The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-10-21


A new Athenteum restaurant Just
as the tall porter In dark green
and gold lace was giving his services
20 a lady who was alighting from the
motor In front OF him. Her face was
10 striking that for a few seconds he
forgot that he was stiffly and me-
chanicaiiy holding up a letter designed
for delivery to the magnificent porter
for luncheon guest. It was not only
her beauty which Christopher found
arrestinE.
"That girl can't be more than twenty
four. II she's that: yet the whole history
OF the world seems looking out Of her
eyes--anyhow. all the art. and music,
and drama of the world" was the cur
ious thought that tumbled into his head.
Two men standing in the doorway
seemed equally interested In the sirl.
One of the men. an elderly major. friend
of his rich uncle, he knew slightly. the
other, who was young. exceedingly well
dressed, and 80 good-looking as to- De
almost picturesque. had pale olive fea-
lures which seemed vaguely familiar 10
Christopher.
Yes. sir: you called me, think. sir7'
It was the voice of the green and gold
porter. He had handed the lady out OF
the motor car; the motor car was gid
ing away; the major was shaking
hands with the picturesque young
man.
"oh-er-yes," Christopher answered
the giant briskly. He thought that he
would not be sorry to escape broad
side from the retired officer. Il want
to leave this letter for Lord Arrowdale.
He's at lunch here. 1 believe. and Will
be inquiring for q letter.
VERY good, SIR" said the porter. and
took the envelope. But he was not
quick enough to save Christopher from
the major, who came forward ana saio
all the things that Christopher had
The young man answered civilly. and
even explained without petulance his
mention OF Lord Arrowdale's name
which the elderly gossip had caught.
mo, 1 don't know him; never met him
in my iife. Promised to leave note
here making an appointment.
As he talked on, from the tall OF
his eye he watched the progress OF
the lady. She had n,S been mss IN xou tine
man, and they were speaking togeth,
eagerness. II It had not seemed too
ridiculously coneeited TO- fancy s SS =
the idea that he was the subject OF
their conversation.
well. ia, ia. Next time I write old
Jamey I'll tell him his nephew,s look;
sidled off without a backward glance.
As he did so, before Christopher
could guide Scarlet Runner away. the
picturesque young man had left the
girl standing In the door and hurried
AZ beg your pardon. but may 1 speak
to your he explained.
Christopher paused. a foot on the
ready Tor Scarlet Runners place. or
must slip in ahead.
what l want Is to ask II you viii
lunch with u.s." the stranger rushed
, on. by way Of holding the motorists
Lunch with ,you?" echoed Christie
pher astonishsd. You mistake me for
someone else-
mo, mo-" said the other. Major
like aventures?i You are invited TO
arrange one"
That caught Christopher. as it was 4.
%fsn se TO- AnS eT pssr Ss he SU noun Se Of
the lady, hoping to be with her as
well. "lll get out of the way aere,
drive my bar t9. the garage close by
and come back"
Without failr'
without fail"
Five minutes later Christopher re-
turned, walking so rapidly round the
corner that he took his host and
standing in the wide doorway Of the
fashionable new restaurant. and had
not expected him back so soon. for
they were deep in conversation.
close upon them that she looked up
and saw him. with q start of SUR
prise, evidently not wholly agreeable
though she half-smiled civilly. The
turned 10 welcome his guest with an
impulsive air which was rather en-
Kaging. Yes. certainly. he was ex-
tremeiy good-looking. Christpher
for an Engiishfhan to be so pictur-
ssque in ordinary frock-coat and silk
hat; yet this man was English. You'll
think I'm mad" he said smiling. But
even that's better, than to be COM
.Assurediy." said CHRISTOPHER.
II thought you'd be OF that opinion
You know my name?"
Of your splendid car. IT'S the same al
an introduction And now I will intro
duce myself Ny name Is PonsoDb!
Fitzgerald; and II someone else wer'
introda ring me, he'd probably tell 70,
way as other people"
Ponsonby Fitzgerald The younI
mans handsome face and figure appear
cd upon its own background now. HI
had written a queer novel. which made
sensation on the strength of its queer
ness and out of the novel he had woveI
a play which owed its success TO tn
same quality. People knew him an,
talked of him still, though he had no
since written another novel or anothe
play There were things about him Il
the papers sometimes. He went to coun
try houses. and was said to be entertain
ing.
They went in to luncheon. Mr.. Fitz
gerald had engaged table which wa
laid with two covers, but In an instan
II was rearranged for three. And noN
for business" exclaimed Fitzgerald 4
his lively, enthusiastic way. which mad
him seem very boyish. though his year
might have been twenty-nine or thirty
"Miss Dauvray, and have an importaI
Job on for the last day OF March--ol
rather, Il will be the first Of April b
the time It's found out wherein will II
the Joke. And we're going to propos
that you shall be the Co. In our part
nership," ,..
The Southern girl neither assented no
protested, though Fitzgerald challenge
her with his great. daring black eye
st2 trlfied with bunch q vio'cts b.