The Washington times., 1918-07-21

and nervous and excited wfthaL Every
one around seemed to have so many
friends, and to be so gay and joyous, ami
only she and Josiah stood alone. For
Mrs Devlyn felt she had done enough
for one night in bringing them there.
1t was an immense crowd. At smaller
ball Theodora's exquisite beauty must have
commanded instant attention. But this
was a special occasion, and the world was
too occupied with a desire to cape at the
foreign king to trouble about any new
corners. Certainly for the first hour or So
Josiah was feeling humiliated. Not a
creature spoke to them, and they were
hustled along like sheep into the ballroom.
certain number of men stared-stared
with deep interest, and made plans for in
Productions as soon as the crowd should
subside a little. Theodore was perfectly
dressed, and her Jewels caused envy in
numbers of breasts.
She was too little occupied with herself
to feel any of Josiah's humiliation. This
society was hers by right of birth. and did
not disconcert her; only no one could help
being lonely when quite neglected. while
others danced.
Presently, a thin, iIltemperedlooking old
man made his way with difficulty up to
their corner; he had been speaking to Mrs.
Devlyn across the room.
Il must introduce myself" he said, gra.
ciously, to Theodore. Il am your uncle,
Patrick Fitzgerald, and am so delighted
to meet you and make your acquaintance"
Theodora bowed coolly. She had no feel
Indifferent to her while she was poor and
who had treated darling papa 50 badly.
Il only got back to town last night, or I
and my wife would have called at Claridges
before this" he continued. And then be
said something affable to Josiah. who
looked strangely out of place among this
brilliant throng. EAA
For whatever may compose the elements
of the highest London society, the atoms
all acquire certain air after a little and L
if within this fine flower Of the aristocracyt
there lurked some Jews and Philistines /
and infidels of the middle classes, they |
were not quite new to the game, and had I
all received their gloss. So poor Josiah
stood out rather by himself, and Sir Pat
rick Fitzgerald felt a good deal ashamed
OF him.
Theodora's fine sense had perceived an |
this long ago-the contrast her husband
presented to the rest of the worId-ana
it had made her stand closer to him and
treat him with more Difference than usuat
her generous heart always responded h
any one or anything in an unhappy pos
tion. And through all his thick skin JOSIE
felt something of her tenderness, and
glowed with pride in her.
Sir Patrick Fitzgerald continued to taIk.
and even paid his niece some bluff compII
ments. Her manner was perfect, he, De-
cided! Cad! he could be proud of his nev-
found relation. And though the husband
was nothing but grocer still, and looked
1t every inch, by Jove, he was rich enough
to gid his vulgarity and be tolerated among
the highest
Thus the uncle was gushing and lavish in
his invitations and offers of friendship.
They must come to Beechleigh for Whitsun-
tide. He would hear of no refusal. Going
home! Oh, what nonsense! Home was a
place one could go to at any time. And
he would so like to show them Beechleigh
at its best, where her father had lived all
his young life
Josiah was caught by his affable sug-
gestions Why should they not go? Only
that morning he had received letter from
his agent at Bessington Hall to say the
place, unfortunately, would not be COM
pletely ready for them. Why, then, should
they not accept this pleasant invitation?
short.
Il am sure it is very good of Won. Sir
Patrick, and my wife and / will be de-
lighted to come" he said
BY this time the excitement of the RIVAL
entrance and quadrille had somewhat sub
slded' and several people felt themselves
drawn to be presented to the beautiful
young woman in white with the really fine
Jewels, and before she knew where she was.
Theodore found herself waltzinR with a
wonderfully groomed, ugly young marquis.
She had meant not to dance-not to leave
her husbands side but fate and Josiah
had ordered otherwise.
Not dancei What nonsense NV Iovsr
Go at once with his lordship," he had said.
when Sir Patrick had presented Lord
NensleydoWn. And wincing at the SEN
tence. Theodore had allowed herself To be
whirled away
Her partner was not more than nina
and-twenty, but he had all the blsse airs
OF man OF forty He began IN say over