The Washington herald., 1912-08-25

Peter bowed low before a very hand
some young woman with flashing black
eyes, and type of features undoubt-
eddy belonging to one of the countries
of Eastern Europe She was pictures
quely dressed in a gown of flaming red
silk, made as though in one piece, with
out trimming or flounces, and she
seemed inclined to bestow upon heI
new acquaintance all the attention that
he might desire. She took hip at once
into a corner and seated herself by his
side. 1t was impossible for Peter not
to associate the empressement of her
manner with the few words which An
drea Korust had whispered into her ear
at the moment of their introduction.
so you," she murmured. are the
wonderful Baron de Grost. | have
heard of you so often"
Wonderful Peter repeated, with
twinkling eyes. Il have never been
called that before. / feel that l have
no claims whatever to distinction, espe-
cially in a gathering like this"
She shrugged her shoulders and
glanced carelessly across the room.
They are we'll enough" she ad-
mitted. but one wearies of genius on
every side of one. Genius is not the
best thing in the world to live with,
you know It has whims and fancies.
For instance, look at these rooms-the
gloom. the obscurity-and l love so
much the light"
Peter smiled.
1T is the privilege of genius" he re-
marked. ito have whins and to indulge
in them"
She sighed.
ITO do Andrea justice" she said, at
is perhaps scarcely a whim that he
chooses to receive his guests in semi
darkness He has weak eyes and he is
much too vain to wear spectacles. Tell
ME. you know every one here?"
NO one" Peter declared. please
enlighten me. if you think it necessary.
For myself" he added, dropping his
voice little, 81 feel that the happiness
of my evening is assured, without max
ing any further acquaintance"
But you came as the guest OF Made
moiselle Celaire," she reminded him,
doubtfully, with a faint regretful sigh
and a provocative CLEAN in her eyes.
Il saw Mademoiselle Celaire tonight
for the first time in years." Peter re-
piled. Il called to see her in her dress
ing room and she claimed me for an
escort this evening. l am, alas a very
occasional wanderer in the pleasant
paths of Bohemia
''If that is really true" she muir
INJURED. Il suppose | must tell you
something about the people, or you
will feel that you have wasted your
opportunity"
"Mademoiselle," Peter whispered.
She held out her hand and laughed
into his face
1T is all most interesting" he de-
clared, after she had pointed out sew
eral of the guests. Nov tell me,
please, who is the military person with
the stiff figure and sallow complexion,
standing by the door? He seems quite
alone"
The girl made little grimace.
Il suppose / ought to be looking
after him. she admitted, rising re-
luctantly to her feet Gle is a soldier
just back from India Gen. Nose
worthy, with all sorts of letters after
his name If Mademoisells Celaire is
generous, perhaps we may have few
minutes conversation later on" she
added, with parting smile.
"Say. rather, if Mademoisells Korust
is kind" de Gfost replied, bowling. at
depends upon that only"
He strolled across the room and re-
joined Mademoiselle Ceiaire a few mo-
ments later. They stood apart in a
Il should like my supper" Peter de-
elarcdS