The Washington herald., 1913-03-23
Copyright by tn. Bobbs-M.rr,n Co.,

across her lips. IT do not know why
I desire your good opinion. Perhaps It's
the novelty Of sitting beside q man who
does not believe In fiattery."
'Frlattery is o truth that is not true.
I think you are charming. beautiful. en-
gaging. enchanting. mystifying. / can
think Of no other adjectives."
IF fiattery is a truth that Is not true.
then all your pretty adtetives mean
nothing"
"Oh, but I do not fatter you. Men
fatter homely women-homely women
who are rich and easily hoodwinked.
What have offered you In the line Of
decorative adjectives your mirror has al
ready told you time and time again. Had
I said that you are witty, scholarly. SCI
entific, vastly and highly intellectual, not
knowing you any better than I do. that
would have been iattery. Do you grasp
the point?''
"Nebulously. You are trying to say
something nice"
I'VE are getting on capitally. When I
left the club tonight the widest stretch
Of my fancy would not have placed me
here beside you"
"Yes,"-irrelevantly, most Of us are
mad. Everything is so terribly monoto-
nous"
'Tonight?'
wen, not tOnlBnt
You have not asked me who I am. !,
Then you are somebody She
contemplated me. speculatively as it were.
I laughed. This was the most amusing
and enchanting adventure had ever had
the luck to fall into. THE world thinks
So" replied to her question.
The world? What world?'
MY world and part Of yours.
Are you one of those men who ac-
complish something besides novel din
ners?"
so am led to believe
In what way?"
"Ah, but that Is a secret"
She shrugged. Evidently she was
incredulous. Are you an actor?' sud
denly recollecting where she had
picked me up.
"Only in All the worlds q stage"
II will ask you: VIII you do mo the
honor Of telling me who you are?"
MY self-respect denies me that
pleasure"
'.Fiddlesticks" This was very hu-
man.
rs it possible that I am interesting
youT'-surprised.
"You are a clever man. whoever and
whatever you are. Where did you
learn to read a woman SO readily?
Who told you that when you confront
a woman with a mystery you trap her
interest along with her curiosity? Yes,
you are clever. II you told me your
name and your occupation I dare say /
should straightway become bored"
Truth still shivers on the wells
edge"
She nibbled the rose leaves.
Does your interest in episodes like
tonight always die SO suddenly
nodding toward the others. who had
long since ceased to pay me any par
ticular attention.
Nearly always"
VERY well: since they have forgot
ten us let us forget them" ! leaned
toward her. my voice was not so steady
as II should have been. IN what man
ner would II benefit me to tell you my
name and what my occupation in the
great world is? Would 1t put me on the
list OF your acquaintancesT'
She eyed me thoughtfully. That
depends"
Upon WHAT"
whether you were worth knowing.
I addressed other gentlemen I'm front
of your club. They politely said I had
made a mistake"
They were old or married"
That wasn't It."
Then they didn't see you in the light
as did
What difference would that have
made?"
"AIl the difference in the world. But
you have tabooed f1attery.'
7 directed my gaze toward the door,
and she surrendered smile.
You might be worth knowing
insly.
II promise to be"
It shall give it thought. I should never
forgive myself il I were the indirect
cause of your joining this carnival Of
fools"
II see that I shall last much longer in
your thoughts as the Unknown'-reflect-
lively.
Eat" she commanded.
'I am not hungry: have dined."
Drink. then
'I am not thirsty
She took my glass and poured the con-
tents into hers. then handed it to me.
Now she said.
''why?'
You make me think Of Monte Cristo:
what terrible revenge are you going to
take?"
TT will be upon myself; that of never
forgetting you"
lone single sip"
I accepted the glass and took one sip. |
Now I have lost what I desired to re-
respect. So long as / touched |
nothing at this table I held the advan-
tage. My name is"
She put her hands over her ears
DON'T"
Very we'll: the woman tempted me-"
Haven't you a better epigram?"
perhaps I am saving them"
For what?"
"Who knows that I am not writing a
play?"
II live here: card will find me on
after four"
IT shall come Wednesdays. thereby |
Iaving you the trouble"
THAT is not wit: II Is rudeness. Do |
lot come either Thursdays or Wednes-
lays"
How shall you know who 1t is?'
Trust a woman"
"Ah, here comes the butler with the
iaueurs. I am glad. Presently I should
70 making love to you: now I am about
10 be free"
Are you quite sure?"-with penetrat-
ng glance. believe she knew the p6wer
II her beauty.
well. shall be free to go home where
belong''-compromisin
And I rose. Perhaps the drollest epi-
,ode of the dinner took place as started
or the door.
Ever heard of Starlight" cried
Uncle Daniel down the room. mo?
Well, she's down on the winter books at
ifty to one. Stack your money on her
low; it's a hunch.".
Thank you"
Good night" said to the girl. bow
ng.
Good night" smiling.
I wonder II she knew that had stolen
he rose? On the way home my mind re-