Tombstone epitaph., 1918-01-27

almost brutal disregard of the conven-
tions Of her class. The psychological
interest Of John Strangewey's situa-
ton appealed to her powerfully. Be
sides, she had a weakness for hand
some men.
AT any rate" said Lady Hilda, II
am glad to think that shall be able
to watch you when you see Calavera
in her dances for your first time"
The curtain rang up upon one Of the
most gorgeous and sensuous Of the
Russian ballets. John, who by their
joint insistence was occupying the
front chair In the box. leaned forward
in his place. his eyes steadfastly fixed
upon the stage. Both the prince and
Lady Hilda. In the background. al
though they occasionally glanced at
the performance, devoted most Of their
attention to watching him.
As the story progressed and the mu-
sic grew in passion and voluptuous-
ness, they distinctly saw his almost
militant protest. They saw the knit
titft, VI his lt thc 6hShk
contraction Of his eyebrows. The
prince and his friend exchanged
glances. She drew her chair a little
farther back, and he followed her ex.
ample.
where did you find anything SO
wonderful as this?" she murmured.
Lost among the hills of Cumber.
land" the prince replied. Il have an
estate up therein fact, he and l are
joint lords Of the manor Of the vii.
lage in which he has lived"
And your" she whispered. glancing
at John to be sure that she was NOT
overheard. where do you come in?
As educator Of the young? I don't
seem to see you In that role!"
A very rare and by no means pleas.
ant smile twisted the corners Of his
I lips for a moment.
1T is long story"
"Can / be brought int" she asked
He nodded.
1T rests with you. 1t would suit my
plans"
She toyed with her fan for q mo
ment, looked restlessly at the stage
and back again at John. Then she rose
! from he1 place and stood before the
lookingglass. From the greater obscur
ity of the box she motioned to the
! prince.
John remained entirely needless oi
their movements. His eyes wert
still riveted upon the stage. fascinated
with the wonderful coloring, the reali
zation of a new art.
you and l." Lady Hilda whispered
do not need to play about with the
truth, Eugene. What are you doing
this for?"
THE idlest whim," the prince IS
sured her quietly. "Look at him
Think for a moment Of his position
absolutely without experience. entirely
ignorant about women, with a fortune
one only dreams Of. and probably thu
handsomest animal In London What
is going to become Of himT
Il think I understand q little," she
confessed.
II think you do" the prince assent
ed. '1He has views, this young man
1t is my humor to see them dissipated
The modern Sir Galahad always irri
tated me little"
She shrugged her shoulders.
They'll never give him q chance
these women" she said. much bettel
hand him over to me-"
The prince smiled enigmatically, ant
Lady Hilda returned to her seat Johr
was still leaning forward with his eye.
fixed upon Calavera, who was dancin,
alone now. The ballet was drawing
toward the end. The music hat
reached its climax Of wild and passion
ate sensuousness, dominated and In
spired by the woman whose ever
movement and every glance seemet
part Of some occult, dimly understood
language.
When the curtain rang down, John
like many others, was confused. New
ertheless. after that first breathles!
pause. he stood up and Joined in tn
tumultuous applause.
"Well? the prince asked
/ John shook his head
Il don't know" he answered.
Neither does anyone else" Lad,
Hilda said. Don't Try to analyze you
Impressions for our benefit Mr.
Strangewey. I am exactly In your 20
sition, and I have been here Q dozel
times Even to us hardened men ant
women Of the world, this Russian mu
sic came ~ q surprise. There wer'
parts Of It you did not Ike, though
weren't therer
There were parts Of Il ! hated
John agreed. There were passage
that seemed to aim at discord In ever.
sense Of the word"
She nodded sympathet1cally. The.
were on their way down tie broaa
stAircase.
Il wonder" she murmured, sWhsthe
I am going 10 Be asked out 10 sup
lperr
| "Alas, not TONIGHT, desr lady" d
lprince regretted. Il am having q IN
PxlnmA~ - U~wa HH0