The Clio messenger., 1914-09-25
The OTHER ALICE
BY KATHERINE HopsoN.

AofSI CTossiuS my ts, reHecteu owen
Barton. as he reread the prim little
note of acceptance from a girl he had
never invited.
And I've no one but myself to
blame" he added In acknowledgment
of the fact that Alice Bari and Alice
Bart did look very much alike.
"Of course, there's nothing to do but
carry of the situation as If had in
tended it that way, and take Miss Bari
to the dance. ! might have Known
she would be invited to the Darvin'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! l hardly know the girl" He
searched his memory for recollections
of Miss Bari.
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 jewelers. 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
q 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.
II must have them-the diamond
and sapphire neeklace!" He could
see the slim fingers grind together.
Father has more than half promised
me-"
understanding. She seemed born for
things like these, and it was his idea
of serving the woman he loved to 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 its quality disappointed him;
there was more calculating appraise-
ment than tenderness in her eyes.
AS he presented himself at the old
Bari homestead on the evening of the
dance, he was met by Alice's mother.
When Alice appeared, dressed in a
simple white dress, he exerted himself
to please, and acknowledged to himself
that though she was not the type he
would have chosen, she was a girl
any man might be 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 jewelers. 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 few
moments he discovered two men
seated on a bench around the corner.
For months I've foreseen this crash
coming in Bart's 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-
ton to retrench in his personal ex-
penditure. For with care and economy
this might have been averted. But at
his present rate of living l knew I
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
Of Matthews, the senior partner in the
firm where he worked. Hes the sort
that never denies his family anything
whether he can afford 1t 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 Bartons been beau
ing her around a good deal lately. But
l noticed tonight he brought Paul
Barl's daughter-Alice, her name Is,
too, believe. A fine little grill"
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 perspiration stood out
on his forehead, for the couple was no
other than Alice Bart and Guy Pilson,
a wealthy young fellow who was visit
ing in Edgetown.
And before he knew 1t, Barton was
made witness to the latter's proposal
Of marriage. There was not much
sentiment about 1t. 1t was evident
that Pilson wanted a beautiful, accom-
plished woman to grace his millions,
and Alice wanted millions to back her