Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-06

boI1nly summoned the Dutler. gave the
necessary directions, showed Haldane where
the telephone was, invited the other men into
the library, where there a we'll stocked
buffet and excellent cigars; after which he
showed the women into a small reception
room on the other side of the hall.
The men refreshed themselves according to
their fancy at the buffet lighted their cigars
while Haldane vainly endeavored to get in
communication with his own house. Such
was the severity of the storm, for a country
i'll prepared for it, however, that the wires
were broken in every direction. Even that to
the lodge was now found to be out of order.
GORMLY had not waited in the library to
hear the result of the telephoning. AS
soon as he had the men comfortably provided
tor, he had gone back to the great hall, which
was more of living room than anything else.
There was huge fireplace at the back in which
great logs cracked and blazed merrily. The
first OF the women of the party to present her
self was Miss Haldane, She was in full even
ing dress Her noble head rose grandlv from
her exquisite shoulders. She had taken off
the heavy gloves she had worn with her fur
coat, and her beautiful hands and arms were
quite bare. In her dark hair she wore dia-
mond coronet. Her dress, soft, shimmering
stuff of white, trailed behind her. She looked
like queen.
He had never seen her except in the quiet
Conventlonality of street dress, and when she
burst upon him that way the sight dazzled
him. He stopped and stared at her. For once
his iron control deserted him. There was that
frank, open admiration in his glance of which
no one could mistake the meaning. The blood
famed IN her clear, pale cheek and lent the final
touch OF beauty to her appearance. She moved
uneasily and raised her hand. Her gesture
recalled GOrnly to himself He bowed pro-
foundry.
You must pardon my surprise" he said
gravely. have never seen you in an evening
gown, and confess my imagination unequal
to-
Do you like it," said the girl nervouslv
II am scarcely conscious of it, Miss Hal
dane, he returned directly. i see only YOU
How singularly unobservant," she said
lightly, recovering her equipoise, for man
whose business it is to buy and sell such things
not to notice them.
" In your presence tonight, Miss Haldane,
business IS as far from me if it on the
other side of the world. 1t is on the other side
OF the world, he continued swiftly; " for this -
land If this did not mean you" it meant
nothing. His glance comprehended her gravely)
" is different world than any in which have
ever moved, and l."
HIS speech was broken by the entrance of
Mrs. Haldane and Miss Stewart. The
latter was fragile, graceful, charming girl,
who would have attracted instant attention
and notice anywhere, except beside her regal
companion and friend Mrs Haldane was a
not unworthy complement to the other two.
She still preserved her face and bearing, and
had hitherto waged more less successful
war against the great American tendency on
the dlstatf side, to grow too fat. These two
also were wearing elaborate dinner gowns
hope, said Gormly addressing the eld-
est of the three, that you found everything
you required, madam?
Everything, thank you, Mr. Gormly''
l regret that this IS bachelor establisll-
ment. and there are no women about to serve
YOU"
why, it IS almost like club" said Miss
Stewart How delightful it must be, Mr.
Gormly!'
g. never realized, Miss Stewart he an