Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-12
XLVII.


Almost at the same hour that Clodagh sat
down to play cards with Laurence Asshlin
at Orristown, Nance was seated with Daisy
Estcoit in the lounge of the Carlton. After
her sisters departure, Mrs. Estcoit had
borne her off to be her guest at the hotel
and now the little party of four having
dined in the restaurant, she had gone to
her room to discuss a business letter with
her son. leaving the two girls ensconced un-
der one of the big palm-trees.
1t was very pleasant and interesting to sit
there and watch the groups seated on the
low couches beside the little tables
or to study the throng of people that moved
constantly through the large glass doors OF
the vestibule, and up the flight of shallow
steps to the restaurant itself, with its shad.
ed lights and pretty artificial garden. The
crowd was unusually large for the time OF
year; the band was playing a waltz; the
whole atmosphere seemed gay and happy
to one who only that morning had perform
ed a great act of love.
How lovely life is, Dafsy!'' Nance said
suddenly, unconsciously echong Clodagh'
words on the day Of Cores return to Lon
don.
Daisy Estcoit laughed.
"Of course 1t is-with a trousseau like
yours. But look over there, by the big
palmr'
Nance had bent to rearrange some roses
in her belt.
Where? WHAT" she said, glancing up
Don't you see?"
mo. What?'
"Sir Walter Gore. He just rushed through
and into the restaurant. He seems in tire.
mendous haste"
Walter! where?" Nance looked round
eagerly.
i've just told you In the restaurant
But here he is back again! He must have
been looking for some one"
Nance rose from the quiet corner in
which they were sitting and stepped for
ward to greet Gore; but as he came toward
her, down the fight of shallow steps, her
smile of welcome died and a look of sur
prise and concern crossed her eyes,
"Walter!' she said softly.
He looked round at the sound of his
name.
"Oh. Nance!' he said. His manner was
as quiet as usual, but he looked like a
and has not yet found time to rest.
They shook hands in silence, Nance's
dark-blue eyes scanning his face.
Have you heard from Clo?" she said
at last. II lave. Such a dear letter
written in the train.'
He flushed.
Yes he said laconically, 'I have heard
But I can't wait to talk about the letter
man I know; they told me at his rooms
that he was dining here, but twas evil
IDENTIFY mistake. 1 must say goodnight"
He held out his hand, and Nance took II
ihSShdhiSoHy, out ds tHcli HbSciS leH dpdTt
she stepped forward and walked with him
resolutely across the lounge
In the vestibule she paused and compelled
him to meet her eyes.
"Walter," she said, something is wrong %
Cores face hardened.
Nothing is wrong
She frightened her fingers round the fan
she was carrying.
THAT is untrue, Walter"
Something in the entire candor Of the
words touched him. He looked at her with
new eyes.
You are right" he said, quietly. at
was untrue"
'"Then something has happened? Some
thing about Clo?"
Eyes. Notwithstanding that will
break our engagement
Nance turned very pale
Walter" she said, family, after mo-
ment's pause. Then, before he could speak
again, she looked up at him. Wait for a
minute!' she said, sharply. "Wait for a
minutev And, turning, she hurried back
to where Daisy Estcoit was still sitting
Daisy" she said, tell Pierce that I
have gone out with Walter, and that I'll be
back i'll half an hour. Tell him that it's
something most-most important" She
spoke hastily, and, without waiting to see
the effect of her words, turned again and
threaded her way between the groups of
people back to where Gore was standing
Call a cab, Walter" she said. I'VE
must talk
But, Nance
"a hanson. please"
She turned without embarrassment to