The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-09-20

haired young man. He was leaning lit
tie forward to listen to something his
companion was saying, and his eyes, dark,
humorous, met Miss LithgoW's in direct
gaze.
An instant's hesitation on her part pre-
ceded a frigid nod. The humor deepenea
in her eyes; he smiled and bowed. And
Patrice, with slightly heightened color and
slightly accelerated step, proceeded to her
own place and sank into the chair Mr..
French pulled out for her. She bent to
Kate as soon as the conversation about
them was sufficient cover.
HE has on a dress coat" she breathcd
Kate nodded and helped herself to fish.
HE has never been in the dining room
before when we have"
MOP Kate was trying to catch the
walters eyes.
'And now he comes in evening clothesP'
"WeI? Some bread, please'-this to the
waiter.
Don't you see? It is simply carrying
out his policy of ridiculing social distinc-
tons I shall Why, yes, Mr. French,
think 1t would be charming. Mr..
French is planning drive to Squaw
Hill, Kate. Fancy that name! Isn't 1t
too delightful 1 shall simply Ignore
him from this on. Kate. I am AL
most any day, Mr.. French. Do you see.
Kate, he is standing while Miss Ender-
leigh leaves the table. Another slap at
the forms of society"
HE does it quite naturally.
"But the motive is evident. Saturday
would do admirably, Mr.. French. See,
Kate now that Miss Enderleigh Is gone
he doesn't take the trouble to speak 10
any one else"
HE probably doesn't know anything
about cross-stitch and pink afghans."
"He- Oil one of those delightful
buckboards, Mr.. French. A motor car on
mountain roads is so uncertain, isn't 1t?
I remember, once In the Highlands
Patrice had way of coming to an
abrupt stop which was very successful
in arousing a look of eager interest on
the countenances of the Holners' guests.
Now she plunged into series of ques-
lions about Squaw Hill. I'm very keen
about New England" she said, 1.-THE his
tory, you know-Pocahontas and all
that"
But Pocahontas belonged in Virginia"
corrected the prim little woman who re-
joiced in the name of Standish and was
doing the drawn-work doilles.
"Ah! It Is all the same, isn't tt?"
said Miss Lithgow sweetly.
Kate finished her coffee and rose. being
uncertain of her gravity in the face OF
Pats absurdities. Patrice followed leis-
urely. She made her exit from the dining
room, surrounded by the youth and brav-
cry of Holners, her charming voice scat
tering broad as and skyward- ascending
sentences with more than usual lavish
ness Especially as she approached a
table where young man sat alone drink
ing his coffee did her voice grow gayer
and her accent deeper. The young man
did not look up, but he smiles gently at
a pink rose that ornamented the center
of his table. Patrice felt the smile though
I, n af,11I .r Jad ola ut ba
dark, elear-cut face. Her vivacity in
creased until the dining room door closed
behind her and her party. Then she rid
herself of her following with a skill that
no countess could have surpassed, and
sank into chair beside Kate.
Anything the matter with tho mis-
sion?' inquired Miss Lawrence.
Patrice sighed. Her voice dropped to a
confidential tone and Lake Michigan
accent.
II think" she said, ''that all mission
aries need periods of restful seclusion."
Kate laughed. rs 1t SO bad as that"
she said.
Are you ready. PATTI" Miss Lawrence
fastened the collar of her white linen and
looked around at her friend.
Patrice was peelSing dsconsolately
through the shutters of the east window.
Il don't believe I'll 60" she said
Kate took three steps across the room
10 look out OF the WINDOW "Oh!' she ex-
claimed. Now how" with admiring as
constituent, "did he succeed in keeping
that seat for the countess?"
you can sit there" said Patrice, "and
will sit with Miss Enderleigh's
nephew"
Miss Enderleighs nephew asked to
be permitted the pleasure of my COM
pany"
We'll. Mr.. French asked to sit by me
and so did Floyd and so did the cousin
of the southern girls and so did"
Couldn't l tell 1t by the uneasy, dis
content of their expression? The fact
remains that the only seat left for you
is the seat besides the driver"
We'll. I'm not going said Patrice. 'I
am ILL.,"
'Ill!' scoffed Kate. "a woman with a
mission!- Get into your sailor hat and
your top boots, Mary Beatrice Muriel
Patricia"
Patrice arose. She added a string Of
pearls to her ensemble nnc pinned on a
big white hat. Her air was that of q
royal martyr as she swept down stairs
beside her friend and allowed Mr.. Ad-
amson to help her to her high seat. Mr.
French addressed her at once in a tone
reproachful and grieved
II think you made mistake, Miss