The Washington times., 1913-06-21


dress. which. after her. country-made
douglas drew her hand through his
arm as they entered the room, and
felt q pleasant sensation OF proprie-
torship at her laughing surrender.
He chose q table where they would
his reputation with the smiling waiter
by ignoring the Inevitable Chianti and
calling for champagne Cicely re-
proved him for his extravaganza. but
slipped her wine with the air Of con-
81 couldn't help It." he said. smiling.
You know I've years Of parsimony
and misery to make up for yet This
new life is so delightful and since you
have come-weii. couldn't help cele-
bratins. Besides. you know. I'm earn
ing quite a good deal of money, and
| I've started the novel at last
Tell me about it," she begged. with
Presently" he answered. Eat your
fish now. please. Over our coffee will
tell you the first chapter. And what ex-
l cuse have you for wearing a new frock
to dazzle the eyes Of lonely bachelor
with?"
Like it?' she asked, turning round
on her chair toward him.
Immensely"
Il made it myself she said. continu-
ing her dinner. "all since last Thurs
'wonderful," he exclaimed. looking
at her once more with admiration. You
must be worn out Let me fll your
| glass"
said. "Joan's disapprobation was much
more trying"
"And how is she?''
| Better, 1 believe, and ipclined to be
more sensible" she answered cheer
| fully. "She has given up those horrid
walks. and is thinking about taking
situation. can't tell you how CRATE
! full am"
so am l." he answered, fervently.
They avoided. by mutual though un-
! to subject SO near akin to grave mat
I ters. She was satisfied with Douglas
declaration Of innocence-he was only
anxious to forget his whole past, and
that chapter OF It In special 80 they
| the people who entered and passed out.
praised the dinner. and maryeled at its
They watched the head waiter, with
his little. black imperial and beady
eyes, a miracle of suaveness. deftness
and lghtfootedness. one moment bow
| ing before a newcomer, his face
wreathed with smiles. the next storm
ing with volubility absolutely indescrio-
able at a tardy waiter, moment iater
gravely discussing the wine with bon
viveur. and offering confidential ana
wholly disinterested advice, 1t was all
ordinary enough, perhaps. but chap
ter out of real life. Their pleasure was
almost the pleasure .a.satisI Of children
Douglas" she said. Il am going to
III there is anything I thoroughly en-
10y after a good dinner" he remarked,
fishing an olive out Of the dish. 1T is
secret"
You mustn't laugh
I'll be as sober az judge he prom
ised.
"You know 1 shall have to earn my
own living. We really have very niue
something Now. I have been trying to
do in earnest what have done for my
own pleasure all my life. Do you know
what that isT'
IT think I can guess" he answered
smiling.
yes / told you once-writing chill
dren's fairy stories. Now. don't want
you to be bothered about 1t: but ! DO
wish you could give me an idea where
to send them"
You have some writ'en"
II have two in that little parcel
there"
He broke the string and took one out.
II was very neatly typewritten' ana a
quick glance down the page pleased
who typed 1t for you?" he asked.
"Did 1t myself" she answered. II
learned shorthand. you know. years
ago. and I bought typewriter last
up. might earn a little that way"
You are certainly not one OF the
helpless sort OF young women, he said.
"win you let me have the stories ior
few days?"
fuIlv
well. 1 don't think So" he assured |
her. IT won't let it."
Drexley. a little gaunt and pale, but
more carefully dressed than usual In
evening clothes. passed their table.
touched his arm.
"sit here. Drexley." he said. We're
of in minute. and then you can have
the whole table" i
Drexley thanked him. and surrendered
leaned across to Cicely.
"Cicely.'' he said. let me introduce
Mr.. Drexley to you. Mr.. Drexley-Miss
Strong. Mr.. Drexley will probably be
my first victim on your behalf"
Cicely blushed and looked timidly MP
at the tall, bearded man. who was re-
garding her with some interest. He
smiled kindly and held out his hand.
IT am very pleased to know you, Miss
Strong" he said. May / ask In what |
way I am to suffer on your behalf"
las said, ito be the editor of popular
magazine, and you are consequently
never safe from the literary aspirart.
/ am one, Miss Strong is another"
"Oh. DR.. Drexley!" she exclaimed In
him. have never tried to do anything
except children's fairy stories. and I'm
sure they're not half good enough for
the Ibex. brought Douglas two to