The Washington herald., 1912-01-14


'T don't know. sir. r."
ssMr. Wilbur Emerson?" He spoke tn,
words as II they had an evil taste.
'T don't know, SIR repeated the i'm
perturbable Thomas. and he turned Il
the card table to give IT a few def
touches.
| old Mr.. Emerson, who has Just learned
accidentally from Tooker Of the arrival
Of a new guest, hastened into the room
with outstretched hand, his fine old face
lbearninr welcome and good viii
my dear Jamesl" he exclaimed. I'm
so giadP' Darwin gingeriy pressed the
old mans fingers and turned away.
Wont you Join US IN a littIe-ah-
festive dancer went on Mr.. Emerson,
cordially. ITS Isabegs birthday
and
Thanks: I don't daneel" interrupted
Darwin brusquely.
Neither do IT, replied the old man.
with easy, old-fashioned courtesy. ignor-
ing the others mapner. But l manage
/ to grope my way through a square dance
or two during the evening. Catherine Is
/ here and"
st have come 10 take her away Dar-
win broke in again, his voice and man
ner ruder than ever. The old man
looked his amazement.
Take her away he echoed. Darwin
met the old mans stare with hard,
steady eyes.
'I think. Mr.. Emerson" he said dsiib-
erately. that an expianation-in fact,
| conversation Of any sort between Us Is
extremely dificult-not to say impossi-
ble-under the circumstancesF
Mr.. Emerson was q kindly old man,
but he was not accustomed to snubs. He
drew himself up and a certain light filck-
cred in his eyes as he demanded stifiy:
Under what circumstances" Darwin
turned away with a shrug OF the shoul-
ders. What are the circumstances, Mr..
Darwin, that makes conversation between
us impossible?'
II prefer not to discuss the, matter"
replied the other shortly. 81 have come
10 take Mrs. Darwin home Win you
have the kindness TO see that she knows
am here for that purpcse?"
'I regret exceedingly. Mr.. Darwin, that
you" The stiff figure relaxed and the
thin lips quivered slightly. Then In a low.
panied voice he went on:
I'm at a loss what tol say. We have
known Catherine ever since she and Isa-
bel were schoolgirls together. Come,
James, We used to be very good friends!
Let me take a friends privilege and-beg
an explanation. Isn't 1t something that
can be put right with a few words?''
II prefer not to discuss the matter"
iNpNdASo DdA Aht SAINT GnAA lOncc-
But the old man was determined to avoid
a rupture II the thing were possible.
I'm an older man than you, James
for GATHERINGS sake" he pleaded gently.
For all our sakes. don't allow a simple
misunderstanding to cut her OF from
her friends. Isabel and she are like sis
ters! And"
"Yes-and your son, Wilbur, IS like a
brother!' Darwin cut in with unmistak-
able meaning. IT'S all pretty and pla-
tonic-I've no doubtr'
A great light dawned on the old mans
mind and he repressed a smile of relief
He knew how silly the jealousy was.
"Ah, I seeH' he exclaimed, In a grave.
gentle tone. Some gossip. some silly
rumor, Surely, you won't condemn him
unheard7 Wilbur Is the soul OF honor!
I'll stake my life on his integrity as a
man. And Catherine-surely, you
can't
Kindly leave Mrs. Darwin's name out
Of ftr' the other interrupted. HShe has |
to do with my determination TO |
put an end to further communication |
with your family. It's something OF a |
totally different character"
The nature OF which you evidently do |
not seem anxious TO aequa. Mt me with" |
He paused. and Darwin made no sign /
Just as you please" continued the /
old man. with sad little sigh. 'I beg |
your pardon" He bowed with grave /
dignity and walked quietly out OF the /
room.
Darwin stood with his eyes on the door
as he caught the rustic of skirts in the
hall There was low murmur, an ex-
and then Catherine appeared. l
She surveyed him coolly from the door
way before she entered with exasperat-
ngly slow and deliberate steps. There