The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1917-10-26
CHAPTER VIII-Continued.

The lights were lowered a few min
utes later, and John paid the bill.
"We've enjoyed our supper" Louis
whispered, as they passed down thu
room. "The whole evening has beer
delightful"
AS they drove from Luigi's tt
Knightsbridge, Louise leaned back IL
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-heartet
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
Davements were crowded with pedes-
TRANS. the women lightly and gayly
clad, fitting, Notwithstanding some sim
lister note about their movements, like
butterflies or bright-hued moths along
the paTements and across the streets.
The procession of taxicabs and auto
mobiles, each with its human freight
of D,aa and women in evening dress on
thas% way home after an evening
pleasure, seemed endless.
Presently Sophy began to talk, and
Louise, too reused herself.
81 am only just beginning to realize
the latter said, "that you are actually
in London"
"When 1 leave you," he replied, 81,
too, shall find it hard to believe that
we have actually met again and talked.
There seems to be so much that l have
to say" he added, looking at her close
ly, "and 1 have said nothing"
'aThere is plenty of time," she told
him, and once more the signs of that
slight nervousness were apparent in
her manner There are weeks and
months ahead of u.s."
when shall see you again?' he
asked.
"Whenevee you like. There are no re-
hearsals for day or two. Ring me up
on the telephOne-you will find my
number in the book-or come and lunch
with me toms-raw, if you like"
'Thank you,r he answered; that is
Just what 1 should like. At what time"
Half past one. / will not ask either
of YOU to come In now. You can come
down tomorrow morning and get the
books, Sophy. 1 think l am tired
tired" she added, with a curious little
III In tnna 81
very glad to have seen you again, MIR.
Srangewey," she said, lifting her eyes
to his. "Good night"
He helped her out, rang the bell, and
watched her vanish through the swift
II opened door. Then he stepped back
Into the taxicab. Sophy retreated into
the corner to make room for him.
you are going to take me home, are
you not?" she asked
of course" he replied, his eyes still
ssxed with a shade of regret upon the
nlosed door Of Louise's little house.
cNo. 10 Southampton street." he told
Fhe driver.
They turned round and spun once
NOR, into the network of moving We
ai>1es and streaming pedestrians. John
was silent, and his companion, for
Iittle 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
lse?" she inquired, with something OF
ais own directness.
He answered her with perfect seri-
BUSINESS.
ST believe So" he admitted, "but
should not like to say that am abso-
Iutely certain. / have come here to
find OUT
Sophy suddenly rocked with laugh
Ter.
"You are the dearest, queerest mad
man / have ever met" she exclaimed, |
holding tightly to his arm. "You sit
here with face as long as fiddle,
whether you are in love
With a girl or not Well, am not go
ng to ask you anything more. Tell me,
IRE you tired?"
"Not a Bit" he declared. II never
,ad such ripping evening In my life."
She held his arm little tighter. She
vas the old Sophy again, full OF life
ind gayety.
'Ieta 20 to the Aldwych," she sug-
.esteJ "and see the dancing. We can