The San Francisco call., 1909-12-12

II assure you that nothing went at
EWoodmar the whole world couldn't know
about?" 1t full five weeks since
from the SOUTH and every day of that time
the subject had been discussed in the same way
The whole world does know-that is the point.
And the minute the Van Tiel divorce is settled
thing it viii learn still If Evelyn has made
up her mind to marry John Van Tiel she'll Gee that
its accomplished without rejecting herself"
But, mother turned to her imploringy-'T
give you my word all 1 did was to dance the
lawn with Jimmy the night of the fete"-
"And airt with him openly before, during and
after the danceI How often have told you no girl
can afford to DO that sort of thing? l should say
you've already enjoyed quite enough notoriety, but
Of course realized long ago my wishes meant little
or nothing"
looked out of the brougham window and sighed
wearily After the dance Jimmy sat next to me at
supper and talked about how nice country parties
were, where you pay attention your food instead
Of 10 your neighbor, mas to in the city Ro-
mantle, isn't it," The humorous side of the
still presented itself
you should have seen TO it that Evelyn and every
body else knew what you talking about. She
intimates that you monopolzed her husband after
having deliberately called him to you early in
the evening, and that it all done shamefully in
the open with attempt"-
81 should think that would prove to her conclu-
svely how innocent IT was"
Shell make it prove whatever she pleases. And
it suits her purpose to turn every move her
husbands part to her advantage. If she make
use of you in the course of she won't hesitate
and you'll have yourself to thank"
smiled at the thought of Jimmy Taghern-Steward
and Ine-even the idea of a Irritation ridic-
ulous
Shell have further excuse promise you,"
answered but without enthusiasm. l was growing
SO tired Of being constantly my guard.
"I think my dear"-ny mothers voice grew
softer but mingled shade of irony with satisfac-
tion-"you'n begin to realize l was not the
ogress you chose to believe me in doing my best to
have YOU accept suitable husband when he pre-
sented himself 1t might be well to arrive at that
conclusion before it's too late for you get
warn YOU after all this talk that's being circulated
about you, you'll wake up next year to find yourself
passe It's not the most charming awakening, either,
when the girl might have walked off with brilliant
catch"
A TUMBLE OF LOVE
Her advice came back to me later in the Indian
room at the Steve Craigs with outburst from Car
lev tumble of love and protestation and apology
sweeping over me with tho force OF sat
trembling like criminal at the bar brought at last
face to face with what my folly had wrought.
"I know / haven't the right, but l can't help it.
love YOU. dear-I loved you even before that night
YOU Sked me to come into the game with you Yes,
I did," as I shook my head, refusing to accept the
immunity he offered. "Its not your fault From
the very beginning went into it guessing that you
wanted to play against the baron"-
"But I didn't, Carley. I wanted you to
from him You know that now, don't yous"
"I know that when I put to it l wasn't game.
Cipsy when I read that announcement of your
gagement to him knew I a gutter, that
though you'd put it up to sporting chance
I wasn't equal to losing man."
"It was the sudden of the thing that went
to your head I warned you it had that night at the
Ham Warrens. From then on I've never forgiven
myself" I stretched out my hands to him. "Carley,
YOU don't really love You'd surely regret this
some day if were to let myself believe you Why,
we've known each other just boy and girl all
lives" But II was done to myself. Deep
down came humping the sef-accusation that laid his
unhappiness however passing it might be- at my door
To my surprise Carley appeared not to have heard.
He erasped my outstretched hands and drew closer.
%And il isn't the baron7" he asked eagerly "You
seemed to be pals again at Woodmar."
~Irs so little the baron that being friends again
merely indicates that we're going be any
thing more"
And then Carley brought me up with a question
as inexorable as it startling 'If it isn't the
baron. Gipsy girl, tell me, who is the man7"
looked at him. expecting of his boyish smiles
20 relieve the situation, but What preposterous
ideal" exclaimed, seeing that he was in deadly
earnest ~NWhy, what could have made you think"-
Because I know that if there wasn't somebody
else could make you love I'm not half good
enough but you couldn't help it, DEAR if you knew
how much He finished by crushing my hands
to his lips
"Carley," struggled, the words choking me- there
isn't ANYBODY else. There isn't anybody And this
miserable affair has carried you off your feet It's
made You imagine all of things but if you
me this way, if you want to marry me- broke
of historically. My head went down into the pillows
Of the divan and I found myself sobbng in great
hard gulps with Carleys arms half about me, his
head pressed to mine
~Cipsy, Gypsy, I'm cad, beast Listen, dear.