Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-28
XIII.

Fresh from an intimate afternoon with
Harriet Cheever Mary not without
curiosity about Harriets husband when she
found him accidentally beside her in the
evening at a musical at the White House.
Mrs. Writings wealth and her social skill
had always achieved successes for her. and
she was included in the charmed circle ad-
mitted to the private entertainments given
by the Presidents wile. 1t was thus that
Mary had the privilege Of hearing a great
singer In those historic rooms.
Unexpectedly detached from his usual at
tendance upon Madame syrene, Fred
Cheever took q vacant seat by Mary Had
ding. and during the interludes gradually
drfted into conversation. He was plainly
without a soul for music and, Ike most
men. he had a settled conviction that an
entertainment at the White House was an
official affiction. There was no crowd to-
night. perhaps five hundred guests. but he
had an uneasy feeling that the herd would
come and he should have to wait an hour
for his carriage.
My wife isn't here" he remarked went
to bed with a headache instead. BY Joye.
| wish / could do the headache act and get
rid of this crowd. Harriet has sense. on
occasions. and this is one of them.
But there isn't a crowd" Mary pointed
out. land Harriet wanted to hear the
"Oh-you saw her then?' Cheever looked
at her interestedly; he was beginning to
discover the charm of her eyes
Harriet spent the afternoon with me:
we had tea and gossiped TO our hearts con-
tent
Lord. l didn't know Harriet ever gos-
siped." he exclaimed. you know she's a
saint. that's the reason We don't always
hit it Off: the strains to, great for me: /
can't keep trying en- m halo. Whom did
you discuss?" he added with some curl
osity.
I'VE talked a little of you. 1 think
Mary replied with calm smile
He started and flushed: 1t uawned upon
him that he might not figure well In his
wife's condolences If she made any to this
charming and unmoved young woman. Il
suppose | can't ask what you said?' he OBJ
served with an uneasy laugh.
Mary shook her head, smiling. THAT
would be breaking confidence"
Il expect she gave me away and told
you needed watching" he said astutely.
turning around and resting his arm along
the back of his chair so as to face her.
They were in the midst of group of
orientais from the emba ssies. and more or
less isolated In a maze of silk and p'gtails.
Mary noticed for the first time that he
would be actually handsome II It were not
for the unm staEable marks of dissipation
and i'll temper on his face. But she was
willing to forgive much in Harriet's hus-
band-all In fact. but his pursuit Of
Madame Syrene.
DO you think that Is the reason l am
here?' she asked archly.
Checver looked at her vii open adm ra-
item I'D forgive Harriet for sending
you" he sad. but she never did: Harriet
doesn't care twOpence fer any one but
Archie: she's that kind of a woman. When
| go home to lunch. and l don't often. l
hear her grooming cradle songs in the
nursery. That's all right. Miss Haddng,
but a man can't live in CRADLE"
Mary was conscious that he was trying
to excuse hims If by throwing the blamt.
on his wife. and she gave him a look
which he found nscrutahle. Men always
found Mays looks :nscrutable. but the
iong thick lashes and tn wonderful eyes
were all the more interesting. your wife
is one Of the NEST charming women l ever
met" she said simply.
Cheever bit his lip: across the bare
shoulders and bedizensd heads in front of
him he caught a glimpse of Madame Sy
rene. who Molly Lane expressed it.
wore beautiful skirts and jewels. You
women all al k@," he observed senten-
tiously: ''ycu always rave to a fellow about
his wife Now. If you'd say that l was the