The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-08-27

to have met you all! only say that you
have done good piece of business, not only for
the young lady but for yourselvcs!"
He bowed himself out, and a moment later,
Carson Grant and Mona also took their departure,
the Professor accompanying them to the elevator,
and waving his hand genially to them they
descended. From the inner room Mary had heard
the entire interview and smiled delightedly to
herself she the progress which was being
made. She was on the point of opening the door,
and stepping into Herrman's Office when the hall
door was pushed open, and Mona stepped in
breathlessy. Herman at his desk turned in sur
prise, as Mona made her way to his side, and
slipped note into his hand Her face was
flushed and she was breathing quickly.
Il want to get better acquainted with you !"
she confded, looking up into his face with
glance that melted any suspicious which Herman
might have entertained Cant you call? l have
written down my address for you. l lone
some by myself in this big city that would love
to have you come and see me-"
of course I'll come-with pleasure!" prom
ised Herman, beaming
But don't let Miss Roberts know 7 have
asked you," said Mona hurriedly, calling Mary by
the name under which the other had registered.
She is little cat when she sees that men prefer
me to her. And you do. don't you?"
Inc Professors smile deepened. "0f course I
do! How could think otherwise"
Mona flashed him answering smile, and
the door was just closing behind her when Mary
entered the Office from the adjoining room With
held out her hand
Give me that note?" she demanded
What note?" evaded Herman uneasily, try
ing to hide it behind his back
The note that brazen hussy gave YOU! She
can't put anything like that over on me 81
Herman held ont the note grudginglyf and
Mary snatched it away, her eyes flashing
Il thought that you were my friend :" she
said cuttingy
II ann protested Herman.
turned Jelly
"of course, I shall. my DEAR Herman
looked properly crestfalIen, and humble Mary
looked at him. opened her lips as though to speak
again, and then. without another word, stepped
INTO the hall. slanmng the door behind her.
Mary had hardly reioined Mona IN their fat
when the telephone shriled abruptly Mona
stepped to the instrument, laughing
VINO wants to wager that it isn't Hermann"
She took down the receiver, and motioned Mary
and Winnie Andrews to come closer
How you, Professor" she called sweetlv,
1T IS so good Of YOU to remember me so soon 7
What is that? VIII be at home this evening?
or course! Yes, indeed, I shall be glad to see
YOU"
She hung back the receiver and burst into
paroXYsm of merrimeut
He will be here at eight. You will have to
leave the coast clear, Mary. Let me see-you
gave him your address, didn't you?"
Il told him | lived in the suburbs But
dcar?'
I will guarantee TO arrange as pretty a tabIeau
you saw :"
The girls hurried through their dinner, and
Mary and Winnie Andrews made their way to the
street TO watch for the coming of Herman while
Mona proceeded to make elaborate toilet for
the event. The Professor was on time and flushed
with peausre and conceit at the warmth of
Mona greeting. The girl told him demurely that
her aunt was calling friends. and that they
were alone. She was adept in the arts of the
coquette, and aided by soft candle lights and the
sentimental music which the Professor was
drumming out OF the piano, it not long before
herman showed that his conquest complete.
he was bending her on a corner divan
when the hall door opened softly. and Mary burst
INTO the room, with exaggerated cry of well
come to Mona. Then she paused as she recognized
herman. The Professor stepped forward hastily
holding out his hand to her tenderly but she
ignored it,
Il did not know that you had company, Miss
GORDON she said Jelly. II bid you good night !"
With her head held high and her eyes fash
ing, She strobe from the ROOM leaving the dis
comtited Professor staring after her stupidity In
the corridor outside, she seized Winnie Andrews
arm and hurried to the street
Il want taxi-cab quick The Professor will
naturally think that L have gone to his Office to
wait for him, and have accounting of his ac-
tlons-and he will follow me there soon as he
can get away! You tell Mona where have gone
and tell her will phone her."
She sprang into a machine, waiting at the
corner and waved her hand jaunty. If her cal
cnatlons were correct, she daring way by
which she could force issues that very night
Mary made her way to the rooms of the Vocal
Academy, which she knew were kept open until
ten o'clock and let herself into Herrman's private
office She did not have long to wait. In less than
half an hour she heard step outside, and the
door opened to admit the Professor
IL had hoped you would be here, my dear
young friend! / have come to explain to Won
certain things, which I fear may have deceived
you'll"
There is need of explanations I" said
Mary curtly. rising IT wasn't born Yesterday
although l may appear innocent to you! have
decided that this affair has gone quite far
enough / was only waiting for you to come so
that l could tell you to your face! I am going