The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-01-17


beauty" and Claire thought that II
Sir Mark sent another invitation to
supper after the SHOW" she would ac-
cept it and take Norah with her.
Mark rockingham was not slow to
observe that Claire Barton had begun
to look in his direction. He knew
that she must have become aware of
his constant attendance at the theater,
and when one evening she smiled at
him he felt that he was justified in
trying to renew his application for the
honor of her company at an after
theater supper. But he didn't send a
note round to the stage door that
evening.
He wrote letter the following day
and posted it to Miss Barton at the
theater.. r.
1t was a very modest and deferen.
tial letter, in which Sir Mark Bret
tingham expressed his admiration for
Miss Barton's delightful performance
at the Pandora, and begged to know
if he might have the honor of her
company at supper at the Savoy that
evening. He might add that any
friends Miss Barton liked to bring
with her would be welcome.
1t was a diplomatic letter, and it
gave Claire an opportunity of accept
ing without allowing her admirer to
imagine that he had made an easy
| conquest.
There was Wednesday matinee at
the Pandora, and it was during the
afternoon performance that Claire got
the letter. She showed it to Nora, and
asked her to send wire to Jack For.
rester-
Get Jack to come with you," she
said. HE knows all about my ro-
nance He won't mind-and I'd soon
! er make it partie carree."
| The telegram was sent, and Jack
Forester was only too glad to be one
of party at which Claire and Norah
were to be present, and he was by no
means averse to making the acquaint-
ance of the new Sir Mark Bretting.
ham, whose succession to the title
and estates had been for time an
item of gossip in fashionable society.
That evening Sir Mark occupied his
| usual stall, and when Claire Barton
| came down to the footlights to. sing
her song she gave him smile and a
little look which told him unmmistak-
ably that the answer to- his letter
would be favorable one.
After the performance he went
round and waited at the stage door
with two or three other habitues of
the establishment, and when Claire
came through he raised his hat and
approached her.
Il had your note" she said, smiling,
land I have taken you at your word.
have friend coming-she will be
here in minute-and-"
Claire caught sight of Jack Forces
ter, who had just come up. y
She shook hands with him, and
turned to the baronet and introduced
him to Sir Mark.
This is Sir John Forester" she
said, "a friend of my friends"
Forester bowed and said he was
very pleased to meet Sir Mark. A few
commonplace were exchanged, and
then Morah came out and the little
party went off to the Savoy in the
motor .brougham which Jack Forester
had waiting for them.
The little supper-party was very
pleasant one. Mark rockingham was
delighted to have gained the good
graces of the charming Claire, and he
found Jack Forester a man after his
! own heart.
Il have killed two birds with one
stone.' he thought to himself, as he
gazed admir;ngly at Claire. 1--WE made
the acquaintance of pretty woman
who is somebody and I've found the
man | want who will be able. to put
me up at club and introduce me to
the set want to know"
During the rest of the evening he
set himself not only to be charming
to Claire, but to be agreeable to For
roster.
He had more uses for that amiable
and not overintellectual young Guards
man than any of the little company
enjoying his hospitality imagined.
When the party broke up Mark
Buckingham had made distinctly
favorable impression, and he knew
that he would have many more op
portunities Of meeting Claire.
Jack Forester shook hands witt
him cordially, and said shat as Sil
Mark had only recently come from
abroad, where he understood he haG
been living for many years, he, For
roster, might perhaps be useful tt
him.
Sir Mark said that he knew yer,
little Of London, and as he was think
ing Of settling in town for some time
he hoped he should see good deal O
his new friend. He limited that h,
would like to get into a good Club o.
1.-TWO. and he said that he hoped b,
should have q few racehorses.
They saw Claire and Nora into til.
orbrougham which was to tax.
them to their homes, and the TN,
men stood for . moment In the court
4 yard OF the hotel 3'51iss q. s
Where are 'you going % said For