Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-03

downcast face was pose to give him an
opportunity to look at her.
Il always had a sneaking affection for
Satan until knew that laughter of his
Mrs. Carlton cried out to her inner self
The irony of it, That that simulacrum
of woman should be Marion Eveleth's
aunt"
Then when Mrs Herries. having given
the enchanted 1rishman full opportunity
to study her charms unchecked at last
raised her eyes and shot glance of
cynical triumph at the chaperon. Mrs
Carlton would have enjoyed gnashing
her teeth and stamping her foot, after the
manner of melodrama. but instead she
smiled bandly and returned to conscious
ness of DR.. Lawrences elongated dis
course.
Carlton. not the Matterhorn itself can
equal"
But here all conversation stopped for
from the hallway came a sound of shut
fling and of alteration. the low remon-
strating voice of Judge O'Neirs invalu-
able Joseph, and a loud and cheerful re-
ply.
oh. git out wild We, Dinner it is. at
q O'Clock at night, Well. if he's at din
ner It's all the better. for divil bit have
l had since noon, an I'm hungry enough
TO ate me grandfather. Well for the
lands sakes.'
And now at the door appeared an aston
fishing phenomenon An elderly Irish
woman. shawled and crooked bonneted.
stood open-mouthed. and over her Shout
der peered pale vision of discounted
Joseph.
There was an instant's hush. and the
next moment John O'Ne.l had his arms
around the phenomenon and was giving
its withered cheek resounding kiss
Then he turned toward the roses the silks
and the laces.
My mother. Mrs Carlton whom ]
haven't seen for long year. These are
Mrs. Herries and Miss Eveleth mother.
and Mr.. Morris and DR.. Lawrence. You've
come, Just in time. Let's have this bon
net off. Joseph another plate for Mrs.
ONeil. and bring in some soup"
NO soup. thank We. Johnny. I never
ate 1t unless make it mesilf. I'm afraid
I've interrupted We. alannah. never
thought of we're having party when /
planned to give We a little surprise"
And surprised me you have God bless
YOU. said the judge. fumbling at the
black bonnet strings and leading the
phenomenon in her slazy alpaca gown TO
the table. where she sat and beamed at
the assembled company.
There was no flicker of selr-conscious-
ness, much less of embarrassment in the
face or manner of the Judge: and after
moment of silence, his guests took their
cue from him and conversation rose to
least apparent naturalhess.
The old woman ate her dinner with evil
dent curiosity, but much zest, and the son
protected her with an affectiOnate cour-
tesy. detail of which was lost on the
five pair of eyes. some amused. some sym
pathetic some filled with outraged con-
ventionality. but all furtively observant
When Mrs. Carlton gave the signal to
RIG cd in
prise.
What's the matter now" she asked.
The judge took her knobby hand and
laughed easily
Go into the other room with Mrs.
Carlton. mother he said. We men
going to have q little smoke and then
We'll join YOU there
We'll. it's pity say /. that We cant
have yer pipe in yer own parlor, but |
dare say l don't know much about your
way of dom things down here" observed
Mrs. O'Neil rising heavily.
On the way to the drawing room Miss
Eveleth gave Mrs. Cartons hand p con-
vulsive squeeze.
He's true blue, isn't he?'' she whis-
pered.
And that lady pursed up her lips and
gave an emphatic nod before she whis-
pered back.
Il thought I knew linn through and
through, and 1 never began to until TO-
night
BY the Are. where blazing logs gave
off a comfortable and confidence-inspir-
ing atmosphere. the girl thrust forward
an easy chair. pushed Mrs. O'Neil into
its inviting depths. and seated herself on
a footstoOl close at hand. with the air of
one about to make a scientific investiga-
ton. Mrs. Herries screened her face with
her fan and watched them as one might a
group OF chimpanZaes.
This is your first visit to town. is it.
Mrs. ONeil?' Miss Eveleth asked
1t is that answered the Irishwoman
How have you managed to stay away
so long? You must be immensely proud
OF your son. the girl went on
"lndade you've just hit the nail on
the head. miss. Marny's the time when