Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-07-12


Didn't you ask her to give him good time, my
dear?"
That's no reason why she should throw herself at
his head this way. can't let her carry with him.
He'll think she's in earnest-what does he know about
4 firtaton?'
Better keep hands off, Connie
well, Mary Chapin's old enough to know better.
Twenty-four last April only few years younger than
l am-and few years don't count, at our ages.
THEY apsed into silence, Curtis gradually falling into
a doze, from which he awakened long afterward,
when his wife suddenly stood up.
"Where you going?' he asked sleepily.
ITO look for Cousin Bert. It's getting late
"Oh do let him have good time for in his life
Curtis urged grinning cheerfuly in the darkness.
She did not trouble respond and he walked out to
the road with her. 1t quarter of mile farther
when they upon their guests, side by side upon
large fiat rock Miss Chaplin weaving wreath of
wild flowers round the crown of Harmons straw hat,
which rested in her lap
One glance of Constance's farseeing eyes revealed
all this also the fact that Cousin Bert still held large
bunch of flowers which he carefully handing to
Miss Chaplin, blossom by blossom.
Curtss masculine conscience srnote him. and he
whispered protest. @Say Connie, let's go back l
haven't the heart to break in on 'em!'
"Too late now that Spartan matron replied, with
fire in her eye. Besides, they've seen u.s."
ats dashed mean, that's what it isl he growled.
Miss Chaplin looked up with merry gesture Of well
@Come along you old married folks!' she cried.
Lets all be young together this gorgeous night
"Give her your hat, Curtis Harmon urged, so she
make you crown or aureole or something too.
Look at mine!7 He held it up for them to admire.
@Didnt bring with me. Just stepped over from
the house because Connie thought you might like
round of bridge"
@What! At this hour?" Miss Chaplin lightly sprang
from her rocky seat to the road. aWhy, it must be
nearly midnight
Don't believe it," Harmon protested.
He tossed his remaining flowers high in the air. and
they showering down their steps turned
toward home.
HARMON awoke next morning, to find rain falling,
IL and it came down intervals all day long. But
just before sunset the clouds broke away, and
afterward a big automobile of racing type swung
through the open gate and charged up the driveway
toward the farmhouse. 1t thckly despatched with
mud, the cap and coat of the in it. He had
evidently had long, hard run; but he stopped the
he sprang out lightly and came up the veranda
steps, removing cap and goggles.
@My apologies, Mrs. Curtis. for descending upon you
without giving due notice!" he exclaimed gaily
Constance went quickly toward him. Bromley Liv
ingston, of all people!' she cried.
AThe same, Ma'am, at your service he laughed.
Hello Jack!'
Hello, Brom! Glad to see you. old man."
Curtis introduced him to Harmon
Then the newcomer spied Miss Chaplin, and stepped
her,-a fine looking young fellow, tall, broad of
shoulder, deep of chest.
didn't expect me here, did you?' he laughed hold
ing her hand trife longer than Harmon thought was
really in good taste
mo l didn't she admitted
"Thats all right, Bronl, said Curtis "Were always
glad to have you blow in
Indeed are!' Constance echoed feelingly. "Do
sit down-tea will be served soon. How did you happen
to get around to this part of the country?'
"Yes' Curtis assented. ave thought you slav-
ing young heart those Pittsburgh steel mills
Co until Th11rcc yrher 1aara tr,ir