Evening star., 1914-09-27

life and love that hers by natural right beau-
tiful woman!"
3Thats about it, assented Calvin @The first ballot
I read you expresses the idea broadly,-to let the
money go to the devil"
VTE saw no more of Calvin for the present. called
w at his office once; but informed that he
coseted with lady on important business and must
not be disturbed. repeated the message to Dexter
when met at lunch.
@See here' he exclaimed vehement1y. @I'n bet that
chap has scheme up his sleeve for ending the
story, and trying Mrs. Jason to agree to it.
We ought to insist being let in it, whatever it is
Aren't we interested parties?'
So called quartet together and all united in
note to Calvin, expressing this sentiment. Two days
later answer which, though addressed to each
of us separately, the thing in manifold.
Be patient. You shall not be left out. =
We patent-for all of another two days. There
upon decided to Mrs. Jason. Harding
minded us that member of the party had yet paid
his dinner call. ~
3That will afford pretext,' he added aand little
clever pumping will draw out what she knows"
Four o'clock the next afternoon found the
steps of 901 Vandergrift avenue The man who an
swered the bell opened the door only part way and
significantly offered salver for cards.
as Mrs. Jason at homer asked Berkeley, as our
spokesman.
The man respectful but smiling as he answered,
@My mistress is no longer Mrs Jason, Sir. She be-
Mrs. Calvin today noon. They're away Sir,
for MONTH
We stared at one another as he closed the door.
@The fox!" hssed Dexter between his teeth.
aThe wolf rather!" growled Berkeley
Nothing but the stunning effect of the blow that had
been dealt all alike prevented holding indg
nation meeting the spot, and putting into more
bitter phrases adherence of editors perdy.
Instead the whole party trudged weary back to the
club and turned in there for few gs of consolation.
AS we were approprating table in retired corner
H. d.
who had picked evening paper on the way There,
in a conspicuous place the front page, double
column advertisement of the Great Idea, announcing
its transfer from private ownership to that of the Ste
phen Jason Publishing Company, corporation
Gently organized with capital of five million dollars;
its enlargement to double its former sze make
for series of illustrated narratives of travel to
be furnished by of the most distinguished of mod
explorers, engaged under special contract to
devote all his time to this work. and the quadruplng
of the circulation during the of the remarkable
anonymous serial, @Agatha's Problem which would
be definitely ended in the next number.
2The endowment whispered Harding to me hoarsely.
3And the perpetuation of the name!" l responded.
A moment later page brought us our mall In
each batch the most prominent object long, fat,
portentous looking enveop, bearing the imprint of the
Stephen Jason Publishing Company. Dexter held his up.
3The circular prospectus of the new management,
eh3" he commented. @Shall open it, or show what
think of its sponsor by consgnng it to the grae?"
There instant's indecsion, for we were feel
ing childishy vengeful then with accord fell
to ripping open envelops. Plainly the contents
Identical including typewriter letter, of which
my copy framed, looks down at me as write. Its
most interesting passage l quote:
After all the commotion. the author of "Agathas Prob
lem has wisely decided to finish it herself Yielding
the preferences of the majority of her readers her
heroine will marry her hero. and live happy after
and meanwhile the fortune that caused her much
xiety will be devoted to suitable enterprise
As get after-cards you will be
Tho tod has