The Washington times., 1918-11-06

There were black lines under his
eyes which seemed to speak 'of
sleepiess nights. and a beard OF
several days growth was upon his
chin. He drank the cocktail which
Mills presently brought him, at a
guIp, and watched with satisfac-
ton while the mixer was vigorous
ly shaken and a second one pour
ed out
We've had . rough time, Mills"
he observed. as he set dawn the
glass. Until this morning II
Scarcely left off blowing"
I'm sorry to hear IT, sir was
the respectful reply. IF 1 may be
allowed to say so, sir. you're look
ing tired.
Il am tired" Sir Henry admitted.
"I think, IL 1 tried, I could go to
sleep now for twenty-four hours
You will pardon my reminding
you, so far as regards your letters,
that there Is no post out tonight,
sir Mills proceeded. Il have
prepared a warm bath and laid out
your clothes for a change"
"Capitali7 Sir Henry exclaim-
ed. 1T isn't q letter that's both
ering me, though, Mills. There are
just a few geographical notes /
want to make. You know. I'm
trying TO improve the fishermen's
chart of the coast round here. That
fellow Groocoek-Jimmy Dumble's
uncle-very nearly lost his motor
boat last week through trusting to
the old one"
Just so. sir" Mills replied defer
entislly. placing the empty glass
upon his tray. IF you'll excuse
me, sir, I must get back to the
dining room"
quite right" his master assent
ed. They won't be out just yet
will theyT'
Her iadyship will probably be
rising IN about ten minutes, sir
not before that"
Sir Henry nodded a little impati-
entity. Directly the door was closed
he rose to. his feet, stood for a
moment listening by the side of
his fishing fcabinet, then opened
the glass 'front.' and touched the
spring. With the aid Of q little
electric. toreh which he took from
his pocket, SAe studied particular
ly a certain portion OF the giant
chart, made some measurements
with a pencil. some notes in the
margin, and closed it UP again
with an air OF satisfaction Then
he resumed his seat. drew q folded
slip of paper from his breast poo
ket, chart from another, turned
up the lamp and began to write.
His face. as he stopped low. eS-
capped the soft shade and was for
a moment almost CHASTITY. Every
now and then he turned and made
Ia "a hIntflnR-
paper by his side. At last he lean
ed back with a little sigh OF re-
lief. He had barely done so before
the door, behind. him was opuened.
Are We going to stay in here,
Mummy, or are we going into the
drawing room?" Nora asked.
In here. think" he heard Phil
ippa reply.
Then they both came in. follow
ed by Helen. Nora was the first TO
see HIN aud rushed forward with
q little cry Of surprise.
Why. here's DadT' she exclaim-
ed, flinging her arms around his
neck: Daddy. how dare you be
sitting here all by yourself whiise
we are having dinner. When did
you get back. what fish"
Sir Henry closed down his desk,
embraced his daughter. and came
forward 20 meet his wife.
Fine fellow. isn't he. Nora"' he
agreed We'll, Philippa. how are
you? Pleased to see me. / hope?
Another new frock. l believe and
in war timei"
Fancy your remembering that
II was war time she answered,
standing very still while he lean
ed over and kissed her.
Nasty one for me-" Sir Henry
observed good-humoredly. How
well you're looking. Helen, Any
news OF Dick YETI"
Helen attempted an expression of
extreme gravity with more or less
success.
Nothing fresl." she answered.
We'll. well. no news may be good
news" Sir Henry remarked consOl-
ingly. "Jove, it's good to feel
roof over ones head again, This
morning has been the only patch OF
decent weather we've haG."
This morning was lovely" Helen
assented. "PhilippR and I went and
sat up in the woods"
Philippe, who was standing by
the fire. turned and looked at her
husband critically.
"'Fo have some men dining" she
said. They will be out in a few
minutes. Don't you think you had
better go and make yourself pre-
sentablc% You smell OF fish. and
you look as though you hadn't
shaved for a week"
Guilty. my dear" Sir Henry ad-
mitted. Mills Is just getting me
something to eat in the gun room,
and then ! am going TO have a bath
and change my clothes"
And shave. Dad" Nora reminded
him.
And shave. you young pest" her
father agreed, patting her on the
shosIder. run away and play BILL
IiRrds with Helen. want to talk
20 your mother until my dinners
ready"
Nora acquiesced promptly.
Come along, Helen; I'll give you
twenty-five up. or perhaps you'd
like 10 play shell out?" she pro-
posed. Arthur Sinclair says / have
improVedlin my pOttlnE more than
any one he ever knew"
Sir Henry opened the door and
closed it after them. Then he re-
turned and seated himself on the
lounge by Philippa's side. She
glanced up at him as though in
surprise, and. stretching out her
hand towards her work basket,
took up some knitting.
Il really think I should change
at once. IL were YOU" she sug-
gested.
IT. q. RAa-I 4 r. ,