Evening star., 1911-08-27

IA

mean by avoiding her? And why was he leaving New
York? There was tiny pucker at her orows Whle she
gave the finishing touches to her toilet but when she
down to dinner her cheeks glowed with ripe color
and her eyes were shot with tiny sparkling fires
AUCTION bridge followed dinner. In the cutting
Cort and the Baroness out of it. and when
Cort and the Baroness in Camilla and Perot cut out
Fate conspred and not until late IN the evening
that Cortland and Camilla found themselves alone
the deserted library the far end of the wing Camilla
sank back into the silk cushions of the big davenport
YEARLY.
Il played well tonight she said. Il believe even
Billy is pleased with | did have luck, though
shameful luck. She stretched her arms above her
head, signing luxuriousy. "Oh, life is sweet-after
ALL"
Cortland watched her. as it," he asked quietly
"Dont you think SO, Cort?'
@Theres not much sweetness left for me IN anything
I've got to go away from you Camilla.
$50 you said,' and then airily, "Goodby!'
what it means to me"
"Then why do it?'
4I-Ive thought it all out. It's the best thing can
do-for you-for myself.
Il ought to be the judge of that
His dark eyes sought her face for meaning 9,
"It's curious you didn't consult me-, she went on. Il
hope know what's best for myself
"You mean that you don't care-my presence is un-
important My absence will be less important
Il do care" she insisted. @What's the of my tell
ing you? I'll be very unhappy without you
He shook his head and smiled. "Oh, know-you'
miss you would your afternoon tea if it denied
you; but you'll do without it,
am quite fond of afternoon tea, Cort and then
seriously "Are you really resolved!
"Yes he muttered resolved desperately resolved!
She threw herself away from him against the oppo-
site end of the COUCH facing him. and folded her arms
her lips closed in hard line "Very well, then, she
said cruelty "go!'
ward his head in his hands, and went in voice with
expression. ave felt for sometime that I've been
doing you a wrong People talking about us-coup-
ling with mir
what lies they're telling! Of you don't hear and
don't; but know they're talking
"How do you know?'
@Oh'
1--WE quarreied; but the poison left its sting
Camilla laughed nervousy y,-the laughter OF woman
of the world, hard, cynical little noisyand 1t grated
on him strangely @Don't you suppose know she
said. 4I'm not baby. And now thatyouve ruined
my reputation you're going to leave That's unkind
of you. Ah don't worry she laughed again. 3I1l get
along. There are other friends, suppose
He Strengthened and turned toward her sternly You
mustn't talk like that he said you're lying! know
your heart. It's clean snow"
Because you haven't soiled it?' She clasped her
hands over her knees and leaned toward him with
wicked coquetry aReally, Cort you're a sweet boy
but you lack imagination You know you re not the
only friend in the world. woman in my position has
much to gan-litte to lose. I'm dereict, ship with
out Captain
He interrupted her by taking her in his and put
ting his fingers her lips. "Stop!' he whispered
"Ill not listen to you'll
Il mean it. I've learned something in your world. /
thought life was sacrament. find it's only game.
She struggled from him and went to the fireplace;
but he went and stood beside her.
you're lying, Camilla he repeated, "ying to me!
Oh know-l've been a fool a vicious, selfish fool!
I've let them talk because couldn't bear be without
you because thought that day you'd learn what
a love like mine meant And l wanted you-wanted
you-'
Don't you want me still, Cort?" she asked archly.
HE put his elbows the mantel and gazed into the
- flames; but wouldn't reply, and the smile faded
from her lips before the dignity of his silence. @Ive