Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-08-30

body to buy the thing. He had the counter
felt all ready, of course
"But that's what l don't understand"
Simplest thing in the world. Chances
he found the copy ready made: to his hand.
Nine out of ten of these smart Frenchwomen,
like the original owner of the collar, have
their best pieces duplicated in paste for
public wear. Somehow or other he must
have got hold of that The only question
is, When did he make the substitution?
Betty swears it was the genuine article she
received, and it hasn't been out of her pos
session since, except while in the purser's
SAFE and when | brought it to her, up there
in the veranda cafe, day before yesterday.
Looks as if it was up to the purser-unless
you care to point the well known finger of
suspicion at me-or Peter"
"How absurd"
think so? Well, I'm glad you do, my
dear" His humor had softened. Drawing
near, he pinched her cheek affectionately.
mot that there's any reason for you to
worry. Only, if Betty still wants to play
Lady Bountiful at your wedding, she'll
have to disburse the price of another neck
lace
DADDY! AS if thought of that
Il Probably you don't, being yourself.
Still-you'll marry some day, and pearl col
lars don't grow on every Dough of orange
blossoms
am not thinking of being married."
Lydia murmured looking away.
ooh, | presume not-no more than the
next girl of your age! Nothing doing with
Peter Trait, eh?"
ooh, Daddy Don't be silly!'
Lydia met his gaze fairly and honestly,
laughter in her eyes, and Craven accepted
her disclaimer without question.
"Well, I'm sorry for Peter. He's good
boy-well off too. And he's mighty strong
for you. Mustn't let yourself be misled by
Peters reputation. Just because he's got
the name of gay young butterfly is no real
reason why he shouldn't be in dead earnest
this time"
q wish you wouldn't say such things
@Well-don't forget him, when you do
come to think of marrying. And" Craven
dismissed the subject airily, 3of course you
would be happier as mistress of your own
establishment han-Well-playing second
fiddle in mine"
Had he slapped her the girl could hardly
have suffered deeper pain and humiliation.
He wanted to be rid of her! That truth was
out at last. However kindly Craven's
primal impulse to deceive, the time had
come when he could or would no longer dis
semble.
She drew back sharply, her fading color
and finching eyes betraying the hurt he had
done her. But of this he seemed uncon-
scious. Once more completely his nom
chalant self of every day, he disappeared
momentarily into his bedroom, rafting keys
noisily as he addressed himself to his luggage.
HER thoughts worked swiftly. Since he
found her drag, she must cease to be
such at nstantly-tonight. Until
she could find some way to become self
supporting the hospitable doors of Mrs.
Beggarstaff's home offered haven where
Lydia felt sure of finding a welcome, sym
pathy, affection.
With brisk tread and cheerful coun-
tenance Craven returned to the sitting
room. Hello! What's troubling my girl?
Something on your mind eh?'
She eyed him gravely. 4Do you really
want me to marry Peter Traft?" she de-
manded.
@Why consult my desires? You'll do as
you please anyway-just as l did at your
age. It's good match, and if you find you
care enough for the .youngster,' he raised