The Spectator., 1915-01-22
CHAPTER xIX-Continued.


 queen of Sheba. Instantly she was surrounded by an admiring, clamoring, teasing group
 Am the first?" asked the lady.
 No, indeed" said Bell comforting ly. with as much inanity as the ques- tion required. And then, just as the situation was becoming unbearably stupid, as such moments at the begin ming of a party always are, the door opened to an Apache, full-painted for war. A wild whoop went up at once, and before it had subsided. the crowd noisy, gorgeous or humorous, filling the dim studio with a dream-like thrOng, alive with movement, fraught with the delightful mystery of fla miliar friends in disguise
 The air was full of chatter. of laughter. of delighted screams of recognition. Good Lord. it's Bill! Look what Bill has on! Have you seen Mazie's tights.!! Kitty has on a blonde wig!-yes, 1t Is Ken Harris! We'll! look at MT De Bush, will you! Hello, Pell. old boy. feel as great a corner where the musicians sat, came an ungodly squeaking and scraping. The perfume of burning incense, of hewitt cigarettes, of heavy cosmetics and camphor, hung in the atmosphere. The hungry violinist readjusted his n nal lr rnh tnf nd cd a there was a blast of melody, madden ing. enticing. and the crowd in the center of the room began to move rhythmically. The guests continued to pour in.
 Among these came Leigh, clad in carrying an ax. his coat thrown over his arm, this costume having been created to emulate the personal ap- pearance of the great American for whom he had been named.
 After quick word of greeting to menta into a corner, and began to search among the crowd for the face that had haunted him necessarily the IS hours past. But although many smiled at him, and beckoned him to join them, he shook his head in re fusal, and continued to look for Pedro
 But Pedro was nowhere to be found and instead. in & small room opening on to the balcony. he came upon Iris who, seated upon a divan, was en' gagged in warding of the eager atten' tions of Pell. who was determined that she should dance with him.
 Hello, Iris!" said Leigh. coming up and at once perceiving that she wished to be rid of the young re porter Hello. Pell get out of this will you? I've something particular want to tell Miss Vanderpool.'
 You brigand!" retorted Pell. ma king a wry face. what right have you boarding my ship this way? However despite my newspaper instinct. shall withdraw from ear-shot. But fl you see a paragraph or two about yourselves. don't be surprised!"
 With which witicism he was of.
 Fresh cub" muttered Leigh. Then to Iris. May l sit down. or would you rather be left alone?"
 mo. that is. yes!" said Iris con fusedly. Do sit here beside me please. r.. feel rather unhappy to night. and that boy bothered me, What is 1t that you have to tell me?'
 Absolutely nothing" said Leigh, sinking down beside her. it was only ruse. But I'll try and think uI something if you like"
 Don't trouble!" replied Iris with a little laugh.
 'Perhaps-that is, if you like to, you know-will you tell me something" Leigh responded
 That depends" said Iris, batting the shimmering skirt of her costume That depends on the nature of the question"
 'I have no question to put" he told her. Tt is only that can see you are unhappy. and there must be reason for it. Now, If you told me that req son. the telling might help you to dis cery it's real significance"
 You say such odd things" she re piled. "and such true ones! In most cases your receipt might work. but in this one, 1t won't. You see. my chief trouble is that l have made an awful fool of myself. and talking about 1t would only make me more fool than ever"
 Mot necessarily" he responded For instance, you might have been misled in the first place. You are scarcely responsible for that. and all your foolishness might bs subsequent and dependent upon such misleading or deception"
 That's 1t exactly!" cried Iris. "Oh Nr. Leigh, do you think 1t would be very terrible if were to tell you something-something that involved . third person. I mean? It would ease my mind 60. and l must have ad vice! My father has gone on some where, and there is no one else. Dc you think might!"