Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-06-12

girls crumpled skirt Wayne threw up
blind to observe the weather and called
them to see the snow, which lay white
under the electric light of the streets and
had transformed the hedge into stern
barricade of white masonry. The jingle
of sleigh bells stole in upon them as they
turned to the fire.
The storm served distinct purpose in
eliminating from the possibilities the
chance of interruption. People had been
in the habit of dropping in in the evening
it was an attention that Col. Craighill
liked: but as her departure had been duly
gaZetted by the society reporters it was
hardly possible, Mrs. Craighill reflected,
that any one would brave the storm mere
ly to leave a card at the door.
BY half-past eight Mrs. Craighill had
begun to be bored. and it was upon this
trying situation that the maid entered
with Wingfields and Walsh's cards.
These gentlemen had found sleigh for
the journey. and the tinkle of bells in the
| carriage entrance cheerfully preluded
their arrival. Their appearance had been
accomplished with SO much expedition
that before Mrs. Craighill could hand the
cards over to Wayne the two gentlemen
We're within the library portieres, rubbing
their hands at the sight of the blaze and
exhaling an air SO casual and amiable as
to disarm suspicion.
1T was Walsh did It," began Wingfield
! He took me for sleigh ride, and when
complained of being cold he said we'd
go into the Craighills on the chance of
finding somebody at home. It's always
Mr.. Walsh; you never can say no to him.
I've undoubtedly contracted pneumonia
and they'll be pumping oxygen into me
before daylight"
and Wayne's establishment at seeing the
men hardly exceeded his surprise when
Walsh, turning from Mrs. CraighilI, spoke
Miss Morley's name distinctly and shook
hands with her.
II have met Miss Morley before" he
said, and sat down by her.
You see," Mrs. Craighil was saying
the papers tried to send me to Boston,
but here am. and glad not to be up
there in the BLIZZARD
Nothing could be cozier than this.
That is hickory; there's particular
charm in hickory. but my mother will
have none of it; she sticks to pine knots"
Nothing had escaped Wingfields keen
eyes; but the sigh with which he settled
himself was half an expression of relief.
The presence of the third figure in the
scene satisfied him of the baseness Of
Walsh's assumption. and added. more
over. an agreeable novelty to the call.
Mrs Craighill was clever woman; his
interest in her increased: he paid her the
tribute of his sincere admiration. AS to
the girls identity. he could wait. AS he
discussed current social history with Mrs.
Craighill he appraised Jean with a con-
nOlSSeuT 5 eye. wayne nad been TINKER
ing the fire. and when he rose he sat
down between Mrs. Craighll and Wing
field.
Walsh, his face redeemed by the wind,
was giving his attention to Miss Morley,
and the others caught only occasionally
word of their conversation.
$50 your grandfathers still in town? I
supposed he would be going home before
this"
Hes waiting to finish up the Sand
Creek matter. He wants to know what is
going to be done about that before he
goes back It's worried him a great deal.
and he feels that he must press 1t now
while he can. He's an old man and not
well. I've tried to get him to abandon
it altogether, but it's on my account he's
doing it. He wants to get the money for
my sake. but I'm afraid he will only be
disappointed"
Have you ever seen Col. Craighill
yourself? Do you know what he says to
your grandfather"
"Only that he puts him off-he never
really tells him anything
"Umn'
Walsh rubbed his bald pate rehectively.
The trio nearer the fire were well
launched in frivolous talk. Wayne seemed
entered into the spirit of Wingf1eid's
banter with zest, and Wingfeld was en-
joying himself immensely.
II didn't know you were acquainted
with the family in this way. Does Wayne
know?' continued Walsh
Its just an accident my being here
1t was Mrs. Craighilps kindness-I had
never seen her before. and Mr. WAYNE
Craighill / knew, slightly. I met him at