The evening world., 1914-09-15
a.

wrap streaming from her shoulders.
A man followed. but at the time Joan
hardly noticed him. The woman alb
sorbed all her interest. even though
II waa an interest compounded Of
jealousy and hostility. She was I'M
questionably the loveliest creature
Joan had ever seen. without NOV
ing. but staring, the girl sat trans
fixed with distrust and poignant envy.
with q cry OF wonder-"venetiai"
Helena ran to greet these unprs-
saged guests.
Meeting, tho two women INDUCED
In an embrace almost thcatrically
perfunctory.. Tho commonplace of
such situations were breathlcssiy ex-
changed. Then Helena, dlscnGaging.
turned to the man and extended q
hand.
well. Mr.. Marbridgs {"
she cried with q light note Of semi
reproof In her laughter.
At this. with a Frightening smile.
NArbridge bent over her hand. say
ing something indistinguishable to
Joan.
She was watching the meeting be-
tween Matthias and vcneta Mar
bridge.
He held both her hands. and she
permitted him to retain them for .
longer moment OF silent greeting than
Joan tho ught necessary. but this cir
eumstance alone betrayed whatever
constraint was felt by either. A
smile. vague and perhaps not lacking
q thought Of tender sadness. touched
the lips and eyes Of venetia. Matthias
returned his twisted and indefinitely
apologetic grin.
more than ever charming. We
nstia!"
THANK you. Jack"
II there were any hint Of challenge
In her tone or her straightforward
eyes John didn't detect II.
George Tankerville suNmitted with
open resignation to the embrace OF
his sister.
81 suppose rvc got to stand for
this" he observed with philosophy.
do you mean mo to infer that you're
humble and contritsf"
mot In tho least" venstia ~
torted dedantly.
"oh, very WE'LL" said he. That
being the case. I extend to you my
bs,atsd blessing"
vsnetia became openly aware OF
Joan. Matthias interposed.
''Miss Thursday-my nancee. Joan.
this 10 Mrs. Msrbridss."
"TruiyT'
Tho shock told: she had been play
ing off very dcftiy q painful contre-
temps, but this announcement
dashed vsnstia. Momentariiy she
hssitatsd. scarlet lips apart but In
articuiats. widening eyes Of violet
. shade darker. with-if possible-s
pailor deeper even than that most
striking attribute Of her beauty. But
the check could have boon apparent
only 10 the initiate or to strongly
intuitivs intelligence.
II am 20 glad" she cried with
sincsrity-"so glad for both Of you!"
Impulsively she caught Joan's hands.
drew tho girl to her-"May I, my
dearf We're to bs great friends. you
know!"-kissed her: then swinging
round--"Vincent!" abe called gaily.
"Such nswsl Do come here imms-
diatsly!"
Marbridss showed . face strongly
marked with tho inquiry Of bis
heavy. lifting eyebrows. His glance
comprehsndsd Joan with kidding
interest. With Helena he approach
cd. his heavy body rolling q little
in spite Of the elasticity Of his stride.
my husband, Vincent Marbridgs.
Vincent. this In Joan Thursday. She's
engaged TO Jack Matthias. Isn't II
wonderful? And aren't they both
fortunate? And Isn't she prettyf"
Marbridge's unctuous and intimate
smile accompanied his reply: "Yes
to all--twics yes to your last Ques-
ton" His warm strong hand closed
over Joan's dimdent fingers. my
heartiest congratulations to you
BOTH"
And for the rest OF his brief call,
no openly monopolized Joan.
Suddenly Joan saw tho face Of
Venetia, set and hard. with u scoru-
full lip for her husband. Shifting to
view tho object OF his admiration, It
showed no change Of expression. Her
voice cut incisively through his lazy.
drawlins accents.
This Ii quite impossible" she said
coolly. consulting a Jeweiied waSsh on
her slender. gloved wrist. III we stay
another instant we shall be unfor-
givably late. But" to Helena -
thank you so much. dear. for want
Ing Us 10 stop. Vincent, am
going"
She moved slowly toward tho house.
Marbridgo kept his seat.
NONSENSE" he expostuiated. "Plen-
ty OF time. Teas Just coming. And
I'm dying tho death OF = dog with
thirst"
u am going" Venetia repeated In