Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-12-12
SATURDAY, DECEMBER ~. 'Os,


The two young people did not notice
him. They sat down very close TO each
other Kari leaning forward and look
ing into The big blue eyes of the girl.
Elsa gave glance at the disappear
ing figure OF Nillar.
Il am awfully glad 10 be alone with
you. Elsa" Karl said. You are the
one natural thing I'm the fetid. artificial
atmosphere Don't you feel warm?"
Yes. as n some hot breeze were
blowing through this room. 1t stiles
me"
"You never spoke like that before"
Karl said.
His back was toward the ballroom
door. and he did not see Millar usher
Olga into the room. The man had
brought Olga that she might witness
the fulhllment of her plan and that he
might triumph in her jealousy and
further thwart them. Elsa saw them
come in and seat themselves across the
room.
There IS olga" she said. and she.
too, Is jealous. Don't you want 20
speak TO herT'
81 have seen her" Kari replied with
out turning around. Il would rather
talk with you. It's far more interest
ing"
They are talking about u.s." Elsa
said warningly as she saw Olga and
Millar look toward them
"Oh. what Of it, Karl exclaimed
impatiently. let US be glad we are
together 1 am just beginning 90 know
you. Elsa"
"Why do you look around then?"
Elsa said
cam l looking arouud2' Kari asked.
Il wasn't aware of IT,"
But even as he spoke he could not
help furtively glauclng around 90 see
what Millar aud olga were doing He
remembered the mans declaration in
the studio that afternoon. and ne dis
trusted and feared him. lie was be-
ginning 90 hate him.
By a sheer effort OF VIII he forced
himself 20 turn To Elsa. lie resolved
that he would talk 20 her: that he
would make love 90 her. that he would
marry her and Danish from his heart
those hateful emotions which Mular
had aroused. He leaned forward and
spoke OF love TO the girl I'm low tones.
while Elsa. with color coming and go
Ing In her face, listened and watched
the woman she knew for Lcr rival.
"Our FIRST love usually is our last
love-our last love always is the first"
Karl said.
Il don't knew" Elsa cried demurely.
Il have never been i'm love, although
I was disappointed twice" she added
gayly.
Karl was beginning TO find his task
difficult His attention wandered to
Olga
"Disappointments! Wen. yes. who
has not been disappolntedy"
Elsa observed his growing inatten-
ton. his efforts 70 concentrate his
thoughts on their talk. his futile love
making. and she turned from him cold
ly. Meanwhile Mlllar and Olga were
having a conversation In which Olga
was being torn on the rack OF her ieal
Gus emotions.
Millar bad brought her into the ante
room 10 show her Kari making love 10
Elsa. Every circumstance favorcd his
design. Olga at first was disposed 20
withdraw when she saw them
Don't you think we should leave
"NOu are too considerate." MnIar re-
piled cynicany.
They seem 20 be growing fond or
each other" Olga said jealousy.
"Yes. Do you dislike it,"
'No."
shall we leave now?"
"No. rather enjoy watching my
seed bear fruit"
Olga tried TO speak lightly and smile.
Millar. watching her closely. saw her
lips twitch. and ii was with difficulty
that she controlled herself
''rhey are an interesting couple" ne
said.
Cant we discuss something besides
these two?" Olga asked impauently.
yes. certainly" Mlllar acQuiesced.
II came here tonight to decide a wa
ger" be went on.
What was itT' Olga asked absentIy,
looking with Jealous eyes at Elsa and
Karn
Il made wager that you would fall
In love with me tonight"
Olga was startled by the declaration.
but she treated 1t lightly as one OF NIL
lars strange sayings.
with whom did you make such a
wagerH she asked
with Karl" Millar answered quick
ly.
Karl. And what did he sayf" Olga
cried, almost rising from her seat.
81 must not tell you now. 1t might
hurt you"
"oh. no; it won't. Please tell me
now" Olga pleaded leaning over the
table toward him.
Millar, too. leaned forward, his face
almost touching her white shoulder.
his hand touching hers as 1t rested on
the table. 1t was thus Karl saw them
with one OF those furtive glances, and
the glist froze the pretty speech he was
trying TO make to Elsa. The girl, see
Ing his look. jumped TO her feet, ex-
claiming angrily. and so that all three
heard her:
Take me to the haIlroon fpnroadF