Evening star., 1911-05-28
Continued from page 8


looked like his Big Sister. thought of that
coffee at the breakfast table while she
chatted in droopy, bored fashion SO wholly
a part of her it didn't appear in the least as
pose. l knew she would never pour coffee
in that dear, homely way for any man.
While rather admired her and her beauti-
full poise, e,-opposites do attract,-1 could
imagine the effect she had on Mrs. Hazard.
She wore jewels, great many of them, and
very handsome ones, although on her they
did not look offensive or even ostentatious.
She had certain eccentricities in wearing
them too, which were rather fetching One
thing particularly, she affected bracelets and
wore them all on one arm. They were all
very Cutlery and handsome; but can't say
l particularly noticed the emerald bracelet
that played such an important part after
ward.
She melted forward while trailed look
ing back now and again to see that we hadn't
lost Hap. | didn't know what moment some
one would claim Natalie and l should be
adrift.
3Don't be afraid: you can't lose me, !" Hap
assured me as looked back once more.
1t wasn't exactly what he said; but the
tone was so odd on the @you" and the 3me'
that l didn't look back again. l knew,
though, that he was just trying to be kind
for of course Natalie was in his head, or his
heart, or wherever she was, and | was per-
fectly foolish thinking anything!
She introduced me here and there. |
wasn't brilliant; couldn't be, skipping
from place to place. l was examining names
them were familiar, and had only to pin
them to the Individual for future reference.
The older people put me at my ease, and the
younger ones upon my metal. Occasionally
very young chap would frankly push
toward us, oge me, shout bid for dance
in the same breath he mur1nured my name,
sigh aLovely weather." or 3Awful jam!" and
push on. l began to enjoy myself, when
found that Hap was sticking close to me,
and that didn't lose my head at imperti-
nent remarks that were intended only to be
witty.
FINALLY some one took Natalie away,
and it just happened that Hap and
were left alone. Our eyes followed her re-
treating figure.
aWe're deserted" l laughed; abut if
you'll find Mr.. Abbott for me you may fol-
low and get her back"
"Why do you think want to follow" he
asked, looking squarely into my eyes.
ooh, don't your l parried.
II asked you why" he laughed; "but
since you don't choose to answer me I'll
answer you'll do not
dts awfully good of you" murmured; !;
"but if you'll find Mr.. Abbott for me, or
Mr.. Crowninshield-'
"Do you want to get rid of me?" he de-
manded.
3Why, no." replied; 3but I've promised
your sister to look after Mr.. Abbott SO he
won't run away, and Mr.. Crowninshield is
to tell me who everyone is
u can tell you that, if you care to know"
he persisted.
3Why, don't care" replied; 3but your
mother wishes it. It's what I'm here for :"
1t was the first time any reference had been
made to my position. did it purposely. 1t
was good thing for him to remember
"But if you insist you'll have tiresome
time of it. Remember. l have given you
your chance to follow Miss Sargent"
ayes, I'll remember" He stared into my
eyes with an expression in his own that l
wasn't exactly able to take care of. tried
to keep my gaze steady; but faltered and
looked down.
lawfully good of you!" he laughed.
I wanted to whack him. | don't believe
he was ever serious about anything.
Chapter vi.
THE evening was kaleidoscope whirl,
l. I'D T 1;+f1a csII,y