The Ordway new era., 1918-01-25

er's. Lately he has been bothering a
little more than usual-in fact, / sup
pose ! have received what might be
called an ultimatum. He came up yes
terday. and went out with him last
night. He has gone back to Bath this
morning, and / have promised to let
him know in a month. / think that Is
why went out to Waterloo bridge in
a macintosh and got wet"
do you like him?" John asked prac-
tically.
'I like him, suppose" Sophy sighed.
That's the worst of 1t. If 1 didn't like
him, there might be some chance. 1
can't realize myself ever doing more
than liking him In mild sort of way ;
and If he expected more. as of course
he would. then should probably hate
him. He tried TO kiss me on the way
TO the station, and l nearly scratched
him. That isn't like me, you know. ]
rather like being kissed sometimes"
J0ha buried himself in the wine-list-
Well he admitted. .-it doesn't
sn2ad very hopeful Tn no sort Of
s15Se n these matters. hut / have
heard sots ot people say that one gets
clz al right after marriage without car
rs very macA before You don't seem
- have & very comfortable life now,
a. rons-
-SoozzSo-eshler No. but I an free
SaaNE replied quickly. y can come in
and 60 ouf when please, choose my
rzz friends lis rather fine to be
Aa-s you knov-to be in the atmos-
Ths-e even Z the nmelisht misses
one
John sighed and regarded her
thDurhaulgy. You're 8 queer little
r5- Sope1y.- be said y don't know
how 10 ADVISE you
',ot co--se you don't she answered
no cne could- As for you, ! suppose
you VII nz--y Louise What viii hap
psa 70 you after that I don't know.
Perhaps sha'nt care so much about
L1odOn thea You've made II very nice
1u- ne yuu know
You've made II besrzhle even for
ne he told her. - often think how
lonely 7 shoald have been without you
II rAIk to Louise sometimes Is de-
lSh11l,y coupaliolshls. and kind
enough % TN ones head Other days
! scarcely understand her; everything
We ssy 70 one smother seems wrong.
! cone away and leave her simply be
csuse feel that the-e Is E wall be-
tween rs that l can't get over
There isn't really Sophy sighed.
Louise Is dear. Considering every
thing think she is wonderful. But
~ - ----s- sfz. g.. l.
complex, very emotional. and she has
her own standards Of life You. on the
other hand are very simple, very faith
ful and honest and you accept the
standards which have been made for
yuu-ve-y. very riadly, John. What
gre you looking at:'
Johns whole expression had sudden
" changed BIS eyes were fixed upon
the door, his face was stern as gran
lie block Sophy turned quickly
around The naitre d'hotel. with an
other satellite in his rear, was welcom-
Ing with much ceremony two lately ad-
rived guests Sophy clutched at the
rshscScth- The newcomers were Lou
ise and the prince Of Seyre.
i don't understand this ~ John NUT
tered. his lips twitching.
Sophy Gerard said nothing. Her
cheeks were pink with excitement.
Suddenly Louise saw John and So
ply She stood quite still for q mo-
nent; then she came toward them,
slowly and a little languidly. The
prince was still studying through his
eyegiass the various tables which the
head waiter was Offering for his con-
siderstion-
What an Astonishing meeting !"
Louise remarked, as she laid her hand
for q moment on Sophy's shoulder.
What Is going on behind my back?"
John rose very slowly to his feet. He
seemed taller than ever. and Louise's
smile remained unanswered
The rain broke up my weekend
party" he explained. "and I met Sophy
In the Strand In any case. 1 intended
returning tonight I understood that
you would not be here until tomorrow
about eleven o'clock.
Those were my plans" Louise re-
piled; But, as you see. other things
have intervened. Our little house
party, too. was broken up by this abom-
Unable weather, and we all motored up
to town The Faradays have gope
home The prince heard from Mics
that I was at home. and telephoned
NE to dine Ne voidI"
John was struggling with crowd Of
hateful thoughts. Louise was wearing
wonderful gown; her hair was beau
dfully arranged; she had the air of
woman whose toilet was complete
and perfect down to the slightest de-
tall The princes slow drawl reached
them distinctly.
1T was my servants fault, I sup
pose" he said. Il told him to ring up
last night and order the table for two
in that corner. However. we will take