Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-05-13

But surely you would not do that!
put in Gertrude.
Well" said the colonel. Gin this par
ticular instance, perhaps not And
they both laughed together.
1t was decided that they should walk
over to the Casino and telephone to
Townsend. and find out. If possible. how
things were going with Jack. Then
they would take a taxicab and join
the others, wherever they were to be
found. The first information they got
was over Townsend's telephone. which
was answered by Miss Leslie. She was
in considerable distress, and affirmed
that Townsend was acting in most
peculiar manner and had shut himself
up in his bedroom. She asked Mrs.
Gray il she would come to her while
the colonel went to court, or any other
place, to get Jack and DR.. Sterling, and
then they would all make combined
assault on the sulking Harry. Ger
trude agreed at once. and in less than
twenty minutes she was again upon the
scene of Miss Phoenix's unfortunate ad-
venture.
Laura explained that she thought
Townsend had in some way gotten 1T
into his head that she was actually
married to Jack Gray, and he had per-
sisted in misconstruing everything she
had said or tried to say that morning.
Perhaps he'll come out for me-!
suggested Gertrude. Whereupon it was
agreed that Laura should step into the
little buffers pantry and leave the Held
entirely to Mrs. Gray, who was to try
to entice Townsend out of his cave and
show him the error of his ways. The
plan succeeded admirably, for after
Gertrude had knocked on the door sew
eral times and had urged him in many
different ways and intonations to come
out and speak with her, Townsend
realized that some strange woman had
entered his apartments, for the voice
was surely not Laura's. He opened
the door and came into the study.
where Gertrude greeted him with a
radiant smile. Townsend blinked and
stammered a moment:
"Isn't-isnt this Miss Phoenix" he
asked.
''The same,' replied Mrs Gray. gayly.
"Of course" laughed Harry Town
send. l didn't recognize you at first.
with your clothes on-oh, mean,
dressed in this way"
Don't you think look better?" she
''You looked very we'll yesterday" he
replied, CALAMITY. But. Miss Phoenix,
what are you doing here?" and he
looked about the room to assure him
self that Laura was not there How
did you get in?"
Il came through the. door," replied
Mrs. Gray, land 1 was not carried in
this time. l have come because 1 have
something to talk with you about"
But, my dear Miss Phoenix" pro-
tested Townsend. you should not come
to my apartments like this. You must
realize that it would be extremely COM
promising for you IL any one came in
and found you here"
But, you see," smiled Miss Phoenix,
IT am compromised already"
"So!" exclaimed Townsend, whose
mind was still balanced at a slight
angle. $50 you are compromised al
ready" To that 1 presume, l owe the
honor of this visit. ! suppose you have
come to seek reparation.
PREPARATION" queried Miss Phoenix;
1--WE will call it reparation," said
with slight sneer, ito use
a polite term. No doubt liquidation is
more in the line Of your purpose"
''Mr. Townsend" exclaimed Mrs. Gray,
in utter amaZement.
'You may think I'm an easy mark, but
I'm not. You can't hold me up 1 re-
greet that must close this interview AL
low me-; and he stepped to the hall and
opened the door to usher Miss Phoenix
out.
Mrs. Gray. however. was in such rage
Of Indignation that, even il she had been
willing to leave the room, she was actual
send threw open the door. two men,
pounding up the steps. turned toward
him, and were soon disclosed as Jack
Gray and DIR. Sterling.
"Oh, I'm so glad you've come, JACKIE
cried Gertrude. encouraged at the sight
Of her protector.
What are you doing here?" he inquired
hercely. And then. looking about him,
where is that man? Where is Town
send?"
Fright here" Townsend replied, coming
forward into the little group.
Jack made an effort to control himself.
II want a few words with you,' he be-
gan. Perhaps 1t might be better for us
to retire to another room.''
Certainly. il you prefer" acceded
Townsend. a trifie puzzled
No.. indeed" interrupted Gertrude.
Have it out right here!
Thought bold you to go!s said