The Ely miner., 1917-11-16

tween us that can't get over"
'There isn't really" Sophy sighed.
Louise is dear. Considering every
thing, 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 att"
Johns whole expression had sudden
ly changed. His eyes were fixed upon
the door, his face was stern as a gran
lite block. Sophy turned quickly
around. The maitre d'hotei, with an
other satellite in his rear, was welcom-
ing with much ceremony two lately ad-
rived guests. SOphy clutched at the
tablecloth. The newcomers were Lou
ise and the prince Of Seyre.
II don't understand this - John mutt
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 a mo-
ment; then she came toward them,
slowly and little languidly. The
prince was still studying through his
eyeglass the various tables which the
head waiter was offering for his con-
sideration.
''What an astonishing meeting I"
Louise remarked, as she laid her hand
for moment on Sophy's shoulder.
"What is going on behind my back?"
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, intended
returning tonight. I understood that
you would not be here until tomorrow
about eleven o'clock.
"Those were my plans," Louise re-
piled; 'But, as you see, other things
have intervened. Our little house
party, too, was broken up by this abom-
Unable weather, and we all motored up
to town. The Faradays have gone
home. The prince heard from Miles
that I was at home, and telephoned
me to dine. Me voiciw
John was struggling with crowd of
hateful thoughts. Louise was wearing
a wonderful gown; her hair was beau
tifully arranged; she had the air of
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, 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 one near your desk"
He looked around and, as If for the
first time, missed Louise. He came
toward them at once.
'The prince seems to have ordered
his table last night" John remarked,
his tone, even to himself, sounding
queer and strained.
Louise made no reply. The prince
was already shaking hands with Sophy.
II thought you were spending the
weekend with my cousin, Strange
wey," he remarked, turning to John.
'sWe did spend part Of it together"
John replied. 'The weather drove us
back this afternoon"
81 congratulate you both on your
good taste," said the prince. There Is
nothing more abominable than river
side retreat out Of season. We are TAX
ing 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.
mo one knows anything else. Louise
never speaks Of him to me. I cannot
tell YOU"
"But you must know" he persisted,
with little break in his voice. "For-
give me, Sophy, If made an ass Of my
self. First Lady Hilda, and then Grail
lot, and then-well, I thought Louise
might have rung up to see whether I
was at home, If 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. 'sIf Lou
ise has to choose some day between
him and you, don't think she'll hesi-
tate very long. Don't look so stern,
please. You look very statuesque and
perfect, but don't want to dine with
q niece of sculnturA Remember that