The Ordway new era., 1917-11-16

Mabel herbert Urna, closer about her
bare shoulders.
i've never even met her"
you've met him." impatIently.
Explain that 1 had long distance
call Mt the last moment and had to
go back to the office to send Off some
papers. Don't let them wait dinner
I'll be there us soon us can."
Here the taxi drew up, Warren
sprang out, repeated the address, "27
East - street." to the driver, waved
his hat to Helen. and disappeared
down the subway steps.
Speeding on, Helen shrank farther
back in the seclusiOn of the cab, in
tent on the ordeal before her. Al
Though Mr.. Gardner, who was one Of
Warren's clients, had dined with them
several months before, Helen had never
met Mrs. Gardner, which increased the
awkwardness Of her going alone.
That they were wealthy she knew,
but she was not prepared for the pre-
tentious mansion before which the cab
finally stopped.
The massive bronze doors were
opened by gold-laced footman, and
Helen found herself in magnificent
hallway hung with tapestries.
Warren had said that the Gardners
lived rather well, but this palatial
grandeur was most disconcerting.
Relieved Of her wraps, with confused
uncertainty Helen made her way up
the marble staircase, Mt the top Of
which stood another liveried servant.
In the white and gold room beyond
were number of guests, the women
brilliantly gowned. AnxiOusly Helen
looked about for Mr.. Gardner, her
color deepening as she waited In shrink
| Ing embarrassment.
AS another couple entered, the host
ess, n tall woman in marvellous jew
eled gown, detached herself from a
chattering group and came forward.
She greeted the newcomers, and then
turned to Helen, extending her hand
with murmured formality and look Of
puzzled inquiry.
"I'm Mrs. Curtis" stammeringly.
"Just as we started Mr.. Curtis had a
long g-distance call from Washington,
and had to 60 back to the office. He
said he knew you'd pardon him-hell
De here before dinners over"
"Oh, certainly" vaguely, passing on
to greet other guests.
Everyone seemed to know everyone
! else. Only Helen stood In isolated con-
spicuousness. From the invitation she
had thought it was to be an informal
dinner party with only few guests,
but there were at least so people here
now.
Talking with a group under gilt
tering chandelier, Mrs. Gardner kept
ylanclng toward her. There was a
naughty aloofness, almost hostility, in
her gaze. Was it because of Warren's
delay?
Now she had moved toward the
door and was speaking to the footman.
Instantly the man shot Helen swirt,
suspicious glance.
What did 1t mean? What kind of
hostess was Mrs. Gardner so to 1so-
late any one of her guests?
Here two servants entered, each
with a large silver tray laden with
cocktails. Not wishing to seem more
conspicuous by refusing, Helen took
one of the glasses, her hand trembling
as she lifted it from the tray.
She was quiveringly conscious that
The doorman was watching her, and
nne of the guests to whom Mrs. Gard
ner was talking now glanced at her Gu
dously. Flamingly bewildered and In
aipnant Helen stood In helpless confu-
sion.
when the glasses were collected, re-
tu.ning hers untouched to the tray, she
osred with low-voiced intensity, isn't
Mr.. Gardner here?"
The man stared, then passed on
with a naughty, II do not Know
madam"
As he left the room he was stopped
lv the doorman. For a moment tney
stood in whispered conversation, and
Helen. with anguished self-consoious-
rose knew that it was Of her they
were speaking. s..
Tho situation was unbearable. She
would wait for Warren in the dressing
room. She would make him take ner
home. Not even at the risk OF estrang-
,ro an influential client would she dine
at this house. ~ .
with averted eyes Helen crossed the
.oom, fiamingly conscious Of the curl
~. - dances that followed her. The at
tsndant stood stiniy mobile a. sne
- s.ed him, but when she reacned sns
stair< he was beside her.
spsfdon me. madam. r there aAy'
! hing y6u wish ( 9. So !. v.
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