The San Francisco call., 1909-10-24

mn troubled me far less than the veiled identity
of her companion. "And you see how
have succeeded" she had said. Well, she
might have succeeded in dozens of things about which
I knew nothing Likewise her answer the of
whom I had so unsatisfactory a glimpse-"TheyT
never know; how should they?"-represented merely
the tantalizng fragment that invariably makes the
eavesdropper strain for more.
But what man among those present-tall and Amer
csn-could she-know we'll enough to admit of
versation that implied least some hidden under
standing? She had been among US so short time,
and on her arrival all had presumably been strangers
her-1nore strange, in fact than many OF them
were to Nela and me-for it is remarkable how
few persons one really knows among the numbers
one has to entertain
I intended at the first opportunity to frankly con-
fess fair Dolly the part had played involuntarily,
and I felt sure sort Of explanation would be
forthcoming. I don't know just why, for while she
had reorganized into trio the duet formed of Nella
and myself there had during these few months been
little time for condolences and none demanded
One afternoon few weeks after the dance Nella
swept in on me as dressing for ride with Cap
tain Peddineton It happened to be one Of the days
on which my schedule had not been made out for
in advance Take off those togs, Black Eyes she
commanded, dropping on the chaise Tongue; you've
got TO come with US
With us7" I queried, knotting my ascot.
Don't ask unnecessary questions. I'm too weary
to answer She tried to stretch her arms above her
head. I'D give half months income if l could COM
fortsbly get down at length and enjoy forty winks,
but this dress won't let me-"
"You looked lively enough when yod came in"
retorted
Entrances. my dear" Nella waved them aside
They're matter of habit You know very well, If
dared to come into a room looking tired tomorrow
IT.. Gn.r BE-
am tired-so that could scream.
She picked up a mirror and gazed ruefuy into it.
Don't look it? And I can't even bury this awful
face of mine in pillow for fear the powder will
come of"
THE MASKED FACE
- In spite of my unsympathetic laugh knew just
Vow she felt-hysterica, irresponsible. More than
once I've flung myself on the bed four FIVE in
the morning and tossed restlessly for hour
only TO be awakened it seemed the moment dropped
of to sleep Then I've had to be fairly pushed into
nv clothes without life to move limb unaided. Is
It a cause for wonder that many girls and women
driving or motoring wear masks of paint and pow
der? I call It rather the brand of the brow of two
classes OF present day martyrs with common
in life-namely exhibition, barter, sale WhetheEts
a woman of the streets or of the salon, the stain
seems to be the
you can guess why I want you to come with
me-" Nella went on, looking up at with appeal
that would have driven to his knees; ito save
my life I've promised have tea with Billy, and if
he proposes to me again today sha'nt have the
cnergy-to refuse him I'm always in yielding mood
when I'm weary. You've simply got to come and
protect me-"
Billy Stewards proposals to Helena Penning were
As hegion as they were proverbal If he happened
be sad he proposed to Nella to marry him and make
him happy If he felt glad he proposed to her to
come and give him something to worry about It
didn't much matter whether there an audience
about or not Nella probably found his devotion
deadly monotonous, but nobody else did Ait
source of constant amusement, and the quality
for which respected found Billy at all interest
ing Everybody looked to him eventually win
every one, that is, but Nella and myself
Today felt great deal more like canter with
Captain Peddington than Witnessing Billys ineyit-
able avowal and said Where is Dolly?" asked.
Motoring believe. She's not been in to
and haven't caught glimpse of her all day. Tele-
, phone Captain Peddy, there's dear, and have him
come, too"
almost think it was fear that in rash moment
NeIla might be tempted silence Billy by accepting
him that drove finally to inform Captain Pedding
ton that it was to be instead of trot
THE ART OF THE MoNocLE
However dspleased he may have been, he appeared
shortly after perfect in Prince Albert boutonnere and
eyeglass He was the of Briton born with glass
in his eye, just as many Americans come into the
world with gold spoons their mouths only that the
Englishan seems to his birthright through life
with far greater and comfort Captain Pedding-
tons was attached by neither cord string; just
stuck in his eye and stayed there with tantalizing
disregard of the law of gravitation. ] had seen his
sister at their place in Sussex flying about the links
with glass pasted in her eye in precisely the same
way: it was rather like mark of Identification ea-
tending throughout the family
Billy whose face not quite so we'll trained as
the Britishers, looked bored and decidedly disap-
pointed when Captain Peddington and loomed up
large on his horizon We were however, sweetly
unconscious of the fact that we were de trop All