The San Francisco call., 1910-03-20

~ SHALL telegraph Maude Stuyver TO come on
80 Tuesday" said Mrs. Demaar
"You don't Tuesday, do you? That's
the day OF the paper chase you know" her
husband objected mildly.
"Of course How stupid of me- Wednesday, then,
You'll stay over Wednesday, won't you, Mr Carr
teret?" she called.
Robert Carter, occupied with late breakfast gave
instant to his charming hostess who looked
from the veranda with her question. She was Sc
lecting golf sticks preparatory to a foursome with
Demaar and the Varicks. Others of the large house
party had already scattered upon the estate
ing automobiles the horses, the tennis courts the
shooting range, as suited each best The Demaars
had learned how to obtain the thing they coveted
a constant contingent and gay one in their huge
house.
Dear lady" said the Virginian gaantly 81 be-
Eeve the only way you ever get rid of me is
through eviction proceedings"
"As If l didn't know you she returned You'll be
off some day on half an hours notice and we won't
you again for six months. But you really must
stay until Maude Have you ever met herr"
Carter had met her, though it was not matter
that lent itself TO discussion 81 think we have been
introduced he said, briefly.
"A wonderful girl" put in Demaar. so direct, so
simple and whole hearted I'm glad you're going to
have her, Carrie"
Perhaps I'd better not if she inspires you that
calling
Maude simple! Why, she has absolutely perfect con-
troll OF her two brothers. They jump through ring
or turn somersaults command. No woman who
can manage the Stuyver boys the way Maude does
can be simple. However, she's dear. I'll have
James take the message when he drives down to the
station"
Carter noted and the first fash of plan came to
him When the golf party almost ready to start
Mrs. Demaar looked in upon him again What have
you IN mind for this morning." she asked.
"A hammock and that edition of Montaigne"
he answered precisely.
well, if that's all I'll trouble you to make my ex-
cuses to Mr. Benham He'll be down before noon
and it would be dreadful nuisance if l had to leave
the game to receive him Charles, the butler knows
what room to give him"
Carter, sauntering into the drawing room a few
later, heard the voices of the golf players
as they left the veranda the clear tones of Mrs
Demaar delivering orders to some functionary The
telegram is the table in the entrance hall. Don't
let James forget it." A respectful murmur gave an
swer
THE SUBSTITUTED WORD
Carter crossed quickly into the hall Up to this
instant he could have said that he had clear in
tenton, but he acted now without hesitation. There
was long table in front of the rough fireplace
On it lay yellow telegram form bearing the message
to Maude Stuyver scribbled in broad, soft pencil.
There were no sounds to announce the approach of
the functionary. Carter knew that he the only
one of the guests remaining in the house. Swiftly,
with deft fingers, he drew pencil from his pocket,
set the rubber nub upon the paper, neatly erased
word and substituted another, initiating Mrs De-
MARS hurried scrawl well enough. 1t was all done
before the closing of door at the warned him.
He slipped into the library and picked up book.
minute later Charles, the funereal butler, paced
through the hall, picked up the telegram and de-
parted The machinery of the Virgnians little plot
was started
Benham came down in his automobile about II
O'Clock and Carter greeted him on the steps. Mrs.
Demaar couldn't wait for you old chap so l volun-
teered Just like her, isn't it,"
q couldn't quite say you'd do as we'll, could I?'
laughed Benham, with just trace of embarrassment
in his manner as they shook hands. But it is like
Carrie"
For the next hour conversation was rather monot-
onous but as they walking the veranda Carter
approached the subject which lay between them and
which, as he conscious his companion had delib-
eratey avoided
"And the country club" the Virginian began
I'm awfully sorry Carteret, old boy" said Ben
ham, with real distress his face 81 don't seem to
be able make it 60
whats the use of throwing the veil of convention
about the matter Benham we've been doing for
the last two months? What's gone wrong?"
IF I've been silent it only because | found
unexpected opposition. A man doesn't like to be told
such things"
"Bosh! can tell you the reason why am mott