Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-20

suppose you, 0 wise young judge
ut is out Of the question: Stafford an
swered at once. Il consider l have done
enough damage already
Traverse" suggested Webb. when
think of the folies you have tempted me
to commit, l feel that you should be
unanimously elected"
with mock gravity.
'Since there are no other candidates. l
accept the onerous task he said. but
/ cannot go about it single handed. The
I, serpents tongue may be mine, but l
| lack. l fear. the grace and personal
charm necessary for complete conquest.
| need the help Of Circe herself" His
bright, birdlike eye passed over the laugh
| ing group. resting on Lois an instant with
an expression of woebegone regret. Bea-
| trice Cary was the next in line. and his
search went no farther than her flushed.
eager face All" he exclaimed. Il have
found the enchantress herself. Miss
-" He hesitated, for an instant unac-
self-possession. Webb sprang to the res
cue with a formal introduction. and
Travers proceeded. IL not entirely with his
old equanimity. Il beg your pardon. Miss
Cary he apologzed. Your face Is,
strangely enough so familiar to me that
| took you for an old Acquaintance
! perhaps. indeed. you are, II in our mod
ern days Circe finds it necessary to travel
| incognito."
Beatrice joined in the general amuse-
ment. her unusually large and beautiful
| eyes bright with citation.
May l claim your assistance?' Travers
went on. Instinct tells me that we shall
! be irresistible
"Willingly." Beatrice responded. though
cannot imagine how I can help you.
Leave that to me-" he said. offering
her his arm. MY plans are Napoleonio
in their depth and magnitude. II you will
allow me to unfold them to you before
the dancing begins"
She smiled her assent and walked at MS
side toward the colonefs bungalow. On
their way they passed Mrs. Cary, who.
strangely enough. did not respond to the
half-triumphant glance which her daugh-
ter cast at her. She turned hastily aside.
"Mr. Travers is no doubt she be-
gan. In q confidential undertone: but her
companion. Mrs Carmichael, had taken
the opportunity and vanished.
The lfght-hearted, superficial discussion,
with its scarcely felt undercurrent OF
tragic "Reminiscences. had lasted through
the swift sunset. and already dusk was
beginning to throw its long shadows over
the gayly dressed figures that streamed
up toward the bungalow.
On the outskirts of the garden lights
were springing up in quick succession.
thanks to the industry of Mrs. Carmi-
chael, who hurried from one Chinese lam
tern to the other. breathless but deter
fn1n0Q. lie TASK was uOuDlIeSS All 1S-
nominious one for an Anglo-Indan lady
Of position. but Mrs Carmichael, who
acted as a sort of oounterbalance to her
husbands extravagant hospitality. cared
not at all. England. half pay and all its
attendant horrors. doomed in the near fu-
ture. and economy had to be practiced
somehow.
OF the late group only Lois and John
Stafford remained. They had not spoken,
but. as though obeying mutual under
standing. both remained quietly waiting
till they were alone.
Shall we walk about a little?" he
asked at last. IT missed our morning
ride so much. 1t has put my whole day
out of Joint. and 1 want something to
put 1t straight again. Do you mind. or
| would you rather dance? see they have
begun
NO" she said. 1T would rather be
| quiet for a few minutes. Somehow have
| lost the taste for that sort Of thing to-
night"
II also" he responded.
They walked silently side by side along
| the well kept path, each immersed in his
| own thoughts and soothed by the knowl-