The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-15


 going back in the brougham with Blanche"
 An hour later they stood the piazza watching the lines of vehicles dischargng their occupants, who rust1ed up the steps to become part of the evening spectacle.
 Dusk had fallen and the red-shrouded candles were glowing invitngly upon napery and silver. Purple, cobalt and deep brown, the far hills wrapping themselves in the nsts of night. Lights began to twinkle and shinlmer the river.
 Here she comes, Oliver," cried young Williams, hurrying toward a brougham whose big sorrel snced and fretted at the steps. Blanche, here is Mir. De Bracy at last"
 "Why, Olverp said sweet, high voice. "It has been years and years.'
 My dear Blanche, the years for you but as a day. and De Bracy assisted Mrs Redngton Black burn to aght.
 "I told Joe wanted to meet you Joe, dear, run like good child and see if Marie has come. I told her to bring heavier wraps Inquire at the office"
 Joseph disappeared, and under De Bracys guidance Mrs Blackburn traled her 1anguid faces to the tae whose orchid exuberance proclaimed Josephs devo- tion With supple sweep of line she sank into a chair and began stripping her long gloves watching the opposite through the fringe of her lashes. Oliver" said the woman, "we have three minutes while that boy searches for mythical maid We know each other. have followed your career: any one who has read the headlines knows mine. You are not in this for nothing. Tell me- what do you want? What is your price? Is it peace Or war? If 1t is peace, O1ver-she leaned forward the old per- fume of iris enfoding him, her lips just futtering with the words her eyes violet wells of meaning under her furnished hair-"tfat is golden city. Help and will lend you the key"
 ''afy dear Blanche, said the easily, ten years ago you led me into hell, and left me- locking the gate. You not to be trusted with keys, Blanche" " She leaned back her lips painted smile. Your residence in hell has taught you to make your living, Oliver," she said.
 "Ther pardon me if I make it." he answered, sni1- ling All is fair in two things We failed at the love, let try war, my dear Blanche. She laughed with an accent like thin glass snapping. "Tm glad to you two getting on so we'll what's the joker" said Joseph, behind them.
 MT. De Bracy wishes the orchestra to play Annie Laurie I have many amusing recollec- tions connected with that song," she laughed Ask them to play it. like dear boy" said Mrs. Reding- ton Blackburn.
 Well" said Joseph a couple of hours later, i've must be trottng. I'm so glad brought you people together again. knew you'd like each other I've never spent jolier evening in my life--we must have lot of them. Blanche, it's a pity your maid didn't bring you heavier wraps Come, Oliver, and Yes, Oliver" said Mrs Blackburn, rising. "I intend to see lot of you from on"
 My dear Blanche, I shall. be always at your heels,'' laughed De Bracy.
 III
 on the long marble massage-slab let into the tiled wall.
 De Bracy, swathed in toweng like monk, stood on the first step of his sunken bath The last few days he had tasted defeat its dregs. The battle had been decidedly to the lady. Never in life of fighting and manoeuvering had he been SO out nanoeuvered and out-fought. The announcement of the engagement was now in1minent
 T am beaten" thought De Bracy, "and by a hank of hair"
 "Mr De Bracy, sir,' said Waters again
 "Yes," said that gentleman
 Il took them flowers to the lady at the St Agatha yesterday. She wasn't in. Her maid said she and Mr. Williams motoring. The maid was quitting and helped her carry her boxes to the ear; Ana Ana Mr. De Bracy, sir,-the vaiets biue' Doyisn eyes were sparks of exitement.
 At first De Bracy hardly paid attention to the vaets story, but 1t progressed he became atten- tive, questioning the man sharply m places, making him repeat in others
 Waters" said De Bracy finally, "you will make valet, but you have your uses Calm your excitement and remember your massage lessons!
 Fresh from the attempts Of Waters irnmacuiately groomed, orchid in buttonhoe, interpretive eye behind his monocle, De Bracy strolied down to his club.
 It was within week of Christmas. Here and there holly wreath hung its green suggestion against the lace window-curtains. Even the servants at the club seemed to have silent obsequlous hlnt of favors come.
 A breakfast of unusual length was followed by a breeding hour in the darkest corner of the reading It not until almost noon that he signalied the doorman for cab and drove to a bird and animal store Eighth Avenue. Here De Bracy descended and gone time, returning with amused carrying large cage, which was bestowed in the bottom of the hanson1.
 'Yes sir said the man, it be done easy. I'll be up tonight You'll see how quick they get wise NorolkArundale, eight o'clock. I'll be there on the dot.'
 The cab drove away. "We, of all the Christmas gifts" grinned the man on the curb Them swells in nutty."
 The next morning while De Bracy was still in bed the elder Williams announced. The mesalliance breaker pushed away his breakfast tray with groan.
 Let him i'll, Waters" he said "In five minutes call to the telephone. Put the cigarettes ths bed-table. Now show him in.'
 De Bracy leaned back against his pillows, blond mperturbabe, cigarette ir teeth, the morning papers with their headlines announcing young Williams engagement spread before him. The door opened.
 Good morning, MT. Williams" said De Bracy.
 The old man entered and walked directly to the bedside
 I congratulate you, Mir. De Bracy, he said
 Me?" with raised eyebrow.
 Yes, you. The old face was the color of yellow