The Dolores star., 1917-11-16
J. PHILLIPS OPPENIIEIM

-
ness seemed 10 have come 10 him dur.
ing the last 6eW hours.
Il suppose I am q perfect idiot," he
admitted. II cannot help Il. lam used
to seeing, at ths most, tAeoe o. four
people togethes at time. I'can't un-
derstand these crowds. Where are
they all going9 Fancy every one Of
them having Q home, every one Of
them struggling In some form or an
other toward lappinessI"
"Do You know" she pronounced Sc
verely, '.for Q young man Of your age
you are much too seriousf am quite
sure you coulc be nice II you wanted
to-" she continued. "How much are
you in love with Louiser
~How much am whatr
'Tn love with Louise1" she repeated.
"All the men are. Il II q perfect cult
with them. And here am I. her humble
companion and friend, absolutely neg.
lectedi"
II don't believe you are neglected at
all." he replied. ''You are much too"
He turned his head to look at her.
She was 10 close to him that their hats
collided. He was profuse In his apollo
gies.
TOO whatf" she whispered.
sTo0 attractive" he ventured.
'It's nice to hear you say so." she
sighed.
She was unlike any girl John had
ever known. Her hair was almost
golden, her eyes distinct blue, yet
some trick Of the mouth saved her face
from any suggestion Of insipidity. She
was looking straight into his eyes, and
her lips were curled most invitingly.
II wish I knew more about certain
things" he said.
-Oh. why didn't you come beforel"
she exclaimed. "Fancy Louise never
telling me about you. hope you'll ask
me to lunch some time"
"Tll have a luncheon party tomor-
row. II you like-that Is. II Louise will
come"
She looked up at him quickly.
"Isn't Louise going to Parisf" she
asked.
"Paris7 didn't hear her ny any
thing about It"
"Perhaps It u my mistake. them"
Sophy went ON hastily. II only fancied
that heard her say no."
There was q moments silence. John
had opened his lips to ask question,
but quickly closed them again. It was
a question. he suddenly decided, which
he had better ask Of Louise herself.
"n Louise goes to Paris" Sophy
whispered disconsolately, II suppose
there win be no luncheon-partyr
For q single moment he hesitated.
She was very alluring, and the chal-
lenge in her eyes was unmistakable.
II think" he said quietly, shat IL
Miss Maurel goes to Paris, I shall re-
turn to Cumberland tomorrow"
For a time there was a significant
silence. Then Sophy raised her veil
once more and looked toward John.
"Mr. Strangewey," she began, "you
won't mind II give you just a little
word Of advice1 You are such a big,
strong person, but you are rather q
child, you know. In some things"
'This place does make me feel igno-
rant" he edmitted.
"Don't idealize anyone here" she
begged. "Don't concentrate all your
hopes upon one object. Love IL won
derful and life is wonderful, but there
is only one life. and there are many
loves before one reaches the end. Peo-
pie do such silly things sometimes" !"
she wound up, "just because Of a little
disappointment There are many dis
appointments to be met with here"
He took her hand In his.
sLittle girl" he said, ''you are very
good to me, and I think you under
stand. Are you going to let me feel
that have found friend on my first
evening in LondonT
sIf you want me-" she answered sim
ply. IT like you, and I want You to be
happy here; and because want you
to be happy, I want you to come down
from the clouds and remember that
you have left your hills behind and
that we walk on the pavements here"
ssThank you" he whispered, s.and
thank you for what you have not said.
II l am to find sorrow here instead Of
JOY" he added, little grimly. '1t Ii
better Tor me to stumble into the
knowledge Of 1t by myself"
"Your hills have taught you just that
much Of life. then1" Sophy mufmured.
The prince Of Eeyre handed his hat
and stick to the parlor maid and seated
himself upon the divan.
II should be very sorry" he said po-
Ately. az the maid left the room, sslf
my coming has hastened the departure
Of your visltorA"
.Not in the least" Louise assured
him. ''Thcv were leaving when you
were announced Sophy and I are talI-
Ing Mr.. Strangewey to a Bohemian res-
taurant and music han afterward.s
fortunate Mr.. Srangeweyi" IL
peinee dGhed sBut forgive M. wAy