The San Francisco call., 1909-12-05


al fresco, and Harry Keating, noticing my
unusual lack response to his usual pleasantries had
allowed his gaze to follow mine. The above the
direct result
Nella had come down the terrace steps with Billy
Stewart and the two were at once the center of
gushing stream of congratulation.
To me 1t was ghastly-seeing Nella there at Billys
side taking the glad wishes with show of apprecia
ton judged fitting to the occasion Indifferently
had watched dozens of girls doing the thing in
the way and had given it second thought. 1t
was what was expected of them. But to have Nella,
who spite of hr cyncism had secretly shared with
me the few hopes that had managed to survive the
struggle for existence, her dive into the matri-
rnonial sea, like the rest, with she did not
love-I could bring myself to realize it!
I had tried throughout half the night to hold her
back to convince her that she would be sure to rue
the leap she about to take. had pleaded, i'm
plored She had evidently fought the same battle
with herself before l found her, pale, wted flower
against the bushing background that seemed such
mocling promise of roses and happiness
Even had she wished retract she would have
found it difficult for the beaming Billy had the
flashing in all directions by morning. And now, as
stared only half believing felt the old Nella slipping
away, though that girl, with her carefully cofed
head held high and rigid smile her tired lips,
were another human being
My dear its too eternal to be interesting" she
had once said when l brought her the of fair
debutantes engagement TO millionaire who had
just divorced a show girl. "The woman always
loves the wrong man and marries the rich And
the mamie loves too often to love at all"
had known she didn't really it, but how she
would have challenged me had 1 told her then that
she would follow in lockstep with other prisoners of
convention.
Why was marriage fate one could not escape?
Why demanded of every girl as if she automa
ton, to be dressed in the latest style of wedding
gown wound up and sent trotting up the aisle to
meet that which had been selected for her? Why
had Nella resigned herself to it if life held
other possibility? felt nliserably apart with my
absurd theories and ideals But beneath the loneli-
ness l knew the fear clutching me, dread that
eventually I should come upon myself taking the
same step Perhaps, after all, there was nothing
else to do.
THE FRIENDLY BARON
It was rather good thing that baron de Berenzg
had the day before so Unexpectedly raised flag of
truce and offered above it the hand of friendship In
the face of Nea's sudden surrender l might have
found myself weakening had he continued his untring
siege Of the last months. 1t was relief to meet his
eyes, as 1 did now without feeling in them fire
kndled to order specially for the purpose of making
me hot and uncomfortable.
He stood just within the dropping willow boughs
that shaded little group. The dazzling light of
midday cut through the gray flannel of his and
it oddly with the of Carley and Harry Heating,
both OF whom lounged in positions most convenient
the moment, while Cissy Trane stretched at length
the ground, putting her latest little French bull
through series OF dancing paces his two front paws
perched her long fingers. The Algy frames always
travelled with at least three dogs-one to guard,
to adorn and to
"Since Nellas taken the lead" observed Perry
Willing, 1t will be perfectly decent for any of
US to bag his game while we've got the time and
place to do It" He raised his pink baby face from
the depths of low garden chair and grinned signi-
cantly at the baron.
Baron de Berenzig shrugged inquirngly with fine
play at noncomprehension
What pity Perry ficked at an imaginary
speck Of dust from my skirt with the tip of my
shade, gancing up him sidewise through the lace
curtain of lingerie hat-"that for there's only
wanting the lady Other peoples affairs fascinat
ing, of course but how much fun to have of
your very own in place like thisw
"And with Philadelphia so tantaIizingy within
reachr' Mrs. Algy paused at her task with move
ment indicating that Perrys Quaker City widow was
waiting just beyond the hills
But Perrys malice directed me- "Wel1
Gypsy, you've had enough experience know all
about that of thing" Carley glared at him as
though bite of his apple face would have been
gratifying at the moment, but he on sereney
Everybody seems happy enough but Johnny pity
Taggy-Stew isn't here. She'll have her nice pointed
claws in Nella"-
Relieve your mind on that score" reassured him.
They're booked arrive, both the Taggy-Stews to-
morrow" But l had the accompanying laugh to my
self for / alone had read the lilac scented mauve
tinted note that matched Evelyn's cheeks and con-
weyed to Nella the information that she and Jimmy
..ould be glad to accept the sweet invitation "And
Won know as well as | do"-Nella laughed over nv
shoulder-"I never asked theml That woman is
perfect genius.
But Perry, all innocent of this choice Bit con-
tnued calmly AT any rate, call it unfortunate over
sght--and beastly bad form-having husbands and
wives who belong TO each other in the same house at
H.. (