The spectator., 1919-11-25

"Why, hello Jo" Gilbert Gleason ex- tended warm hand to Josephine Will | by. It was indeed treat to meet her on the boulevard. He had seen her for few moments only during her last visit to Chicago and that was three months ago. Bert. :" Unconcealed surprise and pleasure glowed in Josephine's dark eyes as she placed slender hand in. his. There was pause, then she con tinued:
 "When did you arriveT Late last night-too late to call you up, but I was going to do so this morn ing. This is wonderful surprise, Jo- l finding you up here. I don't want to be | curious" he had forgotten that he was still holding her hand and when she made slight move he dropped it awk- wardly, and went on. T don't want to be curious, but really, what are you doing up here?' "Why-Tm house-hunting "Househunting $ that so? Funny. but I am too.' They both laughed, but 1t was forced laughter, and when their eyes met, the girls wavered and heavy lashes dusted a pink flush that crept Up her cheek. Then suddenly they lift ed and Josephine spoke: Cant l take you downtown-or wherever you're going?' she added, doubtfully.
 That's mighty nice of you, Jo, but , told my chauffeur to be back in about ten minutes, so I guess I'd better wait"
 Well, anyway, Bert, you must come to see me before you leave, that is, if you're here long enough to spare me an evening""
 I'm staying indefinitely and will certainly see you again soon."
 She said good-by with forced smile. started the car and drove down the boulevard. The smile disappeared and a frown not forced, slipped into it's place. She lifted tan hand and found q tear on her cheek. Then her dark eyes flashed and she said aloud:
 Josephine Wilby, aren't you ashamed of yourself? Why shouldn't he be house-huntins? Hasn't he right to get married without you getting. settlng-oh, I wish I'd never promised sister to help find n house." and she burst into tears.
 Gilbert Gleason watched the car out of sight
 "Ilouse-hunting That's just my luck. No sooner fall in love with girl than someone else gets her--all my plans, wonderful plans, for noth- ingw
 He thrust his hands into his pock- cts and as the car stopped before him, ordered:
 Back to the Fillmore, Ted" then relaxed and meditated.
 "I wonder who the chap is-lucky man What fool l am. Had no busi- ness getting house before wife anyway. love! How I've wanted her ever since that day in Chicago wanted her to work for, to love: and now I'll be a man. I'll see her again and we'll be friends" He fingered over the word friends"
 Jo sighed softly as she replaced the telephone on the table and returned to the drawing room, where she seated herself at the piano and played dream fly, dstantly. She was as beautiful aS. the melody she played. A wealth of auburn hair crowned her oval face. At the belt of her white georgette gown was cluster of forget-me- -nots-one had fallen on the bench. Suddenly the music blurred before her and lean ing forward on the piano she mur- mured. "l can't love him-I mustn't but l do. do."
 The doorbell rang and Mir. Gleason was announced.
 I'm so glad you came, Bert" There was culver in her voice as she welcomed him. ''I was wondering how should pass the long evening. It's too rainy to motor and there is no party on for tonight" She laughed and waved him to q chair.
 Hes probably in France" Bert thought.
 Sometimes one does get tired of these everlasting dances, you know she added softly.
 Bert studied her fin Nllence, admired the soft hair, noticed the artistic hands. beautiful, unaldcd by jewels.
 "D'you know, Jo," he said impulsive- ly. you're beautiful"
 "Why, Bert" she laughed. "I was just thinking what handsome man you are"
 Handsome Is as handsome does." he quoted. You remember that"
 You're fishing, you naughty boy, and I absolutely refuse to make you conceited."
 "There is only one way you could make me conceited, Jo." He bent nearer and she almost whispered, "Howf"
 There was pause. Then, with tiny shiver. she swung around on the piano and began playing.
 s.u-Aat a cal I am papf