Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-11-29

There isn't really" SoThy sighed.
"Louise is n dear. Considering every
thing. I think she Is wonderful. But
You are utterly different. She Is very
complex. very emotional. and she has
her own standards Of life. You, on the
other hand. are very simple. very faith
full and honest. and you accept the
standards which have been made for
you-very, very rigidly. John. What
are you looking at?'
Johns whole expression had sudden
ly changed. His eyes were fixed upon
the cOor. his face was stern as a gran
lite block. Sophy turned quickly
around. The maitre d'hotel. with an
other satellite in his rear. was welcom-
ing with much ceremony two lately ad-
rived guests. Sophy clutcled ut the
tablecloth. The newcomers were Lou
ise and the prince of Seyre.
II don't understand this !" John NUT
tered. his lips twitching.
Sophy Gerard said nothing. Her
cheeks were pink with excitement.
Suddenly Louise saw John and So
ply. She stood quite still for n mo-
ment: then, she came toward them.
slowly and a little languidly. The
prince was still studying through his
eyeslass the various tables which the
head waiter was Offering Tor his CON
sideration.
"What an astonishing meeting,'
Louise remarked, as she laid her hand
for a moment on Sophy's shoulder.
what Is going on behind my hack?"
John rose very slowly to his feet. He
seemed taller than ever, and Louise's
smile remained unanswered.
THE rain broke up my weekend
party" he explained, 'and | met Sophy
IN The Strand. In any case, I intended
returning tonight. | understood that
you would not be here until tomorrow
about eleven o'clock.
Those were my plans" Louise re-
Piled; But, rs you see, other things
nave interviewed. Our little house
party, too, was broken up by this abom-
Unable weather. and we all motored no
to town. The Faradays have gone
home. The prince heard from Niles
that | was AT home, and t~elephoned
me to dine. Me voici!"
John was struggling with a crowd of
hateful thoughts. Louise was wearing
n wonderful gown; her hair was beau
tifully arranged; she had the air Of
a woman whose toilet was complete
and perfect down to the slightest de-
tail. The princes slow drawl reached
them distinctly.
1T was my servants fault. l sup
pose he said. II told him to ring UP
last night and order the table for two
In that corner. However, we will take
the vacant II near your desk"
He looked around and, as if for the
hrst time, missed Louise. He came
toward them at once.
"The prince seem to have ordered
his table last night" John remarked.
his tone, even to himself, sounding
IH'tt anu StItllitU.
Louise made no reply. The prince
S.As aIready shaking hands with Sophy.
81 thought you were spending the
weekend with my cousin, Strange.
wcy," h" remarked. turning to John,
I'VE did spend part of it together"
John replied, The weather drove us
back this afternoon"
II congratulate you both on your
good taste" said the prince. There is
nothing more abominable than a river
side retreat out of season. We are tax
in. the table on the left, Louise"
He led her away, and they passed
down the room. John slowly resumed
his seat.
"sophy," he demanded hoarsely, tell
me the truth. Is there anything be-
tween the prince and Louise"
Sophy nervously crumbled up the
toast by her side.
"The prince admires Louise. and has
done so for many years." she answered.
NO n knows anything else. Louise
never speaks of him to me. / cannot
tell you"
But you must know" he persisted,
with Il little break In his voice. "Yor-
give me. Sophy. If l made an ass of nv.
self. First Lady Hilda, and then Grail.
lot, and then--well, l thought Louise
might have rung up to see whether
was at home, IL she came back sooner
than she expected and the prince took
the table last night
She leaned over and patted him on
the hand.
Don't worry" she begged. III Lou.
Use has to choose some day between
him and you, I don't think she'll hest.
tate very long. Don't look 50 stern.
please. You look very statuesque ana
perfect, but I don't want to dine with
II piece Of sculpture. Remember that