The Washington herald., 1913-11-19
DAILY SHORT STORY

and the apparent sincerity OF Walters
declaration to her. she changed her mind
about the truthfulness and honesty Of
women and determined to defend her
rights.
Walters sister had accepted her offer
to look over the dinner table and ar
range 10 seat the guests. With the belief
that the unattainable Is greatly desired
by man, Jean decided to have Walter
take the widow in to dinner and put her
own place card as far away from them
as possible. Then she went upstairs and.
calling her maid, began preparations for
an attack on a formidable enemy.
II Jean had been inclined to continue
believing in Mrs Carters apparently
sincere liking for her, doubts would have
assaied her when that lady appeared at
her door to ask sweetly just what she
expected to wear down to dinner. Doubt
in the heart grows, mVshroom-like, over
night. Jean answered. untruthfully, that
she hadn't decided. Mrs. Carter hoped
to wear a color that would clash with or
at least ruin the effect OF her costume,
she concluded.
All of the guests had arrived when
Jean went down. Her appearance caused
a ripple Of excited admiration She wore
a soft, clinging white gown, with one
perfect lily caught in the laces OF her
bodice. Her youth made her appear as
fair as the flower she wore. Instantly
the girl was surrounded. She had never
been so desirable to Walter. He dared
not approach her, for he knew that he
had behaved like a boor in the after
noon.
To Jean he seemed very Indifferent.
so she laughed and talked a great deal
more than usual, in order to make II
seem that she was having a glorious
good time. On any other occasion, he
told himself, his pride would have forced
MIN to be attentive to his interested
partner to make Jean believe that he
didn't care any more than she did; but
the food stuck in his throat, and Mrs.
Carter found him strangely silent Jean.
covertly watching him, saw his misery,
and her heart ached and was glad all at
the same time. Once she caught his eyes
and smiled, a very tremuIous, tender,
young girl smile, that told him all that
was in her heart The look that passed
between them then marked the besiu
ming Of their betrothaL
When the women left the men Walter
stood near the door to whisper to lean.
Wait in the den, on the first landing on
the stairs. VIII you, sure?'
She nodded, smiling at him.
Mrs. Carter stopped Jean in the hall
maven you moment Tor me, my dear
girI?"
Several of them" answered Jean.
trained by society to appear as cordial
as IL she really meant what she said.
She had determined to make Mrs. Car
ter aware OF the fact that she had found
out the subterfuges she employed to spoil
her own happy romance with Walter,
but the best laid plans often go awry and
Jean was so radiant to know that Walter
really loved her, loved her so that he
could not eat even when Mrs. Carter
was by him, that she could not be un-
kind to anybody in the world. The
knowledge made her generous and for
giving.
Il was just telling Walter. late this
afternoon, what a charming girl you
lovely girls here, il was hard TO choose"
beamed the widow.
But he has chosen, dear Mrs Carter.
and you, who have known him for so
many years and watched him try out.
as men say, dozens OF girls, will be in
terested in our happiness am sure" In
spite of her youth and unworldliness
Jean had learned to strike back You
will excuse me now? He is waiting for
me-"
When she ran. flushed and breathless.
up the stairs to the den, a pair of strong
arms caught her and held her close.
DO you mean all that your eyes said
Jean? Are you going to marry me-
IN have to- she confessed, laughing.
for have Just announced our engage
ment"