The Dolores star., 1917-11-23
CHAPTER vl,'-cont,nued.

CHAPTER vIii-continued
--
The lights were lowered a few min
ates later, and John paid the bill.
"We've enjoyed our supper" Louise
whispered. as they passed down the
room. ''The whole evening has been
delightful"
As they drove from Luigi's to
Knightsbridge, Louise leaned back in
her corner. Although her eyes were
only half closed, there was an air Of
aloofness about her. an obvious lack Of
desire for conversation, which the 9TH
ers found themselves instinctively re-
specting. Even Sophy's light-hearted
chatter seemed to have deserted her,
somewhat to Johns relief.
They were in the very vortex Of
London's midnight traffic. The night
was warm for the time Of year. and
about Leicester square and beyond the
pavements were crowded with pedes-
trims. the women lightly and gayly
clad. fitting. Notwithstanding soIae sim
lister note about their movements, like
butterflies or bright-hued moths along
the pavements and across the streets.
The procession OF taxicabs and auto
mobiles, each with its human freight
Of men and women in evening dress on
their way home utter an evenings
pleasure. seemed endless.
Presently sophy began to talk, and
Louise, too reused herself.
Tam only Just beginning to realize" /"
the latter said. "that you are actually
In London"
when I leave you." he replied. II.
too, shall find It hard to believe that
We have actually met again and talked.
There seems to be 20 much that / have
% say" he added. looking at her close
", ~and have said nothing"
there 10 plenty Of time." she told
aim. and once moro the signs Of that
elight nerv0uzness were apparent In
Aer manner. There are weeks and
Donths ahead OF us."
~when shall I ses you againf'' he
Hsked.
"Whenever you nike. There are no re-
Aearsals for q day or two. Ring me up
On the telephone-you will flnd my
number In the b0ok-or come and lunch
With me tomorrow. II you like"
Thank you" he answered; shat Is
just what 1 should like. At what timer
"Half past one. will not ask either
OF you to come in now. You can CONT
down tomorrow morning and get the
books, Sophy. I think I am tired
tired.. abe added, with a curious little
note Of self-pity In her tone. II am
very glad to have seen you again, Mr..
0trangewey." she said. lifting her eyes
10 his. 'Good night"
He helped her out. rang the bell. and
watched her vanish through the swift
" opened door. Then he stepped back
into the taxicab. Sophy retreatee into
the corner to make room for him.
"You are going to take me home, are
you not1" she asked.
aOf course" he replied, his eyes still
fixed with a shade Of regret upon the
j closed door Of Louise's little house.
'No. 10 Southampton street." he told
the driver.
They turned round and spun once
more into the network Of moving We
hicies and streaming pedestrians. John
W0H 81iGuG1 uuu CUulPuuAVAs AVA q
little while, humored him. Soon, how
ever, she touched him on the arm. A
queer gravity had come into her dainty
little face.
"Are you really In love with Lou
isef' she inquired, with something Of
his own dlrectness.
He answered her with perfect seri-
ousness.
'I believe So" he admitted, "but !
should not like to say that I am abso-
lutely certain. I have come here to
nnd out"
sophy suddenly rocked with laugh
ter.
.-You are the dearest, queerest mad
man have ever met !" she exclaimed,
holding tightly to his arm. sYou sit
there with face ~ long AZ fiddle,
wondering whether y0u are in love
wfth q giri or noti Well. am not 60
ing 10 ask y0u anything more. Tell me,
are you tiredf.
.4lot . blt." he declared. II never
md such ripping evening In my life.
she held his arm Q little tighter. She
vas he Old Sophy again. full Of life
and Eayety.
LET'S 20 to the Aldwych." ." ne sug'
Ss~sad .~nd - ~ daaeing. We car