The Spectator., 1914-10-30

SHS seen tneSI so amlaDle toward eaCn other. They were positively friendly. And why not? The test of the morn ing had proved each of them to his own individual satisfaction, and had done away with those suited manner iems that generally make rivals ridicu- lous in all eyes save their own. The revelation at luncheon had convinced them of the futility of things in gen. eral and of woman in particular. They were, without being aware of the fact. each a consolation to the other. The old adage that misery loves company was never more nicely typifed.
 If Celeste expected Nora to exhibit any signs of distress over the ap- preaching departure, she was disap- pointed. In truth, Nora was secretly pleased to be rid of these two suitors. much as she liked them. The Barone had not yet proposed, and his sudden determination to return to Rome elimi- | mated this disagreeable possibility. She was glad Abbott was going be- cause she had hurt him without inten- tion, and the sight of him was, in spite
 
 Presently she would have her work, and there would be no time for loneli- | ness.
 The person who suffered keenest
 was Celeste. She was awake; the ten der little dream was gone; and bravely she accepted the fact. Never her agile | fingers stumbled, and she played re- mo rly
 Chopin, Grieg, Rubinstein, Mcdowell. And Nora, perversely enough, sang from old light opera.
 When the two men departed, Celeste went to her room and Nora out upon l the terrace. It was after five. No one was about, so far as she could see. She stood enchanted over the trans formation that was affecting the noun tains and the lakes. How she loved | the spot! How she would have liked to spend the rest of her days here! | And how beautiful all the world was | today!
 She gave a frightened little scream | A strong pair of arms had encircled
 her. She started to cry out again, but
 the sound was mufiled and plotted out | by the pressure of a mans lips upon
 her own. She struggled violently. and | suddenly was freed.
 If 1 were a man." she said. you | should die for that!"
 Tt was an opportunity not to be | ignored" returned Courtlandt Tt Is
 true that was a fool to run away as | l did. but my return has convinced me l that should have been as much fool
 had l remained to tag you about, beg | gfng for an interview. 1 wrote you
 letters. You returned them unopened.
 You have condemned me without a
 hearing. So be 1t. You may consider
 that kiss the farewell appearance so
 dear to the operatic heart" bitterly. He addressed most of this to the
 back of her head. for she was already
 walking toward the villa into which
 she disappeared with the proud air of | some queen of tragedy She was a
 capital actress.
 A heavy hand fell upon Court | landt's shoulder. He was irresistibly
 drawn right about face.
 Now. then. Mir Courtlandt," said
 Harrigan, his eyes blue and cold as | ice. perhaps you will explain?" 1 With rage and despair in his heart.
 Courtlandt flung off the hand and an- | swered: 'I refuse!"
 "Ah!" Harrigan stood of few steps
 and ran his glance critically up and
 down this man of whom he had
 thought to make a friend. You're a
 husky lad. There's one way out of
 this for you"
 50 long as 1t does not necessitate any explanations" indifferently. Tn the bottom of one of Nora's trunks is a set of my old gloves. There
 will not be anyone up at the tennis l court this time of day. If you are not | a mean cuss, If you are not an ordinary low down imitation of a man. you'll
 meet me up there inside of five min
 me for ten minutes, you need not
 make any explanations. On the other hand, you'll hike out of here as fast
 as boats and trains can take you. And
 never come back"
 'I am nearly twenty years younger
 than you. MT. Harrigan."
 "Oh, don't let that worry you any"
 with a truculent laugh.
 Very we'll You will find me there After all, you are her father" You bet l am!"
 Harrigan stole into his daughters
 room and soundlessly bored into the
 bottom of the trunk that contained the
 relics of past glory. AS he pulled them forth, folded oblong strip of parch
 ment came out with them and fiut
 tered to the floor; but he was too
 busily engaged to notice 1t. nor would
 he have bothered If he had. The bot tom of the trunk was filtered with old letters and programs and operatic scores. He wrapped the gloves in a newspaper and got away without be- ing seen. He was as happy as boy