Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-16

SUNDAY MAGAZINE
night heard people asking questions about
the two aeroplanes that few over Pau at
sunset. That kind of escapade can't be
hushed up"
Buckley gave grimace of distaste. mo,
he said, Il can't see myself doing it.
Virginia was disappointed. II should
have thought it just the kind of thing a
diplomat would know how to handle" she
rejoined. "But still-you haven't been
diplomat long"
1t was shot in the air; but it pierced a
vulnerable spot. Stronger even than his ad-
miration of Ann was the vanity that affairs
requiring superhuman tact were the natural
prey of his intellect. Hence it fell out that
he decided to take action, after all. Be 1t
set down to his credit, however, that he gave
no more thought to Virginia's proposal.
Come by the story of the aerodrome adj
venture as he might AIMS uncle should not
hear it from him. The course he marked out
for himself was holder. He meant to appeal
to Ann herself.
OPPORTUNITY trod close on the heels
~ of resolve. Half an hour after he
parted company with his tempter, he met
Ann issuing from shop in the Rue Henry
Quatre, and, encouraged by her mood,
which was adorably pensive, came swiftly to
his mission.
II can't account for it all" he said, as
they took their way across the Place Royale,
@but that little affair at the aerodrome has
already become public property
"Public property! Do you mean people
are gossiping?"
"I'm afraid that's the word for it. One
can't very we'll sail over the housetOps and
escape comment" he added, paraphrasing
Mrs. Truscott. Aviation is still novelty,
even in Pau, and when young lady of social
prominence flies with Prince and is fol-
lowed by distinguished aviator with whom
she has just had words-well, the story
doesn't lack interest"
He plumed himself that he had made
deft beginning. If only matters could be
kept on this suave level, all would be well.
But, in a trice, Ann the adorably pensive
became Ann the alar1ningly militant.
care you quoting gossip or making infer
ences?" she demanded, coming to an abrupt
halt.
Buckley's dimples betrayed signs of dis
tress. 81 am telling you what people know"
he said with dignity.
"You are sure?"
@If weren't sure, shouldn't have men
toned it."
Ann digested this for half dozen PAGES.
w ny IN C1e WOTlQ Q1Q you 1Ile1ltlOl IL! Sic
queried ungratefully. "What was the use of
annoying me?"
Il hope you don't think want to annoy
you," he protested. Il only want to put you
on your guard"
against what, pray?'
against giving people occasion to gossip
still more"
He had such an air of leaving things I'M
said that she waited for him to go on; but
the diplomat found his way thornier than he
had dreamed and walked gingerly.
al don't expect to fly again in Pau, if that's
what you mean?" she aided him.
at isn't all mean; but it would help"
Ann lost patience. "Don't beat about the
bush," she enjoined. "If you have some
thing important to say, say it
Thus prodded, Buckley forget the discreet
phrases he was revolving and blurted out
query he had not meant to put at all.
ado you care for Prince Rodoslav, or don't
you?" he asked.
Ann surveyed him in calm wonder. "Do
you expect me to give serious answer to
such a question:"
a wish you would. 1t is certainly serious,
and it would help me immensely"
"Help you!"
al mean in what l wish to say"