Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-31


rose. 1--WE must not forget it was business
arrangement" she answered. I'VE went
into business together, and the firm has
failed. 1t is hard; but we must get to
work"
"Yes,' said Harley grimly, well get to
work! That uneasy conscience of mine Will
get chance to lick me into shape now. But
it won't be French for you'll
at must be French for me- Anne said
gently. at is all can do. They will take
me back know; for they are not going to
keep the girl | sent them. 1t won't be the
same. Think of all l shall take back with
me! | have lived now! l shall take back
memories and new life. 1t will not be the old
drudgery'
1T would be easier perhaps than drinking
coffee from thick cups?" he asked lntently.
With a little laugh she shook her head.
"But without all this!' he went on with
the hall. "You'd rather do it than pour the
coffee into thick cup-just for me?"
: Anne gave him a fleeing look. She
scarcely knew him, with the Eghtness gone
from his manner Il shall miss you more
than the cups she said softly, and turned
away.
Harley followed her. He took her hand
and held it. all make it as easy as | can
for you, he pleaded, his indolent eyes intent
with edrneStneSS. we can Have Il SdlueIl
and our books and even mahogany table.
a year 1t will give us the necessities, and
promise you, Anne, l promise you, my pen
shall give us some luxuries.'
She stood still moment and let him hold
her hand Then, with quick sigh, she drew
away. no. she said. ut is sweet and
generous of you; but it was only business
arrangement I've lost, and | am not going
to cry over it." She tried to laugh instead.
"Your income will keep you as it used to.
You could not do without luxuries: you told
me so. How would you manage with your
own c,1ffbuttons?'
He seized both hands and drew her close
enough to face him. "And you really think,
he said with grim quiet, that prefer my
valet tony wife,
She looked up quickly with startled eyes
into his. She saw there something that held
her gaze until Harley drew her closer. As
she dropped her head, it fell upon her hus-
bands shoulder, and his arm was round her
Neither was thinking OF the lost fortune.
There was crunching on the gravel walk
Anne raised her head and drew away, with
tear shining on her lashes, though her eyes
laughed beneath.
you have promised to work for mel she
whispered.
"And I'll do it, he said vehemently below
his breath. I'LL throw away the foil I've
always been fencing with, and hew about
me with the sword of Goliath of Gath. Ill
cut my way through every editor and pub
Usher that exists! give you my world
The step sounded on the porch now.
Anne disengaged her hand.
"It's the chorus again. Harley n1ur1nured,
and Tobias Truftt appeared in the doorway.
GOOD morning. he said solenlnly.
~ "Good morning. said Anne, advancing.
IL suppose you have come to talk business?
May l offer you some coffee frst:'
NO, thank you. l breakfasted early.
You received my telegram?'
"Yes," said Harley. I'm afraid that play
of yours wasn't run on strictly legitimate
lines. 1t seems that it didn't turn out as
you arranged"
No. said Tobias legally, at didn't"
Then the human CLEAN slid into his eye. II
don't know much about literature outside of
lawbooks; but isn't there such thing as an
anticlimax, and isn't anything that has an
anticlimax badly written"
"Yes," assented Anne.
"Then this is a pretty poorly put together
play" said the junior partner THAT tele-