Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-26

the abiding place of a of intellectual tastes and
small income.
Chappelle motoned him to the farther side of the
table and took the opposite chair Both at right
angles with the door; but Chappele was nearer to it.
Ryker remembered this later. Scotch and soda were
produced, and cigars and cigarettes, and for time the
talk about matters literary Ryker was beginning
to wonder whether he to be disappointed. Per
haps, after all, there nothing this than APP
peared the surface. Suddenly his host gave the
VerSat1On a turn.
81 don't know much about you old chap he said
amablv; "but took fancy you when first you,
so I'm going to take the liberty of saying don't think
you any more for this social game we're in than
do"
an which assumption you quite right replied
Ryker. Il loathe it; but it's not my choice. YOU
fancy, obliged to keep it up on account of family
connections something like that
"Not Bit said Chappelle, putting at cigarette:
"The fact is | am trying rather curious experiment.
Ryker was sure something was coming, and he telt
a glow steal over him.
II arr queer duck" the other went on rather de-
beraely "As it happens that have ties that bind,
generally able to follow up my eccentric impulses
This is of them. One night was my way to my
club and of course in evening dress Presently,
walking up Fifth-ave., found myself in front of
house where canopy stretched from the door to the
curb. There long line of carriages, and men and
"Involuntarly found myself caught in this crowd
under the canopy and before | could move step out
of the way josted up the steps with the others,
and soon was inside the house. l have been a
society man, and the situation embarrassing
didn't know whether to turn and to stay and take
chances what might follow. 1t ludicrous po-
sition but didn't have to decide for myself after ALL
AS was still considering the alternative, was ap
preached by matron who, learned later, was the
hostess. She greeted me with outsretched hand al
though she didn't know me from Adam.
Before l had finished stammering few ncoherent
words she gone and again was in a crush. Some
took my things and presently there was enjoying
the hospitality of one Of the best families in New York.
lut who hadn't the remOtest notion whether was
nanCicr clOn."
QYKER started slightly at the last words and
~ vague suspicion crossed his mind He fanced that
Chappelle shot swift glance him; but second later
again putting at his cigarette with the most non
chalant air, and continuing his narrative.
II did enjoy it too, after few minutes, when my un-
easness wore off. 1t was unique. looked round, and
didn't know living soul by name; but there was and
that seemed to be all that necessary. Of course,
passed few words here and there with dame who
thought she had met me somewhere, and knew just
enough fashionable patter to get away with the little
conversation required of 1t would have been differ
a small affair; but this big one and there
such crowd that didn't figure at all l had
mighty good supper plenty of wine. although don't
and then had lurking fear that might be held up
suspicion of having swped the spoons; but not
mOlcscd. Can beat it?'
Again Ryker felt little jump of the nerves when
Chappellc alluded to the possible misdemeanor but
he smiled and answered, dts the best ever
Chappele resumed: "And that isn't all. The thing
hit my fancy to such extent that kept it up al
ways of course, avoiding the small and select affairs
kept it up?' queried Ryker.
Il mean determined to see how far the thing could
be carried. The results have been amazing. I'm still
at it..
ado YOU mean that accounts for your presence all
the houses Ffhave. and Riverside Drive, at Tux
edo and Lenox and other places where we have metz
You have it, my boy, replied Chappelle, laughing
"And YOU We never been deteced?'
"Certainlv not! But wait. You use the word as if
| a criminal. This time he met Ryker'S eye