Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-09-13

dued her impotence, assented with murmur, and
preceded her hostess up the staircase.
am really delighted to know you, Miss Craven.
Yesstraight ahead if you please But do need more
light to you by
Entering the designated room, Mrs. Ensworthy
touched a wall switch, adding the illumination of an
electroer the subdued glow of the reading lamp
DESK and paused to review the girl with her kindly and
engaging glance.
give known your father for many years" she affirmed
nodding; aand you've much of his CHARM my dear,
though you don't resemble him in the least-rather,
fancy, your mother
3You knew my mother?" Lydia asked eagerly.
mo Won't you sit down? No; Tad Craven has
always been confirmed bachelor in everybody's es-
TEEN since I've known him. Is it true he means to
marry agan?'
Eyes, said Lydia; and opening her wrist bag pro-
duced Cravens note.
@No-please don't rise, interrupted Mrs. E1sworthy
crossing to her. 3Mr Craven mentioned this the
wire. Pardon"
Taking chair beside the reading lamp, she opened
and scanned the message with careless interest nod
confirmed evident foreknowledge of its contents Fold
ing the note abstractedly Mrs Esworthy seemed Tor
some moments preoccupied
But Peter Trait had claims not long to be dsre-
garded and presently Lydia stirred restlessy with
nqung look ready for the eyes that her hostess lifted
from the carpet
you've met ths-ah-Mrs. Merrilees, no doubt?"
Mrs. Ellsworthy quered unexpectedly. as she then
such beauty they say?'
@She's very beautiful, Lydia returned, 3and I'm
very fond of her. But, if you don't mind, Mrs. Els
worthy, l have another appointment; in fact, with
Mrs. Merrilees and my father
ooh, beg your pardon, my dear" Mrs. Ellsworthy
assumed a convincing look of contrton. $50 thought
less of me. 1 quite forgot to tell you: Mr.. Craven
wants you to wait for him here, rather than keep the
appointment at the Margrave'
The Margrave again!
aThe Plaza" Lydia corrected absently; then in
breath remembered. 3I'm sorry" she said, rising,
3but can't wait. If Daddy's coming here, he'll get
the answer from you personally; there's no need,
here Mrs E1lsworthy in her turn 3And-I left
friend waiting in the taxi
"a friend?"
1t was none of Mrs Ellsworthy's affair, but quite
automatically Lydia answered. aMr. Trait"
4But really hadn't you better waltz I'm sure Mr.
Craven won't be long now
Mrs. Ellsworthy moving slowly toward the door,
if she didn't really expect her objection to avail,
effect heightened by her manner, which continued to
be perfect, lacking anything but gracious interest.
Lydia, however, quite settled in her determine
ton to wait longer Craven could lose nothing by
being obliged to follow her the Plaza; and anyway,
in all fairness she owed his wishes little consideration,
he who little enough considerate of her,-and
below in the taxi all earthly happiness waited.
am sorry she repeated mechanically. you're
very kind; but really don't think"
At this point she was interrupted by shrll tongued
electric bell downstairs. Mrs. Elsworthy started
nervously eyed the girl ugitively with what seemed
trace of doubt and darted toward the door,
3The telephone!" she said indistinctly. Forgive
if II
Her hand caught the knob if thoughtessly; but
the slam of the door cut short her words ephatcay
enough to have wakened her appreciation, had her
act been really thoughtless.
For instant Lydia paused in ariiazement The
thing was incredible, preposterous, outrageous!
None the less the door remained obdurately shut,
mutely testfying that the incredible was accom-
pfshed fact.
WITH little cry of indignation the girl tried the