Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-30

To society at large and to the society re-
porters she was Mrs. Everett; to those who
were Jealous of her she was that frivolous
old Everett woman" but to those who
knew her best she was the dowager OUCH
ess. She came into the morning room,
where her grandson sat waiting breakfast
for her, her draperies huttering, her step
as light as a girls. Her white hair, coiled
high above her fresh-toned, aristocratic,
young-old face, was lustrous as FURNISHED
silver; her white forehead was unlined; her
white hands. heavily ringed with the SUI
perb old-fashioned tabe-cut diamonds she
always wore, were as soft and unwrinkled
as constant care could keep them. Even
her best enemies had to acknowledge that
Mrs. Everett was well-preseryed.
Her grandson rose as she entered, six
feet two of stalwart young manhood, and
scared her at the head of the table. He
was a good-looking fellow, well tailored
and well set up. His upper profile was hers
also; the clear-cut aristocratic line of
brow and nose proclaimed them OF one
race, and that a good one. but his mouth
was his mothers who had not been Mrs.
Everett's daughter.
You're looking t as a fiddle" he said
affectonately. His grandmother nodded
over the old-fashioned silver coffee service
Yes, Marie did me very well this morn
ing, she said, with entire frankness. II
should be nothing but an old woman with
out Marie"
Nonsense said her grandson You're
not old. You have a better time than most
girls | know there are always half dozen
old beaux raving over you"
We'll, why not?" said Mrs. Everett
briskly. without looking up from the letter
she was opening. Il old, and l don't
deny it. But why need old age be hard
and unlovely and unattractive? Any one
can grow old gracefully who will take the
trouble to try.
"Of course. have good time-so does
every one who wants to and doesn't NOPE
In a chimney corner. As for the old beaux-
just remember, I'm your grandmother, and
be respectful, my child. You'll be accusing
me of flirting next. Why. this is rather
extraordinary" Her flexible voice changed.
Jack, listen to this: If Mrs Everett will
call today at 123 Hickman street she will
learn something concerning a matter which
touches her nearly. A. NJ. Fairfax " She
glanced swiftly and oddly at her grandson's
face but he breaking an egg and did
not look up. Did you ever hear Of any
one named Fairfax? 1 can't think what
this can be about. Can you?"
Tear 1t up advised young Everett. en-
probably no good. People who have any
thing to communicate don't usually choose
that method
but It's signed" Mrs Everett protested
ally sign things. do they?"
Not with their own names, at any rate"
said Jack. Mrs. Eyeretts glance at him
was keen. She was entirely cool. and not
by the CULVER of an eyelash would she have
betrayed the fact that the letter had given
her a distinct shock.
Where is Hickman street," she asked
innoceutly
"Why-er-search me- Jack answered
Il think its somewhere in the southeast
section He watched Mrs. Everett
folded the letter thoughtfully.
"Own up, grandma You want to so and
find out. don't your he laughed.
Mrs. Everett looked at him soberly, then
with an answering CLEAN of mirth
Yes, my boy, and I'm going l haven't
outgrowu my love Of adventure even II
am your grandmother and I think I'll see
II there's adventure in this"
"Au right said Jack resignedly. I'll
come home early from the office and take
you"
"You'H-come home" Mrs Everett