Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-04-04
The Silent Barrier
Continued from page IL

mdnSn, VIII, nope DO me the nOrlOr OIL
ing my wife. he said. That being So She i.
beyond the reach of the slanderous malice OF an
ex-chorus girl
He spoke slowly, with the air of a man who
weighed his words. thrill that could be felt
ran through his intent audience Mark Bower
the millionaire. the financial genius who domi-
mated more than one powerful group in the
city, who controlled ring of theaters in Lon
don and the provinces, who had declined
knighthood, and would surely be created peer
with the next change of government.-that he
should openly declare himself sutton for the
hand of penniless girl was sensation with
vengeance. His description of Millicent an
ex-chorus girl offered another toothsome morsel
to the crowd She would never again skip airily
behind the footlghts of the Wellington any
other important theater in England. So far
she was concerned the musical comedy candle
that succeeded to the sacred lamp of West End
burleSque was Snutted out.
Millicent actress enough not to finch
from the goad "A charming and proper senti-
menti" she cried with well simulated fiippancy.
The marriage of Mr. Mark Bower will be quite
fashionable affair, provided always that he
secures the assent of the American gentleman
who is paying his future wife's expenses during
her present holiday"
NOV, SO curiously constituted is human
ture, or the shallow worldliness that passes
current for it among the homeless gadabouts
who pose as British society on the Continent.
that already the current of opinion in the hotel
was setting steadily in Heen's favor. This re-
markabe change dated from the moment of
Bowers public announcement of his matri-
monial plans. Many of those present were
GREETING lost opportunity 1t was obvious to
the meanest intelligence-and the worn phrase
took new vitality when applied to some among
the company-that any kindness shown to
Helen during the preceding fortnight would be
repaid a hundredfold when she became Mrs
Mark Bower Again, not even the bitterest of
her critics could allege that she was flirting
bod
just carried her off like a new Paris. She had
lived in the same hotel for whole week with
out speaking word to him. If anything. she
had shown favor only to Bower and that in
way SO decorous and discreet that more than
one woman there was amazed by her careless
handling of promising situation. ust give
one of them the chance of securing such prize
fish this stalwart millionaire. Well at least
he should not miss the hook for lack of bait
Oddly enough the Rev Philip Hare gave
voice to general sentiment when he interfered
in the duel. He was hot with vexation at the
scene he witnessed.
rs one who has made Miss Wynton's ac-
quaintance in this hotel" he broke in
vehemently, " | must protest most emphatic
ally against the outrageous statement We have
just heard! If may say it, it is unworthy OF
the lady who is responsible for it. | know
nothing of your quarrel nor do wish to figure
in it; but do declare, on my honor clergy
man of the Church of England that Miss Wyn-
tons conduct in Maloggia has in no way lent
itself to the inference one is compelled to draw
from the words used
Thank you, Mr.. Hare" said Bower quietly
and subdued murnur of applause buzzed
through the gathering.
There is a legend in Zermatt that Saint
Theodue, patron of the Valais, wishing to reach
Rome in hurry, sought demoniac aid to sur
mount the impossible barrier of the Alps.
Opening his window, he saw three devils dane
ing merrily on the housetops. He called them.
(which of YOU is the speediest,' he asked.
Il" said one; = swift the wind. =
BAH cried the second. Il fly like a
bullet. -" These two talk idly said the third.
81 am quick the thought of woman The
worthy prelate chose the third. The hour being
late, he bargained that he should be carried to
Rome and back before cockcrow, the price for
the service to be his sanity soul. The imp flew
we'll and returned to the valley of the Rhone
long dawn. Joyous at his gain, he was
about to bound over the wall of his episcopal
city of Zion, when Saint Theodule roared lus-
tily, Grow, Chandelier! Crow as you never
crowed before." Every cock in Zion awoke at
his voice, and raised such din that the devil
dropped bell given to his Saintship by the
Holy Father, and Saint Theodule snug and
safe inside it.
The prelate was right in his choice of the
third. The thoughts of two women took wings
instantly. Mrs de la We're. throwing away :.
half-smoked cigarette, hurried out the
randa. Millicent Jaques. whose carriage was
ready for the long drive to St. Moritz, decided
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