The Jasper news., 1917-10-18

Under the soft glow of the electric
dome Mrs. Ellsworthy's smile and the
gracious inclination of her head that
invited Lydia anew to ascend the stair
way were alike quite irresistible. Lydia
found no excuse for refusing; SO sub
dued her impatience, assented with
murmHr, and preceded her hostess up
the staircase.
'Tm really delighted to know you,
Miss Craven. Yes-straight ahead, If
you please. But do need more light
to see you by"
Entering the designated room, Mrs.
Ellsworthy touched wall switch, add.
ing the illumination of an electrolier to
the subdued glow of the reading lamp
on desk, and paused to review the
girl with her kindly and engaging
glance.
i've known your father for many
years." she affirmed, nodding; "and
you've much of his charm, my dear,
though you don't resemble him in the
least-rather, fancy, your mother"
"You knew my mother2" Lydia asked
eagerly.
"No. Won't you sit down? No; Tad
! Craven has always been a confirmed
bachelor In everybody's esteem since
I've known him. Is 1t true he means to
marry again?"
"Yes," said Lydia; and opening her
wrist bag produced Craven's note.
"No-please don't rise," interrupted
Mrs. Ellsworthy, crossing to her. "Mr.
Craven mentioned this over the wire.
Pardon"
Taking a chair beside the reading
lamp, she opened and scanned the mes
sage with careless interest. A nod con-
firlned evident foreknowledge of its
contents. Folding the note abstracted-
ly Mrs. Ellsworthy seemed for some
moments preoccupied.
But Peter Trait had claims not long
to be dlsregarded, and presently Lydia
stirred restlessly, with an inquiring
look ready for the eyes that her hostess
then lifted from the carpet.
you've met this-ah-Mrs. Merri-
lees, no doubt?" Mrs. Ellsworthy
queried unexpectedly. "Is she then
such beauty as they say2"
"Shes very beautiful" Lydia re-
turned, "and I'm very fond of her. But,
If you don't mind, Mrs. Ellsworthy,
have another appointment; in fact,
with Mrs. Merrllees and my father"
"Oh, beg your pardon, my DEAR"
Mrs. Ellsworthy assumed convincing
look of contrition. $50 thoughtless of
me. quite forgot to tell you: Mr..
Craven wants you to wait for him here,
rather than. keep the appointment ut
the Margrave."
The Margrave again
1.-THE Plaza" Lydia corrected absent
ly; then in a breath remembered. I'm
sorry" she said, rising, "but can't
wait. If daddy's coming here, he'll
get the answer from you personally
so there's no need" here Mrs. Ellswor-
thy rose in her turn. "And-I left q
friend waiting In the taxi"
"a friend?"
1t was none of Mrs. Ellsworthy's af.
fair, but quite automatically Lydia an
swered, "Mr. Trait"
But really hadn't you better watt
I'm sure Mr.. Craven won't be long
now."
Mrs. Ellsworthy was moving slowly
toward the door, as If she didn't really
: expect her objection to avail, an effect
heightened by her manner, which con
: tinued to be perfect. lacking anything
, but gracious interest.
. Lydia, however, was quite settled In
her determination to wait no longer
r Craven could lose nothing by being
: obliged to follow her to the Plaza anc
I anyway, in all fairness, she owed hi.
: wishes little consideration-he whit
/. was little enough considerate to her
and below in the taxi all earthly hap
q piness waited.
"I'm sorry" she repeated mechanic
: ally. you're very kind; but reall.
= don't think"
!. At this point she was interrupted b,
= shrill-tongued electric bell down
. stairs. Mrs. Ellsworthy started nerv
ously, eyed the girl fugitlvely witt
! what seemed a trace of doubt, ant
darted toward the door.
"The telephone !" she said indiNtinct
: ly. "Forgive me If L"
Her hand caught the knob as l
, thoughtlessly but the slam Of the doc
l. cut short her words emphaticall
enough to have wakened her to appre
{ ciation, had her act been reall
: thoughtless.
For an instant Lydia paused 1
., amazement The thing was incredible
. preposterous, outrageous!
: None the less the door remained oil