The Ordway new era., 1918-01-04
CHAPTER vIII-continued.

The lights were lowered rev mill
utes later, and John paid the bill.
"We've enjoyed our supper" Louise
whispered, as they passed down the
room. 1.-THE whole evening has been
delightful
As they drove from Luigi's to
Knightsbridge. Louise leaned back in
her corner. Although her eyes were
only half closed, there was an air of
nloofness about her, an obvious lack of
desire for conversation, which the 9th
ers found themselves instinctiyely re-
specting. Even Sophy's light-hearted
chatter seemed to have deserted her,
somewhat to Johns relief.
They were in the very vortex of
London's midnight traffic. The night
was warm for the time of year, and
nbout Leicester square and beyond the
pavements were crowded with pedes-
trians, the women lightly and gayly
clad, fitting, Notwithstanding some sim
lister note about their movements, like
butterflies or bright-hued moths along
the pavements and across the stroets.
The procession of taxicabs and auto
mobiles, each with its human freight
of men and women in evening dress on
their way home after an evenings
pleasure, seemed endless.
Presently Sophy began to talk, and
Louise, too reused herself.
~ am only just beginning to realize"
the latter said, that you are actually
In London"
''When l leave you," he replied, "I,
too shall find 1t hard to believe that
we have actually met again and talked.
There seems to be so much that have
TO say" he added, looking at her close
iy, "and have said nothing"
'There is plenty of time" she told
aim, and once more the signs of that
slGht nervousness were apparent in
ner manner. "There are weeks and
Donths ahead of u.s."
"When shall see you again?" he
zsked.
"Whenever you like. There are no re-
hearsals for a day or two. Ring me up
on the telephone-you will find my
number In the book--or come and lunch
with me tomorrow. II you like"
"Thank you" he answered; "that Is
Just what should like. At what timer"
"Half past one. / will not ask either
of you to come in now. You can CONT
down tomorrow morning and get the
books. Sophy. 1 think 1 am tired
tired" she added, with curious little
note of self-pity in her tone. II am
very glad to have seen you again, Mr..
Strangewey," she said, lifting her eyes
to his. "Good night"
He helped her out, rang the bell, and
watched her vanish through the swift
ly opened door. Then he stepped back
into the tnxicab. Sophy retreated into
the corner to make room for him.
"You are going to take me home, are
you not?" she asked.
"Of course" he replied, his eyes still
9xed with shade of regret upon the
closed door of Louise's little house
mo. 10 Southampton street." he told
the driver.
They turned round and spun once
more into the network of moving We
hicles and streaming pedestrians. John
was silent, and his companion, for q
dttle while, humored him. Soon, how
ever, she touched him on the arm. A
queer gravity had come into her dainty
little face.
"Are you really in love with Lou
;se?" she inquired, with something OF
his own directness.
He answered her with perfect seri
BUSINESS.
~ believe So" he admitted, "but
should not like to say that am abso
Iutely certain. 1 have come here t.
find out"
Sophy suddenly rocked with laugh
ter.
"You are the dearest, queerest mad
man have ever met - she exclaimed
holding tightly to his arm. "You 81
there with face rs long as fiddle
wondering whether you are in Low
with n girl or not Well, I am not GO
Ing to ask you anything more. Tell me
are you tiredT
"Not bit" he declared. 81 neve
bad such ripping evening in my life.
She held his arm n little tighter. Sh
vas the old Sophy ngain, full of lif
and gayety.
"L.t's 20 to the Aldwych," she SUI
sse',l Ind see the dancing. We ca