The San Francisco call., 1910-02-13

came while those who were TO make up the
cast of Mrs. Jimmy" Hopes charity play
were gathered in the ballroom of the Hope
home. Carter, picked for of the lesser
parts was chatting with the hostess where she sat
at the piano, running her fingers lightly the
keys. The director, important chubby little man,
hustling about with chairs and couches, arrang-
ing his setting bundle OF manuscript serving in lieu
OF baton as he gave orders to the young men who
were aiding him.
Sauntering steps passed behind Carter, who
leaning easily at side OF the keyboard Across the
casual converse which the Virginian holding
with the charming young woman there drfted two
phrases:
WHO is this fellow Carter? 1t seems to me you're
taking lot about him on faith?"
Carter's gaze was on Mrs. Hopes face She
turned his look with a calm SMILE ripping idly into
the treble. He waited until the steps had echoed
down the room, then shot quick glance his
shoulder. The who had spoken Neville
Bonsart, whom he remembered for a chilly and
the 1nonOcle habit. The whom he speak
ing Stilbert, OF the youngest OF the set IN
which he moved Carter knew that the voice could
not have been Stilberts. He turned back to Mrs.
Hope with unspoken question.
OF all the persons with whom he had come in
tact during his slow struggle toward the social citadel
he felt that this woman, scarcely than girl,
the central figure his first Fifth adventure,
had the knowledge of his purpose and charac
ter Perhaps 1t this fact that had led him
avoid using her deliberately any of his subsequent
plans Not that he feared her. rather he respected
her intelligence and the insight that weighed him
correctly while according him his due. 1t the
create! source of satisfaction to him that she fire.
quenty gave him foothold in his ascent unasked
and unsought as in the present of the society
play. He awaited her comment now with mute appeal
their common understanding.
You have been prepared for something of
this kind she said
Yes" he answered, slowly; 'ff you mean in my
general consciousness. have known all along that
there would be interference at some stage possibly
at several stages"
1T was inevitable" she nodded. What are you
going to do about it,"
4 hardly see my way yet. He IS too powerful a
factor to be overlooked. wonder how long this has
been going on"
TO my knowledge for a.week at least Since he
was introduced to you the Bidwels' last bridge
party"
He has standing"
And a sharp tongue"
"What does he want?"
Estimate of Character
"YOu do Neville an injustice" she smiled again.
"IIe wants nothing from any man or woman except
recognition of his essential superiority and the
conduct of their affairs according his personal
ideas. To be happy he occupy the censors
Office, free to pass judgment upon all things He is
tiresome, but he is listened to-"
What has he been sayng?"
"HIe has discovered that you have no visible claim
upon the section society which he has taken under
his own wing He is unable see that you are en-
titled to a place"
"If he were really in earnest he could do for me
in short order" said Carter thoughtfuly.
NO; hardly as bad that You have gone too
far l think But he could make himself very dan
gerous."
"Is he brilliant?'
Rather stupid. 1 should say. A remarkable per-
for fixed ideas. Even something of a fanatic in
his way"
"Is he wealthy"
-<Aos.;nably. He gives the most exquisite dinners
his ancient family stronghold. The Bonsarts are
original New Workers. you know. They say that to
be included in his circle of epicures is better than
patent OF nobility. Absurd, isn't it,"
"A cad?"
Far from it. I have seen him do generous things
He susceptible good qualities in others, partic
ulary if they fall in with his peculiar notion of
manners. 'Knightly is pet word with him. Do you
perceive the significance of it,"
Carter reflected. He began to have some concep-
ton of the temper OF this expected, yet unexpected
antagonist
Then if I could win him he might perhaps repair
what damage he has done me?"
With interest probably"
First scene ladies and gentlemen! We will now
begin the rehearsal OF the first scene" The director
was waving his manuscript at them with lofty ges-
ture
They left the piano together and walked toward
the buzzng group Bonsart noted their approach