Evening star., 1909-06-20


"On the contrary" answered Mary, off her
guard, in the enthusiasm she always felt when
speaking of the American Baby, :" | think he Is
enjoying the new experiences hugely.
A surprised lncredulous look fitted over
Hamilton s face. Mary. jealous of the reputa-
ton of the american Baby, exclaimed oh
babies know great deal more than people give
them credit for. have found out since here
she hestated in sudden confusion. She to
her further embarrassment that the English
waiting with intense interest for her
to finish her sentence since have studied
this one, she ended with blush congra tulat-
ing herself upon her narrow escape. Mary felt
it was an inspiration that helped her to finish
that sentence without betraying the brevity of
her acquaintance with the American Baby.
The young officer the blush and noted
again the studied ambiguity of Mary S words
when she mentioned the Baby Cvril Hamilton
was slow Britisher His American friends
had learned with JOY that they need not explain
their Jokes to him. He was also discreet; hav-
ing successfully foraged for food for thought. he
Sk1fullv guided the conversation into less dam
gerous channels.
MARY in relief dropped invountarily into
~ her natural, winning manner She never
in her life had been long formal or conventional.
Captain Hamilton. though delighted at the
change in her mood. took pains this time not to
show his feelings too plainly. As safe topic,
he steered the conversation to travel talk.
There is subject that will bring out congenial
tastes more quickly than this. Hamilton found
Mary's fresh enthusiasm about the Old World
very charming Her comments about places
and peoples she had seen showed she had both
read and thought. Mary was interested in the
unusual places Hamilton told her about
: have seen great part of the world, but
not yet America. | am planning to travel next
year IN the States, gravelv affirmed Hamilton,
whose plans had only few minutes age
When her dinner had advanced to the des-
sert, she was chatting ga1ly with the young
officer, the American Baby completely for
gotten for the first time since she had assumed
the guardianship of him. There was only one
thing now that marred Hamilton's pleasure.
Skllfuy as he led up to it, he was subtly baff1ed
every time IN his endeavor to find an opening
for introducing himself. The Madonna APP
peared serenely obhvious to the fact that such
conventions names existed. Also, when he
casually mentioned Egypt as his destination
she gave no account of her own plans. When
the South African War, however, drifted in
evltably into the conversation, he mentioned
that he was army officer.
" To my regret" he explained in answer to
Marys unspoken question, - compelled
to leave South Africa on account of wound
before the war was over"
81 should think you would congratulate
yourself that YOU did not remain too long in
Africa, else YOU might not be here to tell the
tale laughed Mary, who could never resist
making sport of a mans vanity.
Her good hunored banter was dangerous for
with, Tonight do congratulate myself that
| did not stay in South Africa"
Then the Madonna suddenly became as cold
and unearthly as if she was a Raphael Lady of
Heaven" Hamilton called himself inwardlv a
confounded foo" and tried to make a diversion
by ordering for himself black coffee; Mary was
drinking water. As the suave waiter bowed
over the order he inquired in his own language
: Does madam Your wife also wish black cotfee,"
Hamilton flushed consciously. \ simultane-
warmth of color and an added frigidtv on
the part of Mary convinced him that she had
heard and understood. He had thought all
along that most likely she was perfectly capable
of interpreting her wants to the French waiter
But to have an excuse for remaining with her
through her dinner. he had been compelled to
assume conceitedlv that he alone was a linguist
A FTER the walters faux pas, Captain Ham
ilton not able again to draw Mary out
OF her reserve. She hastily concluded her din
ner, saying graciouslv. but with the aloofness of
the beginning of the meal Il thank YOU very
much for your kindness. am sure YOU wish to
smoke your after dinner cigar. Goodnight" ?"
She thus frostily nipped his intention. though
1t was full blown OF accompanying her back to
her section.
Hamilton, in his lonesome compartment
again, smoked the after dinner cigar and chewed
the cud of both bitter and sweet fancies. She
had been both kind and cold, both frank and
enigmatic. She more auringly changeful
and plquant than any woman he had ever met
She was beautiful and clever and charming
with the softest moduations in her voice and