The Washington herald., 1918-12-30

the rectorssnd Miss Blake. although
the last two scarcely needed their
ministrations. DR.. Manfred having
taken matters pretty well into his own
hands. Already the village teemed
with rumors, at the hearing Of which
his housekeeper's thin lips grew thin
ner. Though she uttered not a word.
In spite of the fact that IL was Sep
tember, Tom had not returned to col
lege, and might not return for sew
eral weeks. owing to an epidemic OF
scarlet fever which had broken out In
the town. II was for that reason that
Rebecca and Martin still continued
their almost daily afternoon trips
along the winding road which led to
Toms home, and incidentally TO the
tennis court
Looked Like Gypsy.
II Martin were not altogether happy
on this particular September afternoon
as he sat upon the settee within hear
ing of the shouts and laughter OF the
contestants, he gave no sign Of IL. He
was in no respect a dog in the
manger. Before the first set was
ended Bige stroIled in with Marjorie,
who looked more than ever like q
gypsy. her black curIs bound down by
a flaming ribbon Of geranium red. She
was dressed in white. as was Rebecca-
The newcomers Joined Martin and
the trio chatted lightly, or commented
upon the brilliant plays. until the set
was over and a game of doubles in
order
Rebecca not once during the long
afternoon thought to compare herself
with Bige's gypsy queen; and yet
Marjorie was as perfect a beauty as
ever graced New York society. More
over, her face did not become un-
pleasantly heated, while Rebecca's did
The only change in Marjorie. as the
game progressed, was an added poppy
like brilliance TO her cheeks and d
greater luster TO her eyes.
Nor did Tom make compa Tisous 70
Rebecca's discredit. What OF his at
tention was not concentrated upon the
game. fixed itself upon the numerous
trips which his partner made TO the
blind man. as he sat alone and listened
TO the others. and upon the tender
smile which he in turn bestowed upon
her OF a truth Martin was deeply
touched that she should leave her
game for his unworthy sake. No in
deed, Tom had no time 10 dwell upon
Marjorie's ebauty Cshe did not compare
with Rebecca as a playerD
Il wonder II there is anything be-
tween them" was the constant and
disconcerting burden OF his thought
and to this he added later. as they
all strolled toward the great tree un'
der which Martin sat:
Makes Try for IL.
I'm make a try for II. anyway. l'W
not going back 10 college without find,
ing out how matters stand. But. heeI
Of Achilles. how am I ever to catch
her alone? He hangs on 10 her like q
Ieech!"-which was mantfestly unfaii
to Martin.
1t was while he pOnderCd upon thi'
proposition that Rebecca held out a
tentative dinner invitation for tbs
following week. explaining that Il
needed only the formality Of he'
mothers sanction. She hlnted darkly
at unusual happenings, and would no
be teased into divulgins what they
might be.
.Tu do il then" said Tom TO him
self. II came 10 him as an inspira
ton. II would not be difficult to iso'
late Rebecca upon that evening FOL
few moments.
Mrs. Vanderpool raised not th'
ghost of an objection. when shortly
before dinner her daughter detailed
to her the plan suggested by Martin
What surprise she felt, she hid Sh'
was growing used to surprises.
There stood her poor, ugly Rebecca
no longer poor and ugly. For no on
can be poor and ugly who is brtmmin:
over with youthful energy and healtt
and laughter.
She was so eager by self-forgetfu
that little magnetic sparks seemd {,
fly from her as she talked. She did no
even remember to drop Martins arm
and there they stood, Martin laughing
at her impetuosity. as she launche,
into explanations. turning to hin
every now and again for confederation
splendid calculated the little lad
when Rebecca had done And VIII
could not Susan and Katie and Phili
dress like Japanese servants TO wai
upon the guests?
They could" said Martin. IN g
now and phone to have the entiT
outfit expressed at once II is packe
away at the club, and there can b
no mistake. as the boxes are care
fully labeled"
Rebecca frightened her hold on hi
arm. and they turned toward IN
stairs.
But it was Philip, perhaps. VII
most enjoyed the preparations for tn
fete.
Live In Expectation.
Upon the day on which th- bONe
were to arrive from New York. he
in company with Roger. was at tn
station long before the train was due
He was on the Qui vive with antiClpa
ton. For the hrst time since IN
arrival in Huddlesford his face eN
pressed animation. This was like tn
old DAYS, His master had been notet
for his entertainments. and never
one had proved more successful thai
the japanese play. toward the success
OF which he, Philip, had so largel,
contributed.
As the day for the dinner drew neal
excitement began to steal into tn
usually placid atmosphere Of the BIZ
house.
Philip had decided that. il they he
gan the work Of decoration on Friday
it would give them sufficient time, an,
consequently upon Friday guests wer,
debarred from The Elms
First the bamboo poles were put II
place. That was not a difficult mat
ter, as they Were arranged i'm such
manner that they could be lengthene,
or shortened, 10 suit necessity. The!
were attached by their ends 10 pic
ture hooks. and ran perpendicular,
to form squares.
Here and there Philip tied the inter
sections, for the sake Of security, a.
we'll as in the centar where III.