Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-15
ELEANOR NJ. INGRAM

ed the climax OF suffering. when tho very
excess OF pain brings a relief of numb
ness. Fate. the inquisitor, occasionally
mas amusement In devising q fresh form
OF putting the question. Upon Allard was
forced the San Benito Of renewed recol-
lection.
Nearly five years before John AIlard. IN
all his gay insoucianoe of twenty-one
years: had spent an hour on the quay at
Palermo to enjoy the limpid Sicilian
night; Alone at flrst, he was presently
Joined by young officer with whom he
mad crossed from italy q few days before
ana formed a slight shipboard acouaint-
ance. Knowing nothing OF each Other.
there had nevertheless sprung into life
petween them that curious sympathy and
friendliness which can be born OF ex-
changed glances, meeting smiles; that
sudden inexplicable liking which can
wistfully after each other and vaguely re-
sent the trick of chance that has set thei,
Feet In opposite paths. It Is one of the
common phenomena OF existence. but It
y, wa new 70 Aiard. and perhaps new to
MS companion as well.
They sat side by side while evening
melted into night, starlight into late
moonrlse; and they chatted Of everything
tangible and intangible suggested by the
pace ana the time But they did not
touch the personal note until the cathe-
oral chimes were pealing midnight.
must go back, commented the Euro
pean. YEARLY. II have had my last day"
:, Your last day." Allard echoad, star
tied.
OF freedom, yes. / was promised a
months vacation; a month TO spend as [
chose. but I have good reason to know
the promise has been revoked. Oh, not
Tor any cause-just my uncle's within. He
is fond OF playing with me So"
DO you always do what he saysT
queried young America. incredulousy
Il have that habit; 1t is safer and more
virtu<us. Still, virtue pals when its re-
ward is invisible. When ! 60 back to the
mand!ng my return to the empire
Then 1 would not go back to the
hotI. was the blithe suggestion. Run
before you are told to stay. Come share
my bachelor hut and let Rome vociferate
for while
You are not In earnest" said the other,
turning to look a. him with an odd, eager
surprise.
Allard had not been, but he adopted his
own idea with the light-hearted i'm
pulsiveness Of his bel age
Why not? My peopie-my brother and
aunt and cousin-have gone for glimpse
OF Germany; and l have stayed here to
cram for my last year of college. I have
delicious miniature villa five miles out
of town, which I have taken until their
return. and which is a thousand times
too big for me alone Come stay out your
vacation with me. II your uncle prom
ised You month. he cannot complain if
you take 1t. 1t Is not your fault if you
do not receive his old telegram
No. I am not supposed to know ii Ia
coming"
We'll. then. why not come? Send
note to your servant at the hotel and tell
him you are visiting a friend. He will
have to telegraph your uncle that you
are not to be found
The European stood up and looked out
across the shining water.
Il am nearly twenty-seven years DID,"
he stated. and / have never I'm my life
had one week OF my own. If you are Sc
rious, / will do this"
"Of course ! am serious. We viii have
the time OF both our lives Come" the
spirit Of adventure in his veins, you can
write your note in that trattoria over
there and pay a boy to take 1t. We shall
then make straight dash for Villa Clio
cosa."
You do not know me. and cannot tell
you my name without spelling all. II I
tell You We cannot ignore II, try as we
may
Allard paused. then laughed out in sheer
delight at the situation.
(To be continued tomorrow.l