Evening star., 1917-05-06

trude recognized her own husband. and
DR.. Sterling. and the black clad, long
legged Timothy. who seemed to be talk
ing mostly with his hands.
II wonder who the fourth man is?
unused Mrs. Gray. looking up inquiring-
ly at Laura.
From his size. should say it was
Col. Crosby. He must have picked up
Jacks trail. too
We'll. I'll give them good jolt"
said Mrs. Gray. with clenched teeth.
''Will you stand by me. il need you?"
Indeed. L WILL" replied. Laura.
warmly.
Then stay in the little study, where
you will not be seen. and II I want
you 1 will cal1.''
Tho approach of the four excited
gentlemen sounded very much like the
assault of booted army upon a walled
city Behind the men, attracted by such
a riot, came little Phyllis. her sleeves
rolled up to her elbows, and her face
Gray had seated herself in the great
chair. and as tho Nttacking party en-
tered She looked UP with quiet surprise
and inquired: -
cause of this extraordinary disturb
ance?' rh v
disturbances" repeated her husband.
with painting breath. disturbance !.
Indeed. L will inform your
Gentlemen, won't you be seated"
said Mrs. Gray, quite unruffied.
None of your affected innocence,
madam" 'snorted the righteous Jack.
THE time has come for me to know the
truth. Where were you yesterday aft
ernoon?"
Mrs. GRAY rose with dignity and
looked her husband calmly in the eve.
Don't you think. Jack" she said.
quietly, that II you have any questions
of a personal nature to put to me IT
would be better taste to PROFOUND them
in private?"
Make her tell before US all !" shrieked
Timothy. who could not repress him
self. "A woman who has done what
she has need not try to hide behind
such a weak subterfuge as a plea for
privacy"
See here. Timothy" exclaimed Jack.
savageiy, Il will conduct these pro-
ceedings II there is to be any vituper-
alton, shall do it.
Well. then" cried the other. hopping
shut up" growled Jack. and turned
again to his wife. Speak" he COM
manded.
IT will answer you any time you come
to me quietly" said Mrs Gray firmly.
This is quiet enough for me-" re-
torted her husband, shaking with ex-
citement. But IL you have any qualms
of conscience concerning the affair of
yesterday afternoon. we will take up a
more recent gaIanterie. Perhaps this
answer one other Questiorf-I have to
put. What do you mean by making an
appointment to lunch with this man
who is old enough to be your grand
father?"
.I have never seen this gentleman
before in my life." replied Gertrude.
oh. perverted woman" groaned
Timothy r.
turned to Col Crosby. who looked as II
he were aboutto have a fit OF apoplexy
II have never before laid eyes on the
man.I' continued Mrs. Gray placidly
But, Jack. If you are determined to
have this disgraceful situation aired in
public, you shall have 1t. call all these
people to witness that 1t Is none OF my
doing" She turned and took few steps
toward the door Of the study. Jack
followed her. calling:
Don't run away! What have you to
say, for yourself?'
Mrs. Gray rested her hand on the
doorknob and spoke to her husband
1T is not I who have an engagement
to lunch"
But shrieked Jack. "coI. Crosby
whom / met just as l was coming ou,
of the club. says you have"
Pardon me" blurted the crimson
and inflated old gentleman.
You shall not shield her." snapped
Jack at him.
Il am quite able to take care of my.
self" smiled Gertrude, opening tho lit.
tie door. IF you have an engagemen'
ing to Col. Crosby. possibly 1t is with
this lady
And Laura walked slowly into the
library.
with Mrs. Gray. to be sure" snorted
the colonel.
But" began Jack. turning white.
"One minute, please" interrupted Ger
trude. Your engagement. Col. Crosby
is with Mrs. Gray? You know this lady
as Mrs. Gray?"
Mrs. Gray" grunted the colonel
Why. yes. Mrs. Gray: of course she is
Mrs. Gray-Jack's wife"
'tOh. Timothy" moaned Phyllis.
II also am Mrs. Gray" continued Ger
trude blithely.
Let me explain" broke in Jack
desperately.
Explain snorted Col. Crosby. Are
there two Mrs. Grays?"
Two Mrs. Grays?" repeated Jack. in
a daze. "Ha! ha! Yes, you see-now-
oh. let me explain"
Explain" interrupted Gertrude