Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-21

"Mr. Markham" he questioned.
Markham nodded. That's my name
"A note for you" The launch moved
slowly in toward the landing, and Markham
met his visitor, already aware that there was
to be further intrusion on his solitude. He
broke the seal of the note and read. 1t was
from Hernia Challoner.
DEAR Mr.. MARKHAM-Life, as you see, has
Welded me one more sensation without penalty.
! am quite safe at home again, my philosophy
triumphant over yours. There isn't great
deal of difference between them. after all. You
too take from life, Mr.. Markham you take
what you need just as do; but just because
your needs differ from mine, manlike you as
sumo that | must be wrong. Perhaps ! am.
Then so must you, because you give less than
| do.
There is but one way to justify yourself and
that is to give up what you boarding, what
you prize most highly,-your solitude. We
want you at Wake Robin Mr. Markham. Will
you come to dine and stay the night? By SO
doing you will at least show an amiable dispo-
sition, which is more to the point than all the
philosophy in the world. We are very informal.
and dine at eight.
| am sure that if you disappont us Madame
Tcherny, who is already tired of us all, will
perish OF WEAKNESS.
Very cordially yours,
HERNIA CHALLoNER.
Markham read the note through, and
turned toward the cabin for pen and paper.
will you moor the launch and come
ashore?"
ooh, no Sir, said the man, tinkering with
the engine. "1'll wait for you here. Miss
Challoner said that | was to wait
When Markham reached the bungalow
he remembered suddenly that he had no ink,
pen, or indeed paper, and yet verbal reply
would hardly be courteous. He stood in the
doorway puzzling moment, and then went
over to trunk in the corner opened it, and
began pitching its contents about. He
Strengthened at last, put some garments on
the bed, and looked at them with ruminat-
i've eye.
ooh, had better CO. he muttered, rub
bing the roughness on his chin. Il owe it to
Olga. But why the devil can't they leave a
fellow alone?' and Tuning silently he shaved,
made toilet, and packing some things in
much battered suitcase made his way to the
launch.
At the Westport landing he found Coun-
tess Olga, wonderfully attired in an after
noon costume of pale green, awaiting him in
a motor
"Theres a chance for you still, my friend
she laughed. "You have won my fond regard
and incidentally the cost of new frock."
"I?'
eyes. We laid bet as to whether you
would come, Hernia and l. We've been
watching the island through the telescope,
and saw you embark; SO to me, the victor,
falls the honor of conducting you home in
triumph
"I'm to go in chains, it seems, he laughed,
getting in beside her. "Ive rarely seen you
looking SO handsome"
"You're improving. It's JOY, mon ami,
at seeing once again a full grown man. |
have been bored-oh, SO bored. Will you
be nice to meo'
THE motor skinned smoothly over the
perfect roads, mounting the hill through
the village, and spinning along turnpike
fanked by summer residences. Wake Robin
stood at some distance from the village, on
the highest point of the hills, and made
very imposing vista from the driveway
an English house with long wings at each
side, flanked by terraces, lawns, and gar
dens, guarded from the intrusive eyes of the
highway by high privet hedge. The tennis
courts seemed to be the center of interest,
and in corner of the terrace that faced the
bay were some people taking tea and watch
ing match of singles between Reggie
Armistead and their hostess.
The chauffeur took the suitcase to the
butler, and Olga Tcherny led the way to the
tea table, where Phyllis Van Worst was pour
ing tea. Beside her sat tall, handsome
woman with hard mouth, dressed in white
linen and picture hat, who ogled him tenta-