Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-18
CHAPTER II.
Mr.. SornerA.

MI. SomerA.
It was nearly midnight when Steele
came, and with him was a man I had
never seer before. and whom L as
sumed to be the Mr.. Somers I had
heard about.
And it was. AS Steele entered, he
cast his eye around for Vicky. and
saw her at the bridge table down at
the end Of the room. Her back was
toward us. and she was 50 absorbed
In the game h did not look around,
II, indeed. she heard the noise Of
their arrival.
The two men stopped near the
group I was with and Steele intro
duced MI. Somers.
A little %curiously I looked at him.
and saw a large, self-satisfied looking
man wearing an expansive smile and
apparel Clothes the very
best p~rocurable, .jewelry just inside
the limits of good taste-he bore him
self like a gentleman, yet there was
an unmistakable air of DESTINATIONS
wealth that repealed me. A second
look made me stink Mr.. Somers had
greetings we're courteous and genial
and his manner sociable, If a little
patzonizing. He seemed a stranger
to all present, and his eye roved about
for the charming hostess Steele had
told him of.
well reach Miss Van Allen pres
entity" Steele laughed, In answer to
the glance, IF. indeed, we dare inter-
rupt her game. Let's make progress
slowly"
NO hurry" returned Somers, az
fably. beaming on Cassie Weldon and
meeting Ariadne Gales receptive
smile. I'm anchored here for the
moment. Miss Weldon? Alb, yes,
I've heard o sing. Voice like a lark
a lark"
purveyor of small talk. I sized him
up for a numbering oldster. who
wanted to be playful but didn't quite
know how.
He had rather an austere face, yet
there was a CLEAN in his v that be-
lied the %austerity. His cheeks were
fat and red, his o prominent. and
he was clean shaver. save for a
thick white mustache. that dropped
slightly on either side of a full-lipped
mouth. His hair was white. his eyes
dark and deep-set. and he could cas-
lily be called a handsome man. He
was surely fifty, and perhaps more.
Had it not been for a certain eff
fusiveness in his speech. l could have
liked him. but he seemed to me to
lack sincerity.
However, I am not one to judge
harshly or hastily. and I met him half
way, and ever helped him in his eff
forts at gay affability.
you've never been here before 2"
I asked: Good old Steele to bring
you tonight" y.
NO, never before" and he glanced
around approximately. but I shall. I
hope, come often. Charming little
nest; charming ladies!" a bow includ-
ed those nearest.
yes, indeed" babbled Ariadne.
fair m n brave men,"
Brave, yes," agreed Somers, ITO
dare the glances Of such bright eyes.
l must protect my heart!" He clasped
his fat hands pretty nea where his
heart was situated, and grinned with
delight as Ariadne also protected"
her heart.
"Ah," he cried. two hearts in dan
ger! ! feel sure we shall be friends, If
only because misery loves company"
"Is it really misery with you?" and
Ariadne's sympathy was so evidently
walked away.
"Ill give Ariad her innings" said
make up to the Somers kid later.
Where'd Vicky pick him up?"
She doesn't know him at all. Nor
man Steele brought him unbe-
knownst."
NO! Why. Wick doesn't allow that
sort Of thing
so I'm told. Apy way. Steele did
well, Vicky's such a good-natured
darling. maybe she won't mind for
once. She won't, il she likes the little
stranger. He's well-meaning, at any
rate"
SOS Ariadne. From her smile. !
think she well means to sell him her
latest Autumn In The Adirondacks.'
or Lady With a Handbag"
Now, don't be meant" but Cassie
laughed. And I don't blame her II
she does: Poor Ad paints above the
heads Of the public. so il this is a
high-up Publican. she'd better make
sales while the sun shines"
Whats her work like?"
You can see more of it In this
house than anywhere else. Vicky ID
so fond Of Ariadne and so sorry her
pictures don't sell better. that she
buys a lot herself"
Does Miss Gale know Miss Var
Allen does 1t out e."
Don't say charity! No. they're
really good stun. and Vicky buys 'en
for Christmas gifts and bridge
prizes"
Does she ever play for prizes?
thought she liked a bit Of a stake
now"
Yes. at evening parties. But
often we have a dove game Of an aft.
ernoon, with prizes and pink tea
vicky Van isn't a gay doll. you know
she's-sometimes, she's positively do
mestic. wish she had a nice hua,
band and some little kiddies."
Why hasn't she?"
Give it up. She's never seen an,
man h loved. I s'pose."
person.
Heaven forbid! Nothing less thar
9 crown prince would suit Vicky
Van. Look. she's turning to NEE
him. Won't he be bowled Overt"
turned. and though there wer,
several people between ua, / caugh,
glimpse OF Somers' face As he va,
presented to Miss Van Allen. He va!
bowled over. His eyes beanned witt
admiration and he bowed low a. Il,
raised to his lips. the dainty, bejew
eled hand.
vicky. apparently. did not welcom,
this old-ttme greeting, and sho drew
away her hand. saying, mot allowed
.sAuea1e Anen: 1SApreD proper com
FUNCTION. or You can't sit next me a
support"
Forgive me-" begged aonners. .I,n
sorry! I'll never do It aGaIn-unti
after ! Sit = you at supper"
More brains than / thought"
said to Cassie. who nodded, and the,
Vtcky Van rose from her chair.
Take my place for . moment M