Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-30

glanced with amused contempt at Astros orie
face. and scrutnized Valeska Wynne more IN
gently. The murmur arose again, and the t
porary stiffness that had followed the annoul
ment of Astro's name gave way to motion
persihage.
The room fairly scintillated with lights. refet
from the cut glass pendants of the electric or
deliers, smoldering in the dusky gold carV1
twinking from the jewels on women's necks
breasts, cleaning from the polished oak parqut
floor The large double salon of the Selwyns
about half filled; there were not yet too many
ent to hide the elegance of the highly decora
Louis XIV rooms which incosed the brilliant
company as in an ornate frame. The ceiling.
frescoed in the panels with nymphs and cupids:
seemed family to reflect the life below the tall
mirrors multiplied the completely of mysterious
distances There was an odor of winter roses
which mingled with the perfumes OF dainty
women An orchestra sounded dangerously from
the balcony at the head of the wide staircase
TN delighted" Mrs. Selwyn exclaimed eff
fusively, leaning gracefully forward with a
swanlike movement. She was deliciously
almost a foolishly. pretty creature. with her
bright smile accented by black beauty spot at
the corner of her mouth, with her slender little
fingers flashing with jewels, with her lovely
neck and her fair hair. 1t was hard to believe
her matrOn
Astro, in his masculine way as striking a
figure as she, presented his assistant Valeska
seemed more human than either There was
little arti6ce in her appearance; her costume
was girlishly simple One not tempted
even for moment to let his eyes wander from
her earnest, pretty face.
I'm so glad to see you. Miss Wynne'
Mrs. Selwyn scarcely gave her glance and
returned spiritedly to Astro. My dear. she
said archly Il had no idea that | had cap.
about you! Why, I've made. sensation
already by merely inviting you. assure you!
Not that l didn't know you were famous
and popular and all that OF course: but, dear
me, it's positive rage! You have no idea
what stories I've been hearing about you,
They say you can read ones thoughts and
60 through stone wall, and eat fire, and con-
lure the dead-and dear knows what. I'm
actually afraid of you'll!
And l of you also. madam-in that gown
She spread her hands demurely down her side
and looked up at him from under her lashes
She wore a costume of silken mesh. sheer and
delicate, over cloth of silver. touched Frenchily
with black. The base of her corsage was caught
by an immense square cut emerald, set IN small
blue diamonds Mrs. Selwyn was evidently
not beyond being pleased at Astro S compliment
but her look suggested unsatsfied desire.
They're expecting something wonderful.
she limited.
Astro frowned MY dear lady" he began
She nodded and shook her fan lightly. oh
l know. l Sha mt ask you, OF course. l proml
But at the time if something
should happen, you know, it would be perfe
lovely and it would make the thing go. wouldnt
Oh, and there's an Italian Countess here, whose n
I'm simply diving to have you read!
Valeska, smiling amusedly at her hostess pra
was about to turn away, when Mrs. Selwyn cat
her hand eagerly.
1T was SO good of you to have come unt
ventiona an invitation! We must make you
home. You shall have positively all the
want; l have armies of em tonight. And
haps." here Mrs Selwyn became almost coquett
you may have influence with Astro
poor L. Do talk to him! Countess Trixola will
so disappointed if you don't succeed"
A fresh group of guests here interrupted her,
she turned to welcome them
NALESkA took Astro's again and he led
to a corner of the room where they could
the assembly.
Il see what's coming" he began hurriedly.