Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-01-22

HOII~. Ilfi illns fsAItl, itOh4ho a. AAH
watch
There wts an instant Of silence that
threatened TO become painfully EN-
barru>Sing Olga was about to speak
when Mi!Iar unexpectedly stepped for
ward briskly and politely:
My dear NJ Hoffman,, 1t was my
fault" he explained. Il came mo-
mcnt after sou left. had not seen
Karl in two years. We chatted, and
the time flew past 1t was an eX-
tremely interesting conversation. and
madame was SO Kind as to invite me
to the ball this evening"
You will accept, | trust" Herman
said. with ready hospitality.
Yes. thank you" Millar said. II
have come direct from Odessa, where
have had a talk with the Russian
wheat magnate."
"-Ah. l know. l shall lose money.
The wheat crop Is bad" Herman said
impatiently.
"Oh, isn't that good for usY Olga
asked.
NO, dear, it is not. am short on
wheat"
What does short on wheat mean?
Olga asked.
1T means digging n pit for others
and falling into it yourself" Millar re-
marked cynically. However" he
went on. things are not 50 bad.
have reliable Information that the
later crop will he abundant"
Good. am delighted to learn this"
Herman said, very much pleased with
Millar. who now spoke pleasantly and
overwhelmingly.
Karl had paid little attention to the
colloquy between Herman and Millar.
He tried to speak to Olga, but could
not catch her eye. She seemed to wish
to avoid him. She watched her OBJ
portunity. however, and managed to
whisper to Millar:
Il want to speak to you alone"
Millar brought his subtlety into In
slant play. Turning to Herman, he
asked:
by the way, have you seen the
sketch Of madame Karl made yester-
day? 1t is atrociously bad"
! mo. Where is it? l would like to
see It," Herman cried eagerly.
1T Is In the studio" Millar said.
You must show it to me, Karl" Her
man said. walking toward the studio
door with the young artist. II am
sorry you didn't start ON the picture to-
day. but l suppose it can't be helped.
What In the world were you talking
about all that time"
AS they went out talking Olga fol-
lowed slowly. As she passed Millar
he said.
Il will await you here"
Olga went with Karl and her hus-
band. She had hardly left the room
when the door from the hall opened
and Mimi entered. As Millar turned
toward her with his ironical bow she
drew back. affrighted.
| "Oh, excuse mer she murmured.
You wish to see the artistY Millar
said.
"Yes, please"
He walked over. took her by the
shoulders and cOolly pushed her
through the door into the hall.
"Wait there, my DEAR" he said. HE
Is engaged just now"
Then he turned to meet Olga, who
entered suddenly. looking suspiciously
around the room.
Il thought heard q woman's voice, I"
she exclaimed.
THE scrubwoman. I sent her away"
Millar explained.
Il wanted to speak with you alone, ~
Olga began. turning toward him and
speaking very earnestly. Gin order to
tell YOU
THAT is not true" Millar interrupt.
ed her cynically.
what is not trueT
what you wanted to tell me-" he
said. with exasperating suavity. "You
really want to talk with me because
you regret that my sermon was inter.
rupted by Mr.. Moneybags."
mo, no. I simply want to tell you
the TRUTH" she protested.
you may want to tell the truth,
but you never do. might believe you
II you told me you were not telling
the truth"
Must think and speak a. you
wish?" she cried desperately.
mo. not yet What may I do fol
you, madameY
"Please do not come tonight" sh1
implored.
Millar smiled deprecatingly. She
went on rapidly. speaking in q low
tone that she might not be overheard
by Herman and Karl.
Il am myself again-a happy. duti
full wife. Your frivolous morals hurt
me. Your words, your thoughts, your
sinister influence that seems to force
me against my will. brighten me.
must confess that 1 had become inter
ested in your horrible sermon when
thank God. my good husband rang the
bell and put IN end to It He. came In
at the proper moment"
Eyes. rs an object lesson" Millar
sneered. Il observed you closely. We
three were beginning to understand
one another when he came In"
won't you drop the subject" Olga
asked.
"Are you afraid Of it?'
mo-" she answered coldly. but
please don't come tonight"
Millar bowed deeply. as If granting
her request. but he replied coolly:
II shall come"
"And If my husband asks you not
to Gomez"
''He will ask me to come"
"And II should ask you In the pres
ence Of my husband not to cOmeY'
Il will agree to this, madame" NIL
lar said. locking at her. with amuse-
ment. III You do not ask me in the
presence Of your husband to come to-
night l will not come. Is that fair?
Yes. That is more than fair. 1t Is
the first really nice thing you have
said.' Olga said. greatly relieved.
She wanted to be rid Of this terribly
sinister influence. to be out Of reach of
fla., 1.1iv