Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-27

On q certain morning In the last week
in June Lady Frances Hope rode into the
courtyard OF the Knightsbridge hats
Throwing her bride to the man servant
who was attending her. she dismounted
from her horse. gathered up her habit and
entered tho doorway Of the building.
Seating herself In the lift, she was borne
upward, and n few seconds later stepped
out upon the second floor and. going briskiy
forward. pressed the bell Of Ciodagh's hall
door.
The summons was answered by the same
maid who had admitted Clodagh on the day
OF her arrival. and, seeing the visitor. she
drew back instantly, throwing the door
wide.
rs Mrs. Miibanke up, Barkes?' Lady
Frances asked II did not see her in the
park this morning"
Mrs. Milbanke didn't ride this morn
ing. my lady. She Is having breakfast In
her own room. Shall say your ladyship
Is here?'' -. .f.l...->,
Lady Frances replied by walking into the
hall.
mo, thanks I'll announce myself"
Stepping forward without ceremony. she
passed down the hall and opened the door
of Clodaghs bed room; but on the thresh-
old she paused, interested by what she saw.
The two windows that looked upon the
park were wide open and through them the
beautiful warm sunshine was pouring
across the room touching the old French
furniture into a renewal of its glories.
Drawn into the fun radiance of this mel
low light stood small round table set
with silver, china and a bowl Of flowers.
and at this table sat Clodagh herself She
was wearing a simple dress of black mus
lin and her hair-which cleaned almost
bronze In the clear. strong Hght-was
twisted into one thick coll. But 1t was
neither her dress nor appearance that at
tracted her visitor; 1t was something
vaguely Notwithstanding subtly sug-
gestive--in her attitude as she sat close
to the table, an array of letters and papers
spread before her, a gold pencil held
thoughtfully against her lips.
Thinking 1t was servant who had en-
tered the room. she did not change her
position with the opening of the door, and
Lady Frances Hope had a full minute In
which to observe her; then. having made
her deductions, she allowed her presence
to be known
Can you tolerate such an early visitor?''
she asked.
Clodagh started almost guiltily, and drew
the array of papers into a confused heap;
then she rose hastily, laughing to cover her
momentary confusion.
How you frightened met she said 81
must be developing nerves But come in!
am delightedr
She went forward with apparent cor
diality. and. taking her visitors hand.
How nice and energetic you look, You
make me feel very lazy. I wasn't in the
mood for a ride this morning. Come in!
Sit down.
Lady Frances responded to the sugges-
ton by moving across the room. Pausing
by the breakfast table, she bent forward
and buried her face for moment In
the flowers. at the same time stealing a
swift glance at the scattered letters beside
Clodagh's plate. Then. Strengthening her
self again with apparent nonchaIance, she
moved to the open window and stood look
ing down upon the park.
"Clodagh!" she said. suddenly. Are you
busy? Can we talk?"
Clodagh turned sharply, and almost with
a gesture of surprise. The whole round OF
her intercourse with Lady Frances Hope
had been OF SO easy, of so superficial a
nature-the whole tone of their. friendship
had been pitched in SO Unconditional key
since the one night. In the Paris hotel where
they had touched upon things vital to then
both-that the suggestion Of reality. OF ever