Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-27
BY SARAH GUERNSEY BRADLEY

I
table until rude and respective partners fit to
arrve?"
@You certainly may" tried hard to keep of the
gladness out of voice; but the JOY that Fate had
suddenly dropped into my utterly unexpectant hands
had almost gone to my head. felt that was one big
smile.
Theo seated himself, not opposite but me- the
old, well remembered way-for cannot always talk
better when next than opposite? Theo and | had de-
cided that years ago. glad that he had not for
gotten; but it made my foolish old heart give addi-
tional pound
Remember Peter, Theo?- Heaven alone knows my
gratitude that instant Peter for his existence
"Why, to be sure! Good evening, Peter. How's
lently.
His Catshp gave the funny little Groom that he always
gives when suddenly aroused from his peaceful slum-
ber stood up arched his back stretched his mouth to
its fullest extent in perfect, comprehensive yawn,
then Struggled down in my lap, curled up, and went to
sleep again Thee laughed and because didn't know
what else to do joined in with him, and laughed
sleeping cat the funniest thing in all the universe
That laugh helped. got hold of myself, and began
feel like human being, instead OF beating pounding
something that had lost the power of speech
when did you get back, Theo?" asked almost cas-
ually.
"Three days ago, on the Carona."
@Why-' l stopped short had started to ask him
why he had not called up, and then had rernern-
bered in the very nick of time. For why should he
have called me up? But actually glad to
him that for the had forgotten all about the
past, all about the real of that trip Italy all
about everything the big, splendid JOY OF the pres
ent
WHY what, Mary?" Theo asked
W @Why nothing" said hurredly.
TEL me what you going to say" he pleaded.
/ shook my head.
@Please!" he begged.
"Why-t was nothing protested.
@Well, then, why not tell il!
why" lied, II merely going to say that
membered now that had seen your name in the list of
arrivals and thought how it must be to be famous
pOinp and
comngs-in'
Thee actually shifted; @Rot!' he snapped
II told you it was nothing, I said calmly.
3Worse than nothing! don't believe that was it at
ALL"
@of course it was went on on the theory that
good lie deserved another 3But for goodness sake.
Thee, don't lets quarrel the very first time
two years! Let's save that for the second time"
Good news!' smiled Theo @Then there is to be a
second time
l felt my face flush. aWhy-you-you never can
tell stammered, @ust what queer pranks Fate will
cut up Look at tonight The last human being ever
expected to see here tonight was you"
"And return the compliment said Thee. "Of
course, though, you knew was in town
"Oh, yes being reader of the newspapers, teased.
idea than field mouse in country churchyard that
Theo anywhere nearer than cable or wireless
nection
He chose to ignore the gbe 3And being in town. he
went 3you could have guessed, you wanted to,
that I'd return at the earliest opportunity to of my
my surprise was the greater
4Theo,,' laughed, you'd rather argue than eat,
aAnd being the greater he scared aloft right
my head, in that aeropane style of his, Il will
magnanimously agree with you that we save all
quarrels until the second time. And remember,
Mary Theo'S voice was serious, you suggested the
second time"
ZIP" fared. II never did" Did Theo think
calling him back?
aYou didn't" Theo reproached.
3No, the words just slipped out 1t was mere