The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-09-21

entered the formers automobile, which
was waiting below.
They spent the morning in the neigh
borhOod of Bond street, and John had
the foundations of a wardrobe more
extensive than any he had ever
dreamed of possessing. At half past
one they were shown into Louise's
little drawing room. There were three
or four men already present, standing
around their hostess and slipping some
faint yellow cordial from long Vene-
tian glasses.
Louise came forward to meet them,
and made little grlmace as she re-
marked the change in Johns appear
ance.
Honestly, l don't know you, and l
don't believe l like you at all !" she ex-
claimed. 'How dare you transform
yourself into tailor's dummy in this
fashiOnT
1T was done entirely out of respect
for you" John said.
"In fact" the prince added, 1--WE con-
sidered that we had achieved rather
a success"
81 suppose I must look upon your eff
fort as a compliment" Louise sighed,
but 1t seems queer to lose even so
much of you. Snail you take up our
manners and our habits, Mr.. Strange
wey, as easily as you wear our
| clOthesT
THAT 1 cannot promise" he replied.
"The brain should adapt itself at
least as readily as the body" the
prince remarked.
NJ. Graillot, who was one of the three
men present, turned around.
"WhO is talking platitudesT he de-
manded. II write plays, and that is
my monopoly. All, it is the prince, l
see! And our young friend who inter-
rupted us at rehearsal yesterday"
Graillot held out his left hand to the
prince and his right to John.
"Mr. Strangewey," he said, 81 con-
gratulate you'll Any person who has
the good fortune to interest Miss Maui
rel is to be congratulated. Yet must
lOOh Ut yOu anu lCCl my SCll DuLAlCus
You are not an artist-no? You do
not paint or writer
John shook his head.
"Mr. Strangewey's claim to dlstinc-
ton Is that he is just an ordinary
man." Louise observed. "Such a relief,
you know, after all you clever people ="
John shook hands with everybody
and slipped the contents of the glass
which had been handed to him. Then |
butler opened the door and an
nOunced luncheon. Louise offered her
hand to the prince, who stepped back. |
ut shall be the privilege of the |
stranger within our gates" he decided. |
Louise turned to John with little
smile.
Let me show you, then, the way
to my dining room. ought to apollo
gize for not asking some women to
meet you. I tried two on the tele-
phone, but they were engaged"
II will restore the balance" the
prince promised, turning from the con-
temptation of one of the prints hang
ing in the hall. II am giving a supper
party tonight for Mr.. Strangewey, and
will promise him preponderance of
your charming SEX"
"Am / invited?" Louise inquired.
The prince shook his head.
ALAS, nor
They passed into small dining
room and here again John noticed that
an absolute simplicity was paramount.
The round table, covered with an ex-
quisitely fine cloth, was very simply
laid. There was q little glass of the
finest quality, and a very little silver.
For flowers there was only one bowl, a
brilliant patch of some scarlet exotic,
in the center.
"a supper party to which l am not
invited" said Louise, as she took her
place at the table and motioned John
to seat by her side, fills me with
curiosity. Who are to be your guests,
princeW
"Calavera and her sprites," the
prince announced. !
Louise paused for moment in the
lct of helping herself to hOrs d'oeuvres.
She glanced toward the prince. For a {
their eyes met. LOuise's lips {
we're family curled. 1t was almost as {
f challenge had passed between '
hem. Louise devoted her attention to q
Ter guest. l
First of ALL" she asked, "tell me l
low you like my little friend?" t
II think she is charming" John an
wered without hesitation. "We went t
o supper club last night and stayed c
here till about half past three"
Really" said Louise, Il am not sure 1t
hat approve of this A supper club f
With Sophy until half past three in
he morningY f
He looked at her quickly. y
"You don't mlnd?' u
"My dear man, why should l mind2" Il
he returned. at is exactly what l
oped for. You have come Up to Lon
on with a purpose. You have an ex- c.
eriment to make, an experiment In &
wing" L