The Washington herald., 1912-10-20

may think you are. but you're not"
Dicky looked distinctly panied.
Alice is not" Collingwood pursued
his theme. Il beg your pardon, Alice,
woman is not moral. Environment and
man restrain her. And as for society,
why, that is absolutely unmoralw
Il say! | say" chanted Dicly be-
wildered. Listen to our future home
secretary.
Collingwood's finely cut mouth twist
ed itself into scornful smile.
Not much" he retorted. Il leave
that field to Admaston and the other
crew of cackling humbugs"
| We'll, you're nice lotw exclaimed
a reproaehful voice behind them and
they turned to see Peggy in the door
way. She looked paler than usual and
in her voice was a tired note that was
not often there
why didn't you tell me breakfast
was ready?' And she advanced on the
tray. I've been dying for a cup of
good coffee! Anything good in the
food line? Something smells good
What is it? Mushrooms Just the
very thing! | adore mushrooms! Re-
minds one of early rising and misty
mornings. How are you. Dicky! Alice,
pour me some coffee-there's a dear
Hello, Colling, any newsT
No." replied that gentleman from
behind a newspaper. Lady Attwill re-
turned to the sofa and slipped coffee
in silence. Ellerdine was apparently
deeply absorbed in the chase of some
bees by couples of elves around a
rosevine in the ceiling directly in front
of his chair. For two or three minutes
Peggy ate in funeral hush, looking
with an uncertain smile from one to
another of her three companions.
We'll, you are jolly lot" she OBJ
served at last Whats the matter with
you all? These mushrooms are nice
Dicky, pass the toast" Ellerdine heav-
ed his long form out of the chair and
did as he was bid, carrying the toast
rack half way back to his chair be-
fore he noticed it.
There was another long silence.
What" exclaimed Peggy suddenly
and loudly. All three jumped violent
ly. Il thought you said something,
No" said Lady Attwell when she
had recovered from the shock. Again
silence fell with an almost audible thud.
'Phew! This room is stuffy!' ex-
claimed Peggy at last. She, went to
one of the big windows on the bal
cony and threw it open. There! That's
better. Oh. what a lovely morning
How beautiful it is! Dear old Paris
How do love you. Alice" she begged.
returning to the table, pour me out
another cup Of coffee. Well, Dicky,
put my foot into ii nicely last night,
didn't II"
The elves did not seem to be gain
ing much on the bees and Dicky took
his mind off the race long enough to
reply with unnecessary heartiness:
Yes. you jolly we'll did!'
81 knew what you wanted to talk
about went on Peggy.
Peggy, don't talk like that! begged
Collingwood, throwing down his news
paper guard. I've explained it all to
Dicky"
The girl eyed him with curious ex-
preston. Were you quite the one to
explain?' she inquired. Her voice was
sweet and gentle-and cold as ice.
We'll. it was my fault l rushed
you to the train"
Yes" said Dicky gloomily. And
he added in hollow tones like the fore
boding croak of the raven: I'VE all
got on the wrong train
"All?' echoed Peggy, with state of
surprise.
Yes. No." he hastily corrected.
but that's what we're going to say"
TO whom" Peggy wanted to know.
"Well-well." His lordship 6dgeted
uneasily Toto any one who wants
to know"
And who is likely to want to know
persisted Peggy.
Lady Attwili fastened to the rescue
OF her floundering cavalier "Oh, no
one, Peggy. But its best to be prepar-
ed. you know"
But I don't know" Peggy protested.
"How should know? Be prepared for
what"
She rose and pushed her chair into
the table. looking earnestly from one
to the other.
Nothing. dear, absolutely nothing"
Lady lAttwill assured soothingly. Only
some chatty fool might ask" She
paused.
Ask what?'
Lady Attwill shrugged her shoulders
slightly. "Well-awkward questions
About getting. on the wrong train?
1eS-dnQ-- Slc HCStltdtcQ dSdlIl |
What else?" demanded Peggy. From
the armchair came Lord Ellerdine's
sepulchral monotone:
I'VE all stayed the night at this ho-
tel"
"Oh. did we?'
"Yes no." said his lordship But
it's best to be prepared"
There was a moments silence
see! understands said Peggy slow
ly. "How stupid of me! didn't see it |
before. You have all made it up to
put me right. You and Alice didn't go |
to Switzerland-you came on to Paris. |
You and Alice didn't get to Chalons
and come on here by the slow train-I
YOU stayed here all night. see! Now,
that is so kind and thoughtful of you
all" The soft irony Of her voice was
like dripping honey. But for whom is
this delightful story?"
Peggy turned to his recumbent lord
ship "Oh, so Dicky wanted it. eh?"
she said gently. well, Dicky. hope
your moral sensibilities are quite satis-
fed. We all got on the wrong train,"
she repeated, and Dicky rewarded her
with a nod of approval, "And we all |
STAYED the night at this hotel?'
YES" nodded his lordship easily
Just a short simple tale-ready for
any emergency
"And what emergency do you ex-
pect?" inquired Peggy.
"Oh, none" exclaimed Dicky hos