Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-04
XIV.

Nary turned with a gesture of impa-
tience. moving the ma gaines and papers
about on the table with nervous fingers.
The truth is-you do not want to see me
nj any time" said Leonard Bishop sullen-
ly: in spite of our bargain you are trying
to drive me off.
He was planted on the hearthrug IN Mrs
Writings library, watching Mary with
lowering eyes as she stood by the center
table.
Il cannot make you understand" she re-
piled YEARLY; you must conform to CON
ventioualtles here; we are not in the Latin
Quarter. You appeared at the house this
morning before breakfast was finished. and
YOU have only called here formally twice.
You are simply impossible. Leonard. and
a; this very moment, l have no doubt Mrs
Whiting is discussing your status with her
social secretary. process which would
max" YOU shudder II you heard it."
Good Lord ne exclaimed. what a
bore. It's very convenient. Mary 10 put
up all these hedges and then TO avoid a
fellow outside of them. l cant help your
confounded customs. l will! see YOU
She looked at him with a feeling of ex-
ASPIRATION, but was far too diplomatic to
betray 1t. II she was to manage this tor
mentlng wasplike creature at all, it must
be through some adroit rnaneuver. She re-
membered now the one weak point in his
utleHSSS ana seized upon It with the skill
OF general 'Oh. very we'll" she said
with a shrug of her graceful shoulders
but If you overstep the Conventionalities
here Mrs Whiting Will herself dismiss you.
1 have no authority in the house, l am a
mere guest. a poor relation. and recognl-
ton by her means much for you socially
i was really warning you for your own
good
He flushed uneasily. ooh, hang It ALL.
he said. II should think she could pardon
something in a stranger. Artists have al
ways been a class apart"
Mary smiled involuntarily. "A class out
side OF her sphere, she remarked com
posedly: IAN artist has to dress and be-
have as men OF fashion do to be welcomed
at their dinners. and his pockets must be
equa. to their bridge, which would break
you In q day. Leonard"
He laughed. See here. Mary. I'm not so
bad al that: tried a game the other night
and cleaned the other fellows out. Hello.'
he added, suddenly walking across the
here" He was evidently absurdly
pleased
Mary glanced at 1t and blushed; It
brought back vision OF Ryland standing
there and looking at It. She stirred ur-
easily: II was exasperating to see Leonard
In his place grinning idiotcally at his own
WORK which was so much better than he
was himself. 1t seemed impossible that he
could ever have drawn It, this little carl
cature OF man of fashion; his shabby
trousers creased to sharp edges, and his
ready made coat buttoned so fashionably
Mary's eye travelled over his figure with a
scornful scrutiny. Oh 20 be rid of him
Had she been Sultan Of Turkey she might
nave reSorted 10 sack and the Bos-
phorus. Unconscious OF her attitude and
e.ated at the sight Of his picture of her in
a place or honor, Leonard turned and
walked about the ROOM making q desultory
examination of the books while Mary
Chafed under the delay. Are these c,gar
cites tree?' he inquired with an apoloprtic
laugh as he reached FOR the box on the
table
They are intended for Mrs Whit,ug.s
guests. Mary replied coldly. Il believe
they are Egyptians or something OF the
kind You know ! don't smoke"
You were always afraid OF staining your
teeth. believe" said leonard, lighting the
this old hree-hundred- FOUNDER OF yours
give dance? The room would be just
right: take up these rugs and the floor
looks a daisy.
ears in this house, she observed warn
ingy.
We'll. If we can't talk here. let's go out.
lie said impatently: there's a restaurant
down town where we can get bite and
then go for walk"
Mary glanced uneasily at the clock. His
presence there had become a torment 70
Her. and his fragrant disregard of all her
h'nts made her position precarious In the
extreme. Il have an ENLARGEMENT at I2''
she said. and 1t is ten minutes TO It now -
You always have an engagement" he
retorted with open vexatlon: you make
EN- purpose
AT least you must admit my right 10
make them, she said quietly: besides
have given you two hours this morning
Leonard. and shall have to make all man
ner OF excuses for you"
AS she spoke she looked at him hopefully
surely he must accept this dismissal But
he stood firm. smoking~ Mrs. WHITING
cigarette and staring at the floor. Mary
held out her hand. Goodbye" she said
pleasantly, i have TO go upstairs for my
wraps. for I'm going out in the Lane
automobile
lie tossed his half-fnished cigarette into
the IRE with q petulant gesture. oh very
well. ne said. goodbye, you're mighty
grateful to fellow who Is letting you get
all the good things l could ring down
your curtain in u minute. and you turn me
OF like laCkeyi'
An angry retort sprang to her lips but
the need TO prop!tiate him sienced IL: She
stu held out her hand Il am sorry
Leonard" she said gently. essaying a light
ness o! heart which she far from feel.
Ing. but must keep my engagements 1,
! am to be recognized socially myself, and
i can do nothing Tor you II am not"
She let her eyes rest kindly upon HIN
and her tone as we'll as her smile Modified
him. He took her hand half ashamed a.
his own boorishness. Il didn't mean IL