Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-09

defense, she must 60 without an advocate.
Ann was far from fawless. Younger than
she thought herself and indubitably less
wise, well aware of her beauty, more than
triae spoiled by wealth, she had, to crown
her imperfections, -there is no Disgusting it,
the makings of destructive flirt,
Page basked in favor more than kind, and
Justin, well satisfied, cOntrived after lunch
con to give them an interval alone. He
might with equal shrewdness have left cat
with canary. But, whether or not the
made plain to Ann that he was not in the
expansive humor of Cadenabbia. She was
eager to recall that mood. It had stirred
her to hear this self contained man confess
that she had determined his career. She
wanted to be told it again, to receive assur-
ance that she still had her place in his
thoughts, that her influence was abiding.
Il have thought great deal about what
you said to me in Italy, she confded as
they waited on the terrace for her aunt and
the artfully delinquent Justin.
Page did not brighten as she thought he
ought at such news. u should not have
supposed you could find the time," he re-
sponded.
@Why not?"
Il read the Paris papers,"
would such man occupy himself with the
vapid columns that chronicled her activi-
ties. Il shouldn't have supposed you could
find the time. It seems we were both mis-
taken. I've had other things to think about,
it's true; but | couldn't forget story that
moved me so much as yours"
Her downcast lashes bore witness that he
moved her still; but he remained obtuse.
any own part in it was so strange, so un-
expected she tried again. 1You must have
seen how deeply l was touched by it"
II fear let my tongue run away with me.
Ann abandoned the demure for the direct
attack. as that why you keep such tight
rein on it now?" she laughed. u begin to
that night"
II am" he owned Unexpectedly.
"You are!" His blunt admission discon-
certed her. II hardly know what to make
of that"
Il kept my troubles to myself when the
pinch was hardest" he said. Il ought to
have the sense not to get garrulous now that
I'm out of the woods"
Ann could not let the matter rest there.
The coquette in her egged her on. u don't
believe that's ALL" she persisted.
~All?"
@Your whole reason, mean. can't help
lctIIlS IIldL yOu Ic d DlC SOIIy yOu Cd1hCo "
me in particular"
She expected gallant denial; but he dis
appointed her. am sorry talked to any
body" he answered.
She was too vexed with him to press it
further, and he volunteered no more.
THE upshot was a domestic, but not
1overlike picture when Justin finally de-
scended. Page was evolving smoke rings
in silence; Ann, in spirit afar off, was inn
mersed in the columns of de Figaro" Both
hailed him as if he bore the keys of release
from unspeakable boredom.
The matchmaker pulled himself together.
@Come along" he called with difficult jol-
lily. well motor out and watch the fledg-
lings try to fly. It's gusty now; but the
wind may drop at sunset"
Ann sprang at the summons as if she had
never motored before. I'LL sit in front, if
you don't mind" she announced.
al do mind" said Justin without cere-
mony. II intend to sit in front myself and
hand some plain truths to the chauffeur.
He's been neglecting his job. You sand
witch yourself between your aunt and Oliver.
Still spiritually afar off, Ann complied.
1t is difficult, however, to freeze person
with whom you are tucked three in seat.
In spite of her the temperature rose. She
ooy va rnOnOSy11ahic reDlieS To the Person s