Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-21

tended to nip the authority of .Ormond. Valda
was serenely contented with herself at being in
strumental in saving human life and. if this
human life CHANGED to be young and extremely
good looking one, she, of course, in nowise to
blame She had no hand whatever in the selection.
Aunt Mary was politely, placidly, perfectly,
pleased My dear" she observed to Valda, Il
approve of that young man. His name is good
l happen to know, personally that both the
Bruces and the Morsons are most delightful and
aristocratic families. am very glad indeed, my
child, that you declined to have him dressed as
II had my reasons, Aunt Mary" said Valda, with
grim expression about her mouth, and l wanted
Mr.. Ormond to understand my reasons
Il should think SOL exclaimed Polly, in mix
ture of approval and indignation. The idea of
Mr.. Ormond not wanting to stop and save a drown
ing man! 1t simply horrd! Besides 1 call it
luck to pick up young fellow like that, and right
out of the too! Oh, goody
This last young woman took more material
view of the days occurrences then anyone else on
board. That an otherwise uneventful ocean trip
should be mraculously transformed by the arrival
of three separate pairs of trousers was, to put 1t
mildly, special dispensaton of Providence, SEEM
ing to her optimistic soul like mama distributed to
the desert bound, hungry little children of Israel
Three men All in bunch! Yea, truly miracle
that is to say, a miracle with limitations Polly
interpreted in this wise:
OF course, it's hardly fair to count Mr.. Tracy,
because he isn't one bit attractive, and has a look
of unhappiness that makes me think he is married
and has been for very, very, long time. Anyhow,
he is mani Mr.. Ormond is much better. He is
quite handsome-sid face,-but is too well along
in years to be of any great conversational value.
But as for the new one,-the white toothed, Gre
clan nosed straight legged one, with darling little
wet curls nesting all over his beautiful head-oh,
Lord! Obviously, Polly Thurman impressed.
And person." she declared, with rising warmth,
who would think for quarter of half second
of leaving a Romeo Adonis like that right out in
the middle of the cold water"
SSH" cautioned Valda as the person under adj
~ verse criticism came toward them from Girards
cabin, followed by the unhappily married Tracy
Pardon me, Miss Girard,' said the gray haired
possibility; but but may we have word with you
Valda rose and answered in polite dignity. Eyes.
Mr. Orrnond, you may. There are several matters
to be discussed immediately.
She led the way into the main saloon and waited
till the door was closed, while Tracy took the addi-
tonal precaution of shutting the traps of two port
but said nothing, though there lines about
her mouth which warned her guests that the inter-
view might be squally. She did not wait to be
placed on the defensive, but opened the battle
without delay, Selling the advantage of attack.
Now, gentlemen" she began when all three
were seated, you will pardon me for speaking
frankly. The matter is business one.
There was a slight pause Tracy was nervous,
proved by his shifting eyes and restless feet:
but Ormond seemed perfectly at ease. He was
about to speak; but Valda checked him.
Your manner of coming aboard my fathers
yacht, said she was, to say the least irregular"
Ornond smiled in fathery indulgence. You
received Mr.. Girards kilograms did you not!"
Yes, certainly" she admitted; but anyone
could send telegram"
" Miss. Girard!" There was genuine reproach IN
the tone; but Valda answered remorselessly:
THE matter Mr.. Ormond, is business one, adj
hitting of no informalty.
Granted" he returned; but what, may ask,
leads you to suppose that friends of your father
would deliberately break the law in forging mes
sages?"
a red spot flaming in either cheek, while her big
brown eyes snapped fire. Il cannot conceive of
any friends of my father being willing to desert
helpless and drowning man.. Again she checked
his protest. and continued hotY "Your order for