The Spectator., 1915-12-31

Jonas stared at her as if she were | raving. You don't know what you're | talkin' about! Don't you realize If you marry me you'll get four million dol lars? Lord, any other gal would just jump at the chance to have the spendin' O that money"
 Let 'em jump!" said Flodie. That's my advice, MT. Hassingbury; you take a good jumper. And I want to give you a tip" She went up to him and took him confidentially by the lapel of his coat. There will be three women here tonight, and all of 'em can jump like grasshoppers. Once they find out you have money, and they'll jump at the chance, you see! They'll jump all over you!"
 Before the astonished Jonas could reply, Alfred opened the door to a lady gorgeously arrayed in blue. Flodie gave one look at her, then whispered; There's the first one of 'em now! Miss Gale" Then she stepped for ward, sniffing frangipani scornfully, and welcomed Rosamund.
 An elaborate, painstaking picture Of feminine frippery was Rosamund Gale. She came in as if making a stage en- trance Something was to happen to- night. Rosamund was on the war path.
 She barely acknowledged Flodie's greeting, or Jonas presence, but cast hasty anxious glance about; then, seeing no women. seemed to breathe freer. Where's Hall?" she asked al most immediately.
 "Oh, somewhere about. In with the musicians probably" Flodie turned to Jonas. MT. Hassingbury, Miss Gale!"
 Jonas bent over her Why, now, they's lot O Gales down to Branford, where live. I wonder if you"
 Tell Hall to hurry please!" cried Rosamund to Flodie. Flodie started of, smiling, but Rosamund caught at her arm and held her. Wait a min ute, though! Miss Fisher, listen! Has nything-anything important happened?"
 What d'you mean?'
 "Oh, mean-well, nothing exciting, has it?"
 Flodie reflected Why, I'm afraid Alfred has spilled some salad on his new dress suit. Miss Gale if that's what you mean?"
 RoSamund did not condescend to an | swer. She left haughtily and passed hurredly into the dressing room and l divested herself of her wraps. Jonas had but time to remark to Flodie, So she's one of 'em, is she? Pretty gal, by jiminy!" when she was out again. and without noticing them, had gone to the door of the reception room, and looked in, scowling.
 Here, the rugs were all up and the floor waxed for dancing. Three mu- sicians were scraping and tuning their instruments Hall Bonistelle was in a corner, arranging vase of flowers Rosamund darted in and swam up to him. No scowl now; she was differ ent creature, smiling, radiant, angelic, sailing on an air of gladness. She seized Halls hand excitedly
 "Oh, Hall," she exclaimed dramatic ally, mas perfectly delighted! It's all right, and you needn't worry a moment longer! Aren't you glad?" She hung on him fondly as if she ex- pected him to embrace her.
 Hall had turned white. Rosamunds s l beauty had instantly disarmed him He could no more have said the brutal things he had contemplated than he could have struck a child. Weakly, he procrastinated. fumbling her hand "Really?" he managed to say. love! | That's fine!"
 Well. why don't you kiss me, Hall?" Rosamund's eyes were on the door watching anxiously for Interruptions. Flodie gazed in.
 Hall looked over his shoulder, em- barrassed "Oh, these musicians-I don't want them to-say, wait till we can be alone!"
 | She stared at him in annoyed sur prise, then gave another irritated glance at the door. The sound of womens voices goaded her on. Non sense! Why, intend to announce our engagement immediately" | Q, "Oh, no, that won't do at all, Rosa mund, really We'll have to wait lit tie while-not tonight, anyway!"
 Why, that's half the fun of being engaged-talking about it." Then. after another quick look toward the office. she gazed up at him and pressed his hand. We are engaged, aren't me, Hall?"
 "Oh, yes-certainly! Only"
 Rosamund had an instant of triumph and relief. It was all right. then She tossed her head as if in secret revolt; she would have her own way. see if she didn't! Well" she said coldly, "TIl wait while, if you insist. Only, should think you might look happier about it. You act so funny!"
 He was saved from having to reply by Jonas Hassingbury. who, glimpsing the encounter. and impelled by Flodie, had plunged boldly forward to the res