Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-17

She smiled provokingly up at him and
he caught her to him again.
What picture?" he asked. imperioLsly.
Some pretty girl you must have been
seeing far too much of while I was
away" she replied. and her eyes were &C
cusing now. "since you were able to send
her portrait to the Academy. She's made
your fame and fortune, Phil. and lin
jealous OF her. Your father says that
she's the feature OF the exhibition. Every
ones talking about you-and her. Your
reputation's made. and-I do think. Phil.
that you might have asked me to sit for
my portrait instead Of herr
Corbyn was almost overcome by the
gladness Of her good tidings. Out Of dire
failure had come achievement. so much
the more welcome thus. He had accom-
plished all he had set out to do. and the
fulfillment OF his ambition was doubly
sweet after the dark an. dreary days 1t
had cost him. Success in his chosen pro-
fession meant independence. and for that
he had intended to 90 on fighting until he
should win 1t. His tanned face flushed
with pleasure to think that 1t was al
ready won.
Dear" said he. very tenderly. II had
no model from which to draw inspiration.
] pictured my good angel from memory
and-she's captivated all the critics for
me. Whatever of fame or fortune may
be in store for US We owe to the girl who
looks at you out Of your own mirror"
Fla and Allardyce were the last OF the
rehabilitated to appear. and on the for
deck cabin. as Challoner came clamber;ng
up the ships side from a shore boat with
the sad news Of San Franciscos terrible
fate still ringing In his ears. That he told
" hSyv1 nt4l~
right that he should know at once, and
they two kept to themselves for the time
being the knowledge of the ruin wrought
there by the selfsame earthquake which
had spared them.
But I must get back as soon as pos
sible and see what can do to help" said
the old gentleman. Its purely provi-
dental. Mr.. Challoner. that I was not
there when 1t happened I had intended
TO remain until I had wound up the last
threads OF my business. but Doll induced
me to leave them and come away. My
loss will be but light. and-my life has
been mercifully preserved. l have much
to be thankful for at present.
"A very sensible young man that" he
added to himself. as the unconscious cor
respondent stepped out on deck again and
Joined the group at the ships RAN. whence
they were watching Landguard's gig start
from the cruisers side.
They welcomed Challoner SO warmly
that he had almost blushed. q weakness
of which he had not been guilty within
the memory OF man, but he diverted their
attention from himself by producing q
tiny parcel which he handed to the pro-
spective bridegroom.
You'll find that useful presently" he
remarked. with great gravity, and. while
the others gathered round Corbyn brought
to light a rough gold ring.
Sorry the workmanship so crude -
said Challoner. but 1t was the best I
could get done in the time had. And I
thought you'd maybe like II for luck The
metal it's made Of came from tho presi-
dents golden horseshoe. / found it on
the near fore Of his black stallion as we
left the forest. and got one OF the men
to file a stud of for me. The good folk
here believe that until 1t wears out he'll
sit secure In his saddle. and he seems to
share their belief. for he keeps 1t in good
repair.
Here's Landguard. Who's he got with
him?"
THE cruisers chaplain" said Altar
dyce. Wed better get to quarters
Where's Denny? Tell Mr.. Corbyn. Quiff .
The little gathering broke up swiftly,
70 meet again a few moments later In the
long saloon. which Lady Landshard had
transformed. by what means she alone
knew. into a bower Of brilliant tropical
blossoms. They could hear the boat
SWANS pipe as he babe all hands lay
aft, and presently the whole ships COM
pany trooped in. The chaplain took his
place. Corbyn stepped forward. a little
,nervously. In front OF the draped flags.
iMesgs supporting him. as It had been ar