Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-01-29

Millar's cynical smne overspread his
face. and he turned away. well salts
fed Wi:h the progress he was making.
Excuse me-" he murIurcd. Il must
say good eveaiHg to our hostess" And
he stole quietly cut.
The two young people did not notice
him. They sat down very close to each
other, Karl leaning forward and look
ing into the big blue eyes of the girl.
Ing figure of Millar.
Il am awful!y glad to be alone with
YOU. Elsa" Karl said. You are the
one natural thing in the fetid. artificial
atmosphere. Don't you feel warm!"
"Yes, as II 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 fulfillment 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 to
speak to herr"
II have seen her." Karl replied with
out turning around. II 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. l an just beginning to know
you. Elsa"
"Why do you look around thenY'
Elsa said.
Am l looking aroundT' Karl asked.
II wasn't aware Of It,"
But even as he spoke he could not
help furtively glancing around to see
what Millar and Olga were doing. He
remembered the mans declaration In
the studio that afternoon, and he dis
trusted and feared him. He was be-
ginning to hate him.
BY n sheer effort Of will he forced
himself to turn to Elsa. He resolved
that he would talk to her: that he
would make love to her: that he would
marry her and Danish from his heart
those hateful emotions which Milar
had aroused. lie leaned forward and
spoke Of love to the girl In low tones.
while Elsa. with color coming and go
Ing In her face. listened and watched
the woman she knew for her rival
'Our first love usually IL our last
love-Our last love always Is the first"
Karl said.
II don't know" Lisa cried dcmurely
II have never been In love. although
was disappointed twice." she added
gayly.
Karl was beginning to lind his task
difficult His attention wandered to
Olga.
"Disappointments! Well. yes. who
has not been disappOintedr'
Elsa observed his growing inatten-
ton. his efforts to concentrate his
thoughts on their talk. his futile love-
making. and she turned from him cold
ly. Meanwhile Millar and Olga were
having q conversation in which Olga
was being torn on the rack Of her zeal.
Gus emotions.
Millar had brought her into the ante
room to show her Karl making love to
Elsa. Every Circumstance favored his
design. Olga Mt first was disposed to
withdraw when she saw them.
Don't you think We should leave
the young people togetherr' she said.
You are too considerate," Millar re-
piled cynlcally.
''They seem to be growing fond OF
each other" Olga said jealousy.
"Yes. Do you dislike itr'
"No."
''Shall we leave nowr"
mo. I rather enjoy watching my
seed bear fruit"
Olga tried to speak lightly and smile.
Mnlar. watching her closely. saw her
lips twitch. and 1t was with difficulty
that she controlled herself.
They are an interesting couple" he
said.
Cant We discuss something besides
these two?" Olga asked impatiently.
Eyes. certainly" Millar acquiesced.
II came here tonight to decide a wa
ger" he went on.
What was itY Olga asked absently,
looking with Jealous eyes at Elsa and
Karl
Il made wager that you would fall
In love with me tonight"
Olga was startled by the declaration,
but she treated it lightly as one Of Mil
lars strange sayings.
with whom did you make such n
wager?" she asked.
with Karl" Millar answered quick.
ly.
Karl. And what did he say!" Olga
cried. almost rising from her seat
II must not tell you now. 1t might
hurt you"
''Oh. no: 1t 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 Us 1t rested on
the table. 1t was thus Karl saw them
with one Of those furtiye glances. and
the glist fr0ze the pretty speech he was
trying to make to Elsa. The girl. see.
Ing his look. Jumped to her feet ex-
claiming angrily. and 20 that oil three
heard her:
Take me to the ballroom immedi-
ately. I have promised the next
dance"
Karl also, his face white with pas.
sion, had Jumped to his feet Elsa.
almost In tears. stamped her foot at him.
why do you stand there1 Take me
away. Aren't you coming1"
She turned and started to the door,
Karl following. They passed Millar
and Olga, still seated at the table.