The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1910-05-13

Why did you not come to Gossmers?
When did you arrive?"
He had been given place by her
with common consent The men after
greeting him gradually slipped away.
all save the American guest, who
gazed at Basil Tempest wide-eyed. as
one might at star.
Il have arrived in town within this
hour" Tempest said.
| Mr.. Tempest"-Lady Ormond turn.
ed to the American-"knows how to
maintain his popularity-he goes
away before his public have half
enough OF him. and returns before
they are tired OF wondering where he
is. For my part l hate brusque de.
7artures. want to be prepared
don't like sudden good-bys."
| She held out her hand to the Amer.
lean and said rather imperiousiy:
"Will you ask Lady Winifred Sales to
dance, Mr.. cambridge? She Is alone
over there by the palms" thus cutting
short Mr.. Bainbridge's heroworship.
"And'-Tempest took her up sew,
eral phrases back-"sudden returns
YOU dislike them?"
She was femininely conscious that
he had taken note OF every detail OF
her sparkling beauty, and meeting his
| eyes agreeably said with grace:
Your returns are never sudden. ]
am always bringing you back in my
mind. You see. Basil, you are always
| expected"
| His face frightened excessively.
That's the prettiest speech I ever
heard a woman make. Come. come
with me out Of this crush. cant you!
/ have something especial to say, and
you know that I do not understand
the art of waiting"
| She nodded and smiled. delighted 10
perceive herself glad to see him and
that his sudden return without warn.
ing did not find her cold.
He followed her across the ball.
room to the opposite side. where a
room decorated with lys and orchids
gave them a corner planned and set
apart for just such causeries intimes
as Tempest determined II should Sc
cure.
Lady Ormond sat down in corner
Of a little divan, Tempest beside her.
"Letty"-he lifted her hand to his
lips-"Letty. I exaggerate in my
books-they would not be worth writ.
ing or reading II did not. never
really transcribe real life. although
they call me a realist You never heard
of great photographer, did youi
Do you think there will be one re.
membered by men in hundred years
| from now? Not unless he has made
his pictures as unlike life as possible
Well. don't exaggerate In my life or
called me brutal. Now ! am speaking
realistically-Ive been living in hell
since l left London"
!, The marks of suffering were dis.
tinct on his face. he looked Ill and
l changed: there was something appeal.
ing and touching In his expression, us.
ually arrogance and pride itself The
flippant speech his statement would
have called forth from Lady Ormonds
humor did not pass her lips. She gave
his hand gentle pressure.
Basil, you look horribly ill-what
10 the matter? You are changed"
Am II" He threw up his head
rather defiantly and impatiently. as II
to shake of commiseration. I've
studied my face enough. God knows,
these days. but find 1t the same"
Where have you been-at era
ven?"
Eyes. Shut up like a bear in hia
cage"
"And you come out to bite, I sup.
poser"
"Hush." he said frowning. Don't
for Gods sake be fiippant. am not In
any mood for II. I've had them all
the moods--heaven knows. but this is
a peculiarly grim one tonight. II you
can, in any way. second it. ! will be
grateful"
She looked at him curiously hut not
unahectionately. I'm be as grim as
you like. Basil. What do you want
me to fcel?"
Tempest had covered his eyes with
his hands. a gesture growing now
second nature to him. He laughed
softly as she spoke. How perfect OF
you. Lefty! What do | want you to
feel! Why. do you then command
your sentiments at call? Can ! have
them up at touch. have you SO many
more for me than one?'
He uncovered his eyes and looked
at her smiling. His expression was
cynical and amused. Il don't want
or not want you to feel In any partic,
ular way. want to know how you do
feel and to act accordingly"
She started-with him. at all events
crisis was reached in their relations
She said. to gain time and to collec,
herself: You are quite your most
singular self to-night-Je ne suis pas
une femme tragique. and | think you
might return after a four weeks alb.
sence in little more soothing mood!
/ You are mysterious, and | am Devil.
dered at mysteries. What has gone
/ wrOngS Are yo,t dissatisfied NTH