The Washington times., 1914-01-12

= Z wondered how long the reaction
IL would last, and prepared hicn-
self for anything during the
evening So, while he joined
in and shot off jokes on his
own account, he watched Everard
closely. He decided to tell Angy moth
ing about it. 1t would only worry her
and throw a damper on her enjoyment.
and this was her evening. and. there
fore. nothing must be allowed to come
in and spoil it.
So he ordered a dinner fit for king
and talked schoolboy French to the
waiter, who beamed upon them SYM
patheticslfy, and his great laugh rang
through the crowded room.
They ate tremendously, and every
time any one drank II was to a comic
toast There are curious moments IN
ones life when everything, however
trivial turns to laughter-thinks which
in normal moments would not call for
the faintest smile. This was such an
evening to the three young people with
whom life had dealt so curiously.
The thought suddenly occurred 20
Ruddy: Il wonder how ruany others in
this room have been blessed with such
unmonotOnOus hves2" He looked around
curiously at their faces to see If he
could read their tale.
Many OF the men were tanned, but II
was the tan of the English seaside
rather than the imperishable brown Of a
tropical sun. Their womenfoIk were
quite ordinary people women fate had
not overworried. Jogging contentment
seemed TO be their lot.
Angy sent a little puff of cigarette
smoke curling across the table What
are We going to do neXt?' she asked.
I've got q feeling that there are ad
ventures in store for US"
Shall we do a music hall and then
90 and see all the freaks at the Gam
brinus?" Ruddy lit another cigar.
VERY unimaginatve." said Everard.
Look here ] heard some man down
stairs talking about a fancy dress ball.
If I can discover where it is, will you
Gomez"
love to dance; but what about fancy
THAT doesn't matter a bit. Tons of
people go In ordinary clothes. I'll 90
and nose round and see II / can't get
tickets" He got up. lodged a passing
waiter, and the two saw him walk
quickly out and disappear down a mar
row staircase.
''weII?'' said Rudy.
"Well?' said Angy.
She put her hand across the table and
touched the red-haired mans for a mo-
Tnent and their eyes met.
Everard came back presently. his face
beaming. IT'S all right he said The
man was still feeding. so I tackled him.
annual kick-up. and they've hired Hol-
land Park rink for the occasion. The
man downstairs is the secretary, and he
looked bit doubtful when / asked him
II We three could attend the ceremony.
So told him we were thinking OF NOV
ing into that suburb and would. of
course. become members Of the tennis
club-if they would have US You got
your blue for II at oxford. Ruddv. Did
you know that? AnEy nulled of the
ladies' singles AT Cannes last wear. and
] was runner-up !n France. That did
the trick, He parted with these like
a lamb-bUt for the life OF me ] can't
remember what suburb it is we've got
10 go and live in"
He put the three tickets on the table
and the trio looked at them silently.
Then suddenly they caught each others
eyes and went into fits of laughter.
Tt doesn't begin till 10:3o." said Ever
ard. recovering slightly.
what shall We do TIL them"
II vote that we return Brewer
street and see II we can't work up some
sort Of fancy dress" said Eyerard
Great notion" said Ruddy. "Hi.
monsieur le garcon. apportez-moi le
The garcon apported the bill. and
helped them on with their coats, ami
bowed profoundly as they went down
stairs.
They went back to the studio arm in /
arm, and, with much noise and excite |
rnent, turned out drawers and cum |
boards in a search for things which |
would transform them into fancy dress. |
Everard whipped of his tie and collar. |
knotted a bandanna handkerchief round /
his neck, combed his hair over one eye, |
slanted cap of Ruddy's over one ear, |
and slouched in as an Apache.
He struck an attitude. "Vive Mont |
martrel What about you, Angy?'
But she was laughing too much to be