The Press., 1917-07-26

| "WellY
 "If there is anything in this yOl don't like I want you to say so 8 once. Will you?"
 Why, of course, we agreed on tha weeks ago." replied Evalyn in aston ishment. Otherwise we can never ge said just what you think about mine ?'
 "Oh. yes, so far" glibly. Perhaps shall think of other things to say though, when mine is torn to tatters That's what I want you to do with fl, : impressiyely.
 | He read.
 EValyn did not listen quietly as h, had done. She became unaffectedly excited. She nodded and exclaimed and got Allen so enthused that he for got he was reading his own production and 1t began to sound fairly well in hi: own ears. When he finished two pair: of very bright eyes looked across thG table.
 Evalyn clapped her hands enthusias tically. "Allen, you have OutdOne your self. That Is fine. And you have al ways pretended you could not write conversation. It's the best part of yOul story
 Not so good as yOurs," Allen has tened to interrupt.
 Indeed 1t is. Now, that third person says much brighter things for you than for me. Otherwise how exactly alike we have made him."
 That comes of our both knowing him and sketching him true to life, Allen began, intent on opening a way for his criticism of her hero. Don't you think our characters ought to be real peOple-true to life as we have seen them?"
 Evalyn hesitated a little over her re. ply. Indeed, do. Now, We were to be frank about the faults as we'll as the virtues, were We nOt?"
 Yes, yes" eagerly, ''and so I'll be obliged to- Allen checked himself hastily. Excuse me. You had not finished"
 hero disposed of.
 Evalyn hesitated. She tore bits of the corner of her pages.
 Why, yes, had not much more to say, except-well, I might as we'll say it so long as I promised to be frank we promised to be frank" she correct ed herself. Really, Allen, your story outdoes what believed you capable of doing in every way save your heroine >
 ''The heroine," said Allen, taken aback. Why, my heroine"-he paused.
 Your heroine is not real girl.''
 Allen stared fixedly across the table. The light faded from his eyes. He stammered. My heroine-er-what's S the matter with herr"
 Evalyn spoke firmly. ''She is unnat- ural from the heart out
 Exactly the fault with your herO,'' Allen interrupted bluntly.
 My herO?" in tones of wonder. "I thought you liked my hero" Evalyn stiffened visibly.
 'Oh, no! I said I liked his hair, but the cut of a mans hair doesn't index his disposition, and it's his disposition that l take exception to. No man on earth ever had his disposition fortunately, Allen stopped. He hardly knew what he had said because his thoughts were more on his own hero inc, whom Evalyn wanted to demOlish.
 Evalyn had grown very stiff and very cold. Her tone was frigid. Your hero inc is evidently a match for my hero, as those are the very criticisms I had to offer on her, althOugh'-her tone, if possible, was a shade more icy-"I should hardly have offered my remarks in that way"
 What way?" asked Allen, bewilder- ed and not able to recall what he had said
 Evalyn made no reply.
 Really" began Allen, tell me what have said to offend you. We were to criticise frankly"-
 But not sarcastically," interrupted Evalyn briefly. She maintained her frigidity to curb the quiver of her lips.
 Forgive me if have been rude," re- turned Allen. slightly naughty. '"This girl is the only character I care a cent about. How is she unnatural?"
 Evalyn swallowed suddenly. Any girl would have been jealous if man she loved had treated her in that way
 '"This girl would not be-" muttered Allen.
 "Of course, if you know" returned Evalyn, ''the criticism is out of place. I must say have never met such 8 girl"
 There was an uncomfortable pause, and then Allen said quite humbly, "Evalyn, the truth is the heroine is a real girl"
 "A friend of yours?" in a curiously constrained voice.
 Aliens manner also was far from restful He stammered little. "Y-yes." !"
 "I congratulate you on knowing the happy possessor of all the virtues and none of the faults of wOmankind.' y Evalyn rose calmly. She consulted her watch. ''I have to meet an engage ment in half an hour" she continued. II am sure you will excuse me"
 Allen arose, thoroughly miserable. Certainly. 1 presume we can finish the story some other time," stuffing the manuscript into his pocket as though he wished it might keep on in its downward journey.
 Evalyn accompanied him to the hall. There she paused. her foot on the first step of the stairs, her hand on the railing. James had opened the door for Allen. By the way, my hero does match your heroine in this. He also is taken from life"
 Allen left the house in gloomy state of mind. He turned his steps to- ward the park. It was late in the aft ernoon. hut he did not feel hungry He wanted to walk and think. He drew his hat over his eyes and strOde along.
 That hero a real man! If so, it was only the eyes of love that could see so many virtues and so few faults in him. This was a bitter thought to Allen. During his months exile from the city he had been startled at revelation of