The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-03-23

you gave me-" laughed the woman,
extending her hand. 81 had no idea
you were In the room, you see"
Waited an Hour.
Tie maid told me you were out"
answered Epstone, still retaining
LIlian's hand, AID pressing 1t SO
tightly that the rings she wore be-
gan to cut her flesh; $50 I asked to
be allowed to wait, and I have
waited here pretty well an hour,
think. What took you out so early
at Lillian with much admiration: IL
ton she had for him
How exceedingly curious you
are" returned Lillian with a light
laugh do you think never want
TO pay a visit to my dressmakeT:"
Lillian looked at him with rather
q curious smile. She wondered what
young Epstone would say to her IL
he knew where she had really been
that morning, and on what err
rand. To this boy, as to his world.
she was only the fascinating and
charming Mrs. Willoughby, a wild
ow who was supposed to be well
OF, and popular alike with men
and women, q welcome guest at
many q great house, a woman who
had played a bold game and cheat
cd her world successfully.
You viii stay TO lunch. won't
your she said at last, rather won
dering what had brought Charlie
Epstone round SO early. She sat
Anuvr the hn
leaning back indolently against the
pile OF cushions: the pose suited
her.
They All PAIL
May r. answered the man,
drawing q stool forward and sit
ting a stool close By Lillian. He
watched her intentiy as she re-
moved her large black hat and veil,
finally throwing the hat on a table
near at hand. This careless lack OF
ceremony pleased him; Il limited at
q certain degree of intimacy be-
tween himself and his hostess.
by Jove, you have got fine hair"
he murmursd edmiringly, "it looks
20 soft and fair against the blue Of
those cushions. Did you choose
the cushions on purpose?"
well, didn't dye my hair to
suit the cushions" replied Lillian
laughing. but haven't you any
thing more serious to talk about?
What brought you round here SO
early, for instance?"
II wanted to talk to you" came
the rather hesitatinR answer, land
I knew a crowd OF people might be
round in the afternoon ! came
early to have you all by myself,
you see: Q man doesn't always like
20 have 4 crowd around-not II he
has anything particular to say TO a
woman" The young mans face had
flushed q deep crimson, and he was
obviously very nervous. He fldget-
cd unsAsily with q button. on his
coat, twisting it round and round.
and he shuffIed his feet about. Lillian
glanced at him; shs began to have
. vague idea OF what was coming.
"A Fool There Was.1
I've been a fool, you know, Mrs.
willouEhby," Epstone went on. moy-
ing his stool nearer the sofa: "but
q fellow can always turn over a
new leaf. Anyway, I'm going to.
] shall not be q pauper all my life,
elIner. An ola uncle OF mine must
leave me his money-he's only got
q life interest in it-and then I
could afford to give my wife a good
time. You have heard that I've
Quarreled with my father, 1 ex-
pect?" He gazed at Lillian inquir-
inRly, and she nodded her head
slowly. looking very grave. Yes,
people are sure to have told you
that" Epstone went on quickly;
"it's washing their neighbours dirty
linen in public, but don't believe
everything you hear. Dad will come
round directly he sees what a re-
formed character have become; OF,
II ] happen to get married. for In
stance-he's Rwfully keen on my
getting married." he paused Gwk-
wardly.
Have you chosen the lady yet?"
asked Lillian. do tell me her
name, and do you think that she
Is person OF whom your father
would approve7" She spoke rather
neekingiy, knowing perfectly vsR