Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-02

IdIIltI pledSdlIly. IL plcIly ClSdl HOlu~
ing else is possible
Unless perhaps you gave me the oppor-
tunity of refusing you"
He bowed politely. The irony of her hui
NOR did not inspire friendliness. And his
continued civiity met her thrusts with a
weapon as sensitive as her own. She was
surprised at the keenness of his perceptions,
which belied a certain abruptneSS of manner
and curious drawl which she recogniz as
peculiar to the people of Western Pennsylva-
mia. But she chose another course which
would not spare him.
MIR. Northrop has done his duty; but
I'm sorry you've been put to the inconven-
fence of this visit, since it can result only in
kindness to speak plainly. May l do the
same? l have no intention of marrying.
When l do, shall prefer to choose my hus-
band myself l know you'll agree that 1t
takes other things besides money to make
marriage possible. don't mean sentiment
| might get along without that But could
never marry a man who wasn't accustomed
to, who doesn't know, the people l know, who
wasn't in lny-er-'
Erin your set, said Garriott suddenly.
Il should not have said it that way; but
since you understands
She had not scruped to veil the insult.
There was but one reply. He took up his
hat and rose "If it will make it easier" he
that is, to say that I've proposed to you and
been refused. I'll write Mr.. Northrop to
that effect. Good afternoon
He bowed and turned to the door. She
noted that his eyes no longer smiled. His
brow was smooth; but his lips were COM
pressed As he reached the door she halted
him.
"Wait a moment, please" She stood
wavering, holding the back of chair and
looking out of the window, while he waited
for her to 60 on. Il was hoping she con-
tnued in low tone, that you would not
think me worse than l am. 1t has been
harder for me than l thought"
She accepted the rebuke of his silence; but
| finished, Il don't want to be hard. | think
l almost wish we were friends. Of course
you must see it, impossible absolutely i'm
possible!'
"Oh, do" he returned. "a girl doesn't
| want fellow thrown at her head. But the
| fellow can't be blamed for not liking the re-
bound. The only thing left is to carom back
as cheerfully as possible. I'd like you to re-
member, though"
THERE was commotion in the hallway
outside where the butler stood at the
street door, ana the SOUND OF FEMININE
voice. ooh, you needn't bother, Bradley;
she'll see me-" And Mrs. Kempton entered
in the fuffiest of afternoon costumes, fresh
from a round of teas. "Natalie darling l
just stopped in for a moment to tell you
Oh, beg pardon
She halted as her amused glance took in
the situation, the girl uncomfortable and dis
| tant, the man, hat in hand lowering angrily
near the doorway. Miss Judson's lips moved
| almost inaudibly as she murmured the con-
ventional, Have you met Mr.. Garriott,
Mrs. Kempton?"
The intruder raised her lorgnon-as much
part of her afternoon costume as the crop
of her riding maitland examined the other
visitor. Her scrutiny over, she extended her
hand and gave him her friendliest smile.
"How do you do" she said. I'm awfully
glad to meet you" And then mischievously
to Miss Judson, Bradley said you were en-
gagged, Natalie dear; but l shall never be-
lieve it.
Miss Judson gasped as she caught the
meaning of this unusual audacity. "Abby!'
she cried
But Mrs. Kempton only laughed. "It's
only matter of proposition, dear. Many
more serious matters hang by fine threads.
Don't go yet, Mr.. Garriott, please. I've
been frightfully anxious to meet you. You
L.