The San Francisco call., 1909-07-25

No. she had given that up. She had
promised Harry to be at home. Clara
wanted to know rather austerely what
she intended TO do about the dinner.
This was dreadful Flora had forgot
ten it completely. Nothing to be done
but go, and leave a message for Harry
apology, and assurance that she
would be home early. She wondered If
she were losing her memory.
She appeared to be changing alto
gether, for the dinner-a merry one
bored her. What she wanted was to
get away from it as soon as possible
for that interesting evening. When
she had made the appointment with
Harry she had been excited by the
thought that he might tell her whether
he had learned anything from the
major that morning in the matter OF
the ring. But now she was more en-
crossed with the idea of asking about
Kerr-whether Harry had really met
hfm-if so, where; and. finally, why
did not Harry want her to mention
that embassy ball?
Primed with these questions, she left
Immediately after coffee. arriving at
her own red stone portal at 10. But
coming in, all a-f1utter with the idea
of having kept him waiting when she
had so much to ask, she found her note
as she had left 1T. She questioned
Shima. There had been no message
from Mr.. Cressy. Her first annoyance
was lost in wonder. What could be
the matter? If this was neglect on
first time. But she did not believe 1t
was neglect. He had been too eager
that morning
She went into the drawing room-a
dull pink. stupendous chamber-kneIt
moment before the flashing wood
fire, then rose. and, crossing to the
window. looked anxiously out. She
had fight of fancy toward accidents,
but in that case she certainly would
have heard. The French clock on the
manteI rang half past 10. The sound
had hardly died in the great spaces
before she heard the fine snarl of the
electric bell
She restrained an impulse to dash
into the hall. and stood impatient in
the middle of the room.
He came in hastily. his lips all ready
with words which hesitated at sight
Of her.
why. you're going outr he said.
She had forgotten the cloak. that still
hung from her shoulders.
NO. I've Just come in. and all my
fine apologies for being out are wasted.
How long do you think Clara'il let
you stop at this hour?"
Clara isn't here" he said
We'll, then your time is all the
shorter" She was nett1ed that he
should be oblivious of his lapse Their
relation had never been sentimental.
but he had always been punctilious.
I'm sorry he said. arriving at last
at his apology Il couldn't help being
late. I've had day of IT" He drew
his hands across his forehead. and she
noticed that he was In his morning
clothes and looked as rumpled and
furried as a man just from the office.
She relented Poor deari You do
look tired Don't take that chair.
It's more Louis Quinze than comfort-
able. Come into the library. And re-
member" she added. when Shfma had
set the decanter and glasses beside
him, you are to stay just 20 min
utes."
He took a sip of his drink and looked
at her over the top of his glass II
may have to stay longer If you want
to hear about It
"Oh, Harry, you really know some
thing? All the evening I've heard
nothing but the widest rumors. Some
say Major Purdie couldn't speak be-
cause some one way up knows more
than she should about it. And some
body else said it wasn't the real ring
at all that was taken, only a paste
copy. and that is why they're not do
ing more about getting it back"
Not doing more about getting ii
back?" Harry laughed. rs that the
idea that generally prevails2 why,
Flora" He stopped. waited mo-
ment while she leaned forward expect
ant Flora he began again, ARE
you mum2"