Evening star., 1915-02-07
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR FEBRUARY Z. 1915

quite the biggest thing of its that has been
tempted. We do want the Imperial to be well repre-
sented. Lord Lakenham is giving all supper, and
has taken the best box in the place. He doesn't
to care what he does so long as you come
1T gives pleasure to go to that sort of thing
Syb replied Il sorry, but that is really the truth.
l wrote and told Lord Lakenham this morning"
"It's for charity Mrs. Levenden persisted.
Sybil smiled "Most of these things are. If a SUBJ
scription-'
Mrs. Levenden made face at her. Bother your
subscriptions You know very well that is not what
want. Now be dear girl and change your mind
just for my sake and Harry's,' she added.
"Where is the supper to be?" Sybi asked.
"At the Milan Lord Lakenham has taken the great
center table there and is going to have wonderful
decorations. He has invited every of the company
Harry and myself and few theatrical people
Syb1 sighed. "Dear Mrs. Levenden," she begged,
@please don't bother about 1 really shan't be
missed in all that company
wont you?7 Mrs. Levenden answered gloomiv
ats just to get you there that young Lakenham has
been making all this fuss
Il have already written to him that cannot COME
Sybil reminded her.
@Of course you have" Mrs Levenden agreed. isn't
that why I am here? 1 never saw anyone so disap-
pointed in all my life. You did give him half promise,
you know"
Il didn't know that it going to be big affair like
this" Sybil protested. "I hadn't any idea"
She stopped short, the interruption that came was
sudden and SO altogether unexpected The door of
the room had been quietly opened unheard by either of
them. Sybs maid announcing visitor
LADY Annerley!"
LUCILLE had entirely the air of casual caller. She
shook hands with Sybil, and had establshedherself in
easy chair before either of the two had realized
exactly what was happening. Then Mrs. Levenden
completed her farewels in somewhat hurried fashion
"A can say Syb, is that hope you III think better
of it, she declared. Il shall perhaps you the
theater Harry wants me to come up, if can, and have
supper with some people. Goodby"
Mrs Levenden departed, leaving behind her a faint
atmosphere of patchoul and powder. Sybil, who had
walked with her visitor to the door, chiefly with the
object of gaining few seconds time, slowly back
Lucille waited until the door closed before she spoke
II imagine" she began, "that l am an unexpected
visitor"
Il did expect to see you here" Sybil admitted
without attempting to sit down, "now or at any time
1 cannot imagine why you have Do you mind
telling me?"
Il have come" Lucille replied, because want some
thing from you."
@You want something from me?" Sybi repeated
Lucille nodded. She leaned forward in her chair
She rather wonderfully dressed in white velvet
gown, and notwithstanding the somewhat advanced
spring she almost srnothered in ermine. Syb's
uncurtained without doubt trying for her,
The sunshine shone fully upon her pale face and thin
features Sybil conscious of little shock Though
her visitor still beautiful, there something
almost startling in the transparency of her skin the
briliance of her long, luminous eyes,
Il want my husband, Lucille said slowly.
"Your husband"
II suppose he is mine although stole him, Lucille
continued lightly unfastening her furs. ave can't go
against facts, can we? On paper won; in reality you
and both know that l lost"
Sybil was beginning to tremble Somehow other
she felt herself match for this sefpossessed deter
mined woman, who seemed to speak easily and with
out quiver her tone of this tragedy which lay
between them.