Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-27

cess of sweetness which was meant to dis
arm, but overshot the mark. Abby colored.
YES, | missed it. | suppose Brooke
told you of our ride?'
No, curously enough, he didn't |
don't suppose he thought it necessary. 1t
was very good of you to take pity on his
loneliness.
Abby looked up at her quickly. However
lightly the words had been uttered. intuition
sharpened by self consciousness in the visi-
tor discovered the sting her hostess would
have kept concealed. But Abby answered
gently.
:" He was looking very badly. | made him
come up to Habberton. The Schuylers
wanted him; but he chose to come here"
Yes, | know" said Natalie. And then
with slightly bored movement, 1T was
very nice of you, Abby It's been so hot in
town. | don't mind in the least
Don't you? | was beginning to fancy
you did"
Il? Why do you think so?"
Il hadn't expected to be greeted SO cor
daily. You have no right to appear so glad
to see me. | don't think that you can de-
ceive me nearly so easily as you can other
people. l remember feeling of disappoint
ment too when you asked me on the Alicia
Disappointment
YES That YOU could think | wouldn't
guess you didn't want me-"
why shouldn't have wanted your"
For the same reason YOU don't want me
here now
Natalie uttered a word of protest. but
Mrs. Kempton would not listen.
"Oh, know. she went on. F" don't mis-
understand. Friendship is instructive, but
calm. Enmity only is .demonstrative. You
are trying too hard.
Natalie faced her visitor squarely, her
tones cool and abrupt "Well?"
''Thanks," smiled ABBY " Now I'm sure
l know how stand. 1t was really necessary
for me to know on Brookes account as well
as my own"
"Brookes?"
Eyes, Dear" sweetly. Because if you're
angry at me know you re fond of Brooke"
The shot told. With frown Natalie
tossed her head and looked past Mrs. Kemp
ton out of the window. THAT doesn't fol-
low" she said. There are other things
that might make friendship between us haz-
ardouS." =
Perhaps" said the visitor with show
of gaiety; but can't think of them. We
got along famousy until you were married.
We'd get along still if you took a sensible
view of things. Unless woman wants her
husband for herself, it's sheer sctishness to
try to deprive other people of him
81 don't want him. said Natalie in a
stifed tone. "Mr. Garriott and are no
nearer to-day than when we were married.
she spoke without knowing what she said,
- except that it should be something to
combat an idea that now seemed so odious
to her. marveling all the time at the superb
audacity of her visitor. who, she could
plainly see, hoped by throwing Natalie on
the defensive to improve her own position
She was still further surprised when Abby
shook her head in negation.
"You can't deceive me, Natalie dear. |
think I've known it all along. You didn't
want to love your husband; but you do now
whether you want to or not. You may
think what you like of my visit; but | came
on message of peace-to try to bring you
together if could. He's mad about you
he has always been"
Has he told you so?' asked Natalie
scornfully.
lone doesn't have to be told what is so
plainly written that anyone may read
everyone but the one it is written for
You want to bring us together? You!
l don't think | understand. Really. Abby.
you've moderated my intelligence. Or per-
haps you're so sure of him yourself that
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