all seemed appallingly
Philistine and conventional.
Nancy was surprised. Any one could have
seen that. She was also shocked-not dis
couragingly shocked, however. The shad-
ing was mastery. She looked at him with
her pretty head trifie tipped to one side.
Evidently tradition and inclination were
struggling within her. If Ormsby could have
remembered a prayer he would have said
it. He did start in one. but he didn't
know the rest of 1t, and, any way, ii didut
seem to fit the case.
I'm afraid, said the Vision doubtfully
(Nancy's manner is always most doubtful
when her decision is most firmly made),
I'm afraid 1t would be very improper"
II only a fear, not a conviction barred the
way, Ormsby was ready to fight for his
hearts desire.
"Oh, no; it. he began holly, but Nancy
interrupted him:
TT isn't at all the thing to dine without
a chaperon at a restaurant. Some one l
know would surely be there, and these
things'-she glanced down at the PIX
gown and the gorgeous cloak are rather
conspicuous.
While there was hesitancy there was hope.
Ormsby plunged into the breach.
But l know a very, very quiet little
place. near here. You'd never meet any OF
your friends there It's CHASTITY respect able
and nobody there would notice anything
one wore" The last two statements cid
not tally. The soul of responsibility Is
criticism; but the Vision apparently 3tdnt
notice the flaw in the argument.
'If you quite sure" she began.
Positive" swore Ormsby, and his guar
dian angel spread his wings and fed weep
ing.
AS the young couple were leaving the
apartment the telephone bell rang furiously.
Ormsby went back to the drawing room,
closing the door into the hall carefully he
hind him. Intuition is wonderful and
valuable thing.
When he took up the receiver, grin