The Washington herald., 1913-03-23

There was q trace of admiration in the
girls eyes as she turned her head. BE.
sides" went on. IT want q little re.
venge."
Good" bawled my host; good! YOU'RE
man of kidney. sir. A gentleman IL nj.
ways a gentleman; and do not need te
look at you twice. sir. to note that my
niece's choice has been a happy one"
You have not introduced me to your
niece" said /. who is, next to myself
the most important guest at the table. '
Hang me! The young lady at your
side is Miss Helen Berkeley. the best
horsewoman In the State. II do say SC
myself"
Great applause. as they say in the presi
gallery. I looked squarely at the girl
but she was idly busy turning her empty
wine-glass slowly round and round.
Il appreciate the honor. SIR" I said
but now will you favor me with the
reason of all this mystery
II approach that at once. This is LEAP
year. as you will recollect. On January
first ] gave a leap-year party, and In
the spirit of fun each lady present de-
clared her intention Of bringing to a
series OF late dinners a gentleman whom
none Of US knew, either by sight or by
reputation. He was to be lured into a
carriage by some story or other. and was
not to know the true state Of things till
he sat at the table. My niece was the
last on the list. Those who backed down
were to give a house-party of a weeks
length. Women detest house-parties. and
that is the one reason why this comedy
Now, Neil. tell US how you lured Mr..
Anonymous into your carriage"
Very quietly she recounted the tale.
She omitted but one incident
'In front OF a club" cried the ladies in
unison. why in the world didn't we
think Of that?
Miss Berkeley has omitted one thing. "
said maliciously.
And. pray. what?" asked Miss Berke-
ley's uncle.
"Remember." she whispered. "you are
supposed to be a gentleman"
took umbrage at the word Sup
posed"
Miss Berkeley must tell you what she
tive"
And refuse to tell"
Hang 1t. Nell. I'll wager Mr.. Anony-
nous kissed you!' cried her uncle.
Caught" cried one Of the ladies.
ALLOW me a word" I interposed
was already sorry. There was a method
in my action which must not be mis-
construed. believed. for a moment.
that Miss Berkeley might be new
species of bunko-steerer. II she objected
noisily TO my salute should find my
case proved: IL she cried. was wrong. :"
And"
she did neither. She rubbed her
check"
IN warrant" my host bawled noisily
.'Oh. this is rich. A bunko-steerer,''
Miss Berkeley" I whispered, we are
quits"
Not yet"-ominously.
1t was almost time for me to go,
Il was going to ask your pardon" said
the uncle in his hunter-voice: but
think you have been paid for your
trouble. Is there anything you would
like
Three things, sir"
And these?" he asked. while every one
looked curiously at me. l was still an
unknown quantity.
My hat. my coat, and the way to the
door. for I presume you have no further
use for me-
Ny reply appealed to the guests as
the laughter subsided. My host seemed
to be threatened with an attack OF
apoplexy.
MY dear sir" said he. II beg OF you
to remain, not as a source for our merri-
ment, but as the chief guest of honor.
believe you have won that place.
I turned to Miss Berkeley. do you
bid me remain?'
Silence.
I placed my hand on the back OF my
chair. preparatory to sliding il from un-
der me. She STAYED me.
DO not go"-softly. II haven't had
my revenge"
/ sat down. I was curious to learn
what color this revenge was going to
take. Mr.. Ainsworth. my compliments"