Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-08-04
MARK


night, Sir
Al like them a lot" Mark commented on
the retreating figures. "They're so simple
and straightforward and obliging and they
say Just what they mean without beating
around the bush Now I'll go and look for
Priscilla"
"She has probably gone home said JAG
queinc Campbell.
"Oh" said Mark blankly, and the radi-
ancc died in his face. "Do you think so?'
He stood quite still, like a bewildered child
whose proffcred gifts had been laughed to
sCorn, and Priscilla S heart smote her.
MO foolish pride of hers should stamp that
y look on Marks face! The grieved, be
traycd child was standing silent with his re-
cctcd gifts still in his hands, and her whole
soul flew to the rescue. She scrambled reck-
lcssly to her feet and took long breath.
Then "I'm here" she announced family.
There was moments petrified silence,
and then Marks triumphant voice rang out:
dts Priscilla. | knew she was here"
"Wait "A minute said Priscilla. "I'm
coming out
The green leaves parted with a horrid rat
tie. there was the sound of something rend-
ing and out she came, praying fervently that
she did not look so SUR emely miserable as
she felt. The CHASTITY s-lence was broken by
Mark delighted laughter.
Il say, what d ripping place! How on
earth did you find it, Priscilla?'
81 just saw it, said Priscilla.
"How interesting!" murmured Charters,
and behind the mask of his irony Priscilla
fancied that she saw penetrating arnaZernent
"Tacqueline, do YOU know Miss Hampdeno
Miss Campbell, Miss Hampden. Is it i'm
pertinent to ask what you were doing in the
ripping place.
a was hiding, said Miss Hampden, and
felt the ruddv flames of outraged e1nbarrass-
mcnt cngulf her from head to foot. How
loathcsomc the truth could sound. But how
could shc-how could she say to this Caesar
with the knocking smile, this Jacqueline
with the cruel mouth, that she had been hid
ing in a cave near the North Pole because
Mark had gone to dig up the provisions that
some intrepid explorers had buried for future
use and she was afraid that these same in
trcpid and outraged explorers might find
her? 1t might be the truth, but right there
she drew the line. Caesar could think what
he pleased, but he should never know how
silly she had been.
"Hiding?7 repeated Jacqueline amiably,
and at the sheer nsolence of her mouth Pris-
ella went white. "Dear me, how quaint"
ave were playing game, explained Mark
eagerly. ave were trying to get away from
"AIark, Priscilla cut in ruthlessly, Il am
a little tired. Will you take me back to
Mothcr?"
"Are you going?' exclaimed Mark incredu-
lousy.
I'm not very hungry said Priscilla.
But if you come to tea tomorrow at four,
III play. Goodnight, Lord Charters.
Goodnight repeated Charters slowly.
81 don't want him for tea. Priscilla told
herself passionately. 81 won't have HIM"
Aloud she said, you, too, if you would care
to-
"Thank YOU said Charters, al should
"Of course should be glad to see you too,
Miss Campbell" said Priscilla desperately.
"And | should be glad to come replied
.Iacquclinc Campbell. "You are generous,
Miss Hampden. Goodnight"
AT five, then Priscilla said firmly and
distinctly.
Lord Charters raised his eyebrows. "Five?
am afraid that | can't come after four.
Will that be too early?'
NO" replied Priscilla mendaciously, and
dcspised herself for a coward. at will be
very nice. After all, Mark, | think that |
had rather go alone. Please don't come"
She could feel his hurt eyes on her as she
went toward the door, and she turned toward