Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-03

heavy-lidded eyes Mr. Cobbett had beer
smitten late in life with a desire to go
to Congress, imagining that his money
would easily pave the way for him. and
now he was always courteous to those
whom he thought influential in politics.
Hence he was exceedingly polite TO Jimmy
Warfield.
\. this: moment the host himself. Mr..
George Grey, walking Importantly, en-
tered the room. He was really a hand
some man III a somewhat aggressive fash
ion. and tonight he made better APP
pearance than usual thought l saw
about him traces of reform, at least of an
attempt. begun in a half hearted and per-
haps futile fashion, but making little inn
preston at present upon his heavy fea-
lures. I should have found him repulsive
at any time, but as the husband Of Alicia
he was wellngh intolerable to me; yet L
must be polite to him in his own house
and obey all the conventional forms
had for the moment a feeling of regret
that / had come at all to expose myself
to such an ordeal, but il was my second
thought that / was bound to encounter
him some time or other, and why not
the present?
MY cousin, Mr.. Clarke Mr.. Grey said
Jimmy Warfeld, accentuating the words
my cousin in a manner that made my
heart warm toward him. You ought to
know him. ne is from Mrs. Greys home
Glad to know you. Mr. Clarke for your
own sake and because you are one of my
wifes old friends" said Grey with an air
of bluff good humor. holding out his
hand which I was forced to take, al
though his touch was most unpleasant to
me.
/ spoke in the polite manner usual on
such occasions, and after few words he
greeted others in the room, welcoming
each in turn. I observed him closely. l
saw that the man was not without d GER
tain personal magnetism. He was big
and handsome, and when he chose to
make it so his manner had an air of good
fellowship and easy, good nature that
was bound TO make him popular. at least
with certain people. 1t is easy. too, to
decry wealth and family but they count
everywhere and Grey had both. Yet the
observant saw that something was lack
ing in him: II was the last touch. the in
describable air of quiet gnity and con-
sideration for the feelings OF others that
differentiates between the one who is d
gentleman and the one who is not.
He talked longest to the manufacturer
and it seemed to me, observing them, that
they were congenial spirits, although
Grey's was the stronger mind. But / did
not linger long there. Jimmy Warfield
put his hand on my arm
Come, Harry" he said why waste
time here. when there are ladies to be
seen and to be heard?'
We went out into the long drawing
room, which connected with other rooms.
all now thrown together and presenting a
brilliant aspect. They were already flied
with people, and among them many
young girls and young married women
with the beautiful figures and delicate
compilations for which our state is noted.
heard the mellow murmur of talk and
laughter, fresh young faces passed before
me and dresses shone in brilliant and
varying tints under the softened glow of
the electric lights. 1t made deep i'm
preston upon me after SO long abb
stinence. l love light and color, youth
and happiness and an intense thrill of
pleasure shot through me-
Alicia was receiving, assisted by several
ladies. among them Mrs. Guthrie, the
from the Louisville district. a woman
with fine, clear face and a beauty
worthy to stand beside that of Alicia, a
woman whom ] knew I should like and
who, hoped, would like me.
1 hardly knew Alicia in evening dress,
proud and a trifle cold, receiving her
guests and showing her strength to the
world. The pathetic. appealing look that
had seen often in her eyes was gone,
and in its place shone calm dignity and
reserve. Softened rays from the electric
light fell on her thick brown hair and
shot back stray CLEANS of reddish gold.
Shoulders and arms were whittier than
snow, and her slender figure was held
firmly erect. She inspired me with new
respect a slight feeling of awe. and /
should not have presumed to remind her
in any manner of what lay between us
two only. Just the faintest bit of color
came into her cheeks as Jimmy Wartield
presented me.
Its an old friend. Mrs. Grey. whom
YOU would not have KNOWN" said Jimmy.
I'm fact, l didn't know him myself at
first he's changed SO much. It's Harry
Clarke, with whom you went to school.
Il should have known him, Mr.. War
field said Alicia. Il believe that wom-
ems eyes are keener than mems, at least
in regard to faces and Harry and
grew up together. You see. l can never
call him anything but Harry
Ito be continued tomorrow)