Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-27
CHAPTER VIII.
Friends

succeeding the storm, and Mrs. Tudor
who had been disappointed with regard to
a carriage descended from her own sit
ting room in order to see what was GO
ing on in the other regions of the hotel.
She desired to have little chat with
some of her acquaintance: however. it
happened that the great reception rooms
were vacant; A game Of pelote. the golf
links and a large at home" had emptied
the Bellevue; but crouched in a chair in
front Of the fire. reading book, she des-
cried black figure crowned by mop of
red hair-the heiress! Here was indeed a
piece of luck. The old lady Immediately
came forward. drew up a fauteuil and
commenced to knit vigorously.
She was manufacturing a shapeless
white mass with enormous wooden nee
dies: as she knitted she now and then
glanced over her spectacles and stealth
lily contemplated her companions pale,
thin face. delicate features, a delicate
better looking? Why had she such a life
less. tame appearance? Who would be-
lieve that this girl was probably the rich
est woman in the Bellevue? Well. she
would try an experiment, and see IL ten
thousand year would obey her and
stoop at her command? If she did. SO
much the better. 1t might lead to an
agreeable acquaintance. Presently a fat
ball of white wool rolled out Of the old
lady's lap and, SO to speak, ran away to
some distance.
PICK It said Mrs. TUDOR, IN a
clear. authoritative tone.
Were you speaking to me-" inquired
Hester. slowly raising her head.
who else is there to speak to-" re-
Joined the experimenter. Il asked YOU"
here she indicated the ball of wool, Ito
pick it up
Without a word the girl rose obediently,
laid down her book and fetched the de-
sired article. She did it with an air Of one
accustomed to such errands. who had en-
joyed the advantage of A disciplined
past, and yet not without a touch of dig
nifty.
THANK you: but 1 did not say please.
did 1?' said the old lady, as she received
her property with smile.
Hester made no reply she resumed
her seat.
Did II" she reiterated. persistently
NOT stammered the girl. and her face
became quite pink, as if she had been
the culprit.
II am an unmannerly old witch. am I
not? Tell me, young lady. why are you
not out enjoying yourself this lovely
afternoon"
Hester laid down her book with a stifled
sigh as she replied:
Il really don't know! l went for long
walk this morning"
"Ali alone?"
Yes. l always walk alone"
But are you not here with friend?'
with Mrs. Britten yes-but she plays
golf and hates walking; she prefers to
drive motor"
Driving and motoring are expensive
amusements 1 wonder she doesn't treat
you to an excursion now and again."
Treat me.'' repeated the girl, and then
was silent.
Mrs. Tudor was delighted: she resolved
to pretend that the heiress was pauper.
Have you been to any of the sights?"
she continued-'Fuente-ra San Sebas-
tian. and On?'
mo. but l have been to Bayonne in the
steam tram and seen the cathedral and
ifinlfi nd ha
cheap hat shop-that is ALL"
Dear met calculated her companion.
you must find it rather dull sitting at
home while your companion is away all
day
Ia pause-"well. perhaps 1t is 1t
never occurred to me before. but Mrs.
Britten has numbers of friends here and
l know one. She thinks motoring
would be bad for me, and driving-I might
take cold; you see, L am here for my
health.
For that matter, we are all here for
the same purpose, l feel confident that
driving would suit you well as 1t does
me. i cannot imagine girl coming to a
place and not seeing anything beyond the
streets and the sea. Do you know that
this is a most interesting part of the
world?'
Yes. I have been reading about it,
and she held out 'Fuente-rabia.'
"Oh. yes, two birds with one stone
information and French. You speak it, of
course?"
Yes: some people would call II MUIR
der. l learned French at school, but thai
was ages ago, and / have never had the
chance of speaking 1t until now. l have
picked up a few sentences from the
chambermaids. and l can make myself
partly understood in the shops and that's
about ALL
Have you ever been to the casino,
young LADY,"
'No-oh, never" she answered. with
emphasis.
''Or the theater?''
head
May I ask why? Are you afraid OF
taking cold?"
mo, indeed: but L was brought up to
think that theaters and gaming were
wrong"
Where were you brought up. my good
grip Do tell me a little about your
self" and Mrs. Tudor edged her chair
few inches nearer to her neighbor. Il
must inform you that l always get on
well with my juniors. / am FOND or
young people-they interest me.
But / am not young. MIS-
..Tudor / believe your name Is Forde!
YES. Hester Forde. l was twenty-five
yesterday" All,
II call that quite young. My dear Miss
Forde YOU have, If you choose, lie ana
possibilities before you-they are all be-
hind me / am seventy-two-forty-s
Years YOUR elder. Now that We have cons
menced by telling one another our ages
usually the last confidence that people
make-pray favor me with few more