The Springdale news., 1914-10-02
THE OTHER ALICE
By KATHERINE HOPSON.

' Barton, as he reread the prim little note of acceptance from girl he had never invited.
 And I've no one but myself to blame" he added in acknowledgement of the fact that Alice Barl and Alice Bart did look very much alike.
 Of course, there's nothing to do but carry off the situation as if l had in- tended it that way, and take Miss Barl to the dance. l might have known she would be invited to the Daryin's dance on Tuesday. The Barls are an old family here-older, even, than the Barts, and the Darvins belong to the conservative set.
 But-why, the situation is ridicu- lous I hardly know the girl" He searched his memory for recollections of Miss Barl.
 It was fanciful fate that caused him to meet Alice Bart, the one of his choice, on his way home from the office that afternoon. She was stand. ing in front of a jewellers window.
 You are late,' greeted she. Guy Pilson has been before you, and I've promised to go with him to the dance Tuesday night. - There seemed to be no doubt in her mind that he had in- tended to invite her
 -.Procrastination has defrauded many a better man. retorted he regretfully
 "Oh, we'll, we'll all be at the same place" she returned lightly Then the expression of her blue eyes changed to glittering hardness as her glance re- turned to the jewels.
 "I must have them-the diamond and sapphire necklacel" He could see the slim fingers grind together Father has more than half promiseG me
 Barton's eyes shone In responsive understanding She seemed born toi things like these, and it was his iaea of serving the woman he loved 10 deck her with glittering jewels.
 Some time-some time, Alice, hope to be in a position to buy things like these, and have the right to give them to you" He spoke with hur ried eagerness.
 She laughed in response. but some, thing in it's quality disappointed him, there was more calculating appraise ment than tenderness in her eyes.
 AS he presented himself at the old l Barl homestead on the evening of the dance he was met by Alice's mother.
 When Alice appeared, dressed in a zi.. ol. +; I tr>d salf to please, and acknowledged to himself | that though she was not the type he | would have chosen, she was girl l any man might ba proud to escort.
 Yet when he arrived at the Darvin's and saw Alice Bart, his ardor for her | famed afresh. In filmy chiffon gown over blue satin, she gave an effect not often seen in Edgetown, and about | her throat was the necklace of dia monds and sapphires she had coveted | in the jewellers window.
 During the evening Barton wan dered out on the veranda for a cool | breath and a quiet smoke. At first he thought he was alone. but in a few moments he discovered two men seated on a bench around the corner.
 For months I've foreseen this crash coming in Barts affairs said one For old friendships sake, I'd have been willing to give him loan to tide him over, if he'd shown any disposi. tion to retrench in his personal ex- penditure. For with care and economy I this might have been averted. But at [ his present rate of living 1 knew ! might as well throw my money out in the street for all the real good it would [ do him."
 Yes, that's true" responded the other, and Barton recognized the voice E of Matthews, the senior partner in the firm where he worked. He's the sort [ that never denies his family anything whether he can afford it or not Why, only yesterday he bought his daughter a diamond and sapphire necklace"
 The one she's wearing tonight"
 Yes, and the things caused much comment. Young Barton's been beau ing her around a good deal lately. But noticed tonight he brought Paul Barl's daughter-Alice, her name Is, too believe. A fine little girl,
 The other girl would ruin any man" returned the other lightly, as he threw away his cigar and they re- turned to the ballroom
 A couple came out on the veranda and occupied the bench around the corner left vacant by the two men.
 Then sudden precipitation stood out | on his forehead, for the couple was no other than Alice Bart and Guy Pilson, wea thy young fellow who was visit ing in Edgetown.
 And before he knew it, Barton was made witness to the latter's proposal of marriage. There was not much sentiment about 1t. It was evident that Pilson wanted a beautiful, accom- plished woman to grace his millions, and Alice wanted millions to back her heauty and aceomnlishment