The Green Forest tribune., 1915-12-17
There's little surprise out here tor


 Van Ploon, had come clattering in as an escort for Mrs. Davies, whose pet fad was to have as many young people as possible bring her home from any place.
 Where's the baby?" demanded handsome Dick Dodley, heading for the stairs.
 Silly, you mustn't" cried Lucille, and started after him. Flakes should be asleep at this hour.'
 T came 1n for the sole purpose of teaching Flakes the turkey trot." de- clared handsome Dick, and ran away. followed by Lucille.
 "Lucile's becoming passe," criti. cized Ted. She's flirting with Rodney for the second time."
 Gan you blame herr" defended Arly Fosland. She was sitting in the deep corner of her favorite couch, nursing a slender ankle. and even her shining black hair, to say nothing of her shin- ing black eyes, seemed to be snapping with wicked delight.
 Lucille and handsome Dick came struggling down the stairway with Flakes betwen them, and Gail sprang instantly to take the bewildered puppy from them both. Little blonde Lucille gave up her interest to the prior right but Rodley pretended to be obstinate into Calls, as he stood bending above her, and his smile, to Towards con- centrated gaze. had in it that danger ous fascination which few women could resist! Gail was positively smil- ing up into his eyes!
 "Tableau!" called Ted. "All ready for the next reel"
 Hold it while" begged Arly, and even Rev, Smith Boyd was forced to admit that the picture was handsome enough to be retained. The Adonis-like Dick, with his black hair and black eyes, his curly black mus tache and his black goatee, his pink cheeks and his white teeth; Gail, gracefully erect, her head thrown back, her brown hair waving and her fluffy white Flakes between them; it was painfully beautiful.
 Children. go home," suddenly com manded Mrs. Davies. Dick. put the dog back where you found it."
 q suppose we'll have to go home. " drawled Ted. Dick, put back that dog"
 Put away the dog, Dick" ordered the heavier voice of young Van Ploon. Come along. Gail. I'll put him away"
 At his approach, Dick placed the puppy, with great care, in Calls charge, and took her arm. Van Ploon took her other arm, and together the trio, laughing, went away to return Flakes to his bed. They clung to her most affectionately, bending over her on either side; and they called her Gail!
 The others were ready to go whes- they returned from tfe collie nursery, and the three young men stood for a moment in row near the door. Gail looked them over with puzzled ex- pression. What was there about them which was so attractive? Was 1t poise, sureness, polish, breeding, experience, insolence, grooming-what? Even the stiff Van Ploon seemed smooth of bearing tonight!
 They still were standing in the hall. and the front door opened.
 Brought you a prodigal," hailed Uncle Jim, slipping his latchkey in his pocket as he held the door open for the prodigal in question.
 Gail was watching the doorway. Someone outside was vigorously stamping his feet The prodigal came in, and proved to be Allison, buoyant of step, sparkling of eye, firm of jaw, and ruddy from the night wind. Smil- ing with the sureness of welcome, he came eagerly up to Gail, and took her hand, retaining it until she felt com pelled to withdraw it, recognizing again that thrill. The barest trace of flush came into her cheeks. and paled again.
 Gail changed her garments and let ] down her waving hair and, disdaining the help of her maid, performed all the little nightly duties, to the putting away of her clothing. Then, in per fectly neat and orderly boudoir, she sat down to take herself seriously in hand. There was a knock at the door and on invitation, the tall and stately Mrs Hele Davies came in, frilled and ruff fled for the night. She found the dainty, little guest boudoir in green tinted dimness. Gail had turned down all the lights in the room except the green lamps under the canopy. aud she sat on the divan, with her brown hair ripping about her shoulders, her knees clasped in her arms, and her dainty little boudoir slippers peeping from her flowing pink negligee, while the dim green light, suited to her pres ent reflections, only enhanced the clear pink of her complexion. Mrs. Davies moved over to the other side of Gall. where she could surround her. and lald the brown head on her shoulder. Gall, whose quick intelligence no u,nvoyoont escanad lav comfortably on