Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-28
Continued from page II

even to the indiscretions of a chaperon.'
"Do you think it quite fair to Olga he
began.
She leaned back in her chair and smiled
at him nischievously. "Oh Olga is quite
capable of taking care of herself. 1t isn't
Olga I'm thinking about at all. It's you,
my poor friend. Did you know that Olga
had the reputation of being quite the most
dangerous woman in Europe?'
"All women are dangerous. Fortunately
I'm not the kind of man such women find
interesting"
"I'm not sure that know what kind of
man you are, Mr.. Markham In your studio
| inclined to the opinion that you had most
of the characteristics of an amiable gorilla;
on Thimble Island you seemed like Diogenes
without the tub; tonight you're Lothario.
Bluebeard, and Lancelot all in one
"I'm afraid you fatter me. First inn
pressions are usually correct, think. I'm
an aniable gorilla. Perhaps by the time
the next link in the chain to the human.
He laughed and then quickly turned the
conversation to topic less personal "You
will visit my studio next winter, won't you?"
"Of course. You're to do my portrait, you
know. But / was hoping that you might
stay on and paint it here at Wake Robin.
He looked off toward Thimble Island
moment before replying. HI'm sorry can't.
l have some engagements in New York, and
nv passage is booked for Europe early in the
month. l leave Th1mble Island almost at
once"
ooh, that's unkind of you. Don't you
find it sufficiently attractive here?"
eyes, l do. Unfortunately, / can't con-
suit my own wishes in the matter
She had been examining him narrowly.
@You don't want to stay, Mr.. Markham,
she announced decisively.
He looked her in the eyes; but made no
reply.
@We're not your sort, know. But
thought that with Olga here
at has been very pleasant. l am glad to
have had the privilege
3Don't, Mr.. Markham. The truth is,'
she went on, @that you came here because
you thought you ought to be polite. You
polite enough Isn't that true?"
@Figuratively, yes" he replied frankly.
9I'm not gregarious by instinct. I can't
help it. suppose I'm just unsociable, that's
ALL"
ooh, we'll, I'm sorry" she said rising. off
you won't stay-shall see you againl"
II think not. I'm leaving early
"Oh," with a stamp of her foot, Il have
no patience with you'll =,
You see, he shrugged. Il don't wear
we'll"
They reached the hall, and she gave him
her fingers.
II wish you all the happiness in the
world" he said quietly.
She glanced at him quickly. @I'm always
happy. You mean"
"Your engagement to Mr.. Armistead."
Her lips curved demurely. ooh, of course
Reggie and l will get along, will manage
somehow; but month is a long while
"But life is longer while"
@Yes-it is-too long.
There was a note in her voice he had not
heard before. He glanced at her inquisi-
lively; but she went up the steps, one hand
extended over the baluster to his, laughing
mischievously.
Goodnight. Mr.. Markham. Thanks for
the breakfast-and the philosophy. But
please remember that people who live in
glass houses shouldn't cast aspersions."
CHAPTER x. The Fugitive
7 IKE the skilful General who covers his
- retreat by an unexpected show of
strength, Olga Tcherny had retired in good
order, with colors flying. She had struck
hard, spent some ammunition, and endan-
gered her line of communications; but she
bod raoobod fbo of tbo foil t,y,,tarc