Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-10

had been called Byzantine 81 know something
about that affair myself
Il know too" eagerly broke in the other
Florence told me all about it this morning. They
had fearful fuss last night, just before the hop
broke up, and Mr.. Hamilton told her she'd got to
say Yes or 'No-he wouldn't be kept dangling
string any longer. Of course he didn't use those
words but he just gave Florence Vail to under
stand that it her last chance at him"
What did she say?"
Why. the goose said No She is so sure of
him, you know, and she's such born coquette, that
she told him if it must be either, it must be No
And then the little idiot went home and cried all
night because she had said it, and she's going to
ask him to go driving with her this afternoon and
tell him she's changed her mind--or at least give
him chance to find it out"
She is! is she?" said Byzantine. We'll. guess
she isn't! Florence Vail has lost Dick Hamilton
for good this time "
Why, Mabel, what do you mean?"
Eglantine's face expressed intense interest; but,
had the speakers noticed it, also did Grace Fair
fields She neglected her soft-shell crabs in her
anxiety to hear the rest of the story, but she
careful to preserve effect of absorption in her
thoughts and indifference to all about her.
Just this" said Mabel and hint of spitefu
satisfaction rang in her tone Il sat with Roger
Hall coming in the train this morning He's
at the Harper House, where | am, you know, and
that's where Mr.. Hamilton has been staying too
India, and that he's going to-day
India? What in the world for?
Oh, his is that he's going to hunt first
editions of Kipling-he's book -fend, you know
but really, Roger says he's going because Florence
Vail refused him"
"Oh, what lovely messl" exclaimed Byzantine.
and despite her urban appearance she showed all
the JUNCTION of village gossip.
Yes, isn't it? assented Mabel And it serves
her right. Florence Vail thinks she ali the
men at Sea Ridge and most of the other places on
Long Island; and I'm just glad she's lost the
she likes bestl''
Oh, l don't know Florence is dear in some
ways You know we've been together at the Ocean
Swell all summer, and I've lot of her. She
is firt, but she doesn't really for anybody
but Dick Hamilton
Well then she should have treated him different
ly. She'll never see him again, unless she goes to
the dock this afternoon to the Bouvardia sail"
The Bouvarda2 That doesn't go to India"
No. he's going to London first, then on to India
from there Roger told me So.
/ think it's too bad, said Mabel. I've a
notion to go right back to Sea Ledge and tell
Florence he's going. I'd like her to have a chance
to do something"
What could she do? It's two O'Clock now, and
the sails this afternoon, probably about
three. Don't be silly, it's of your affair
No, but like Florence better than you do, and
I'm sorry for her.
Well I'm not. She deserves all she's getting
Don't you want Melba peach?"
No, | want that big tray of sweets, and then
well pick out what looks the fummeriest -
All right We'll have that And must hurry
little. for have to be at the taors at half-past
two"
Grace Fairfield was thinking. Her interest in