The Washington times., 1919-08-25
By Virginia Terhune Van
de Water.
(AuthOr of many novels and one Of
the cOuntry's best-knoVn WRIT
erB Of shOrt stOFies.)
CHATTER XEVIII.
Copyright, 1913. Star Company

CHATTER LLVIII.
Copyright, 1919. Star Company
THE festivities of the evening
were well advanced when
= Desiree, glancing at the
clock, noted thata IL would soon be
time to repair to the dining loom
for refreshments. She had told
Smith that she would send him
word when to get the punch ready,
The two musicians she HAD en-
gagged had begun to play waltz
Helen Goddard caught her eye and
hurried forward.
what do you WantF' she asked
els there anything can dor
yes" Desiree replied gratefully.
'T promised this waltz to Mr.. JEFF
ferson, so can't leave the room.
Tell Smith to put the ice and fruit
into the bowl and pour the punch
in at once, please. We shall want
IL in less than a half-hour"
"I suppose It is favored all right,
and everything?" Helen asked.
Try and see, and II not, doctor
II up to suit your own taste" the
hostess directed hastily, as she saw
Walter jefferson advancing.
you are looking very lovely to-
night" he remarked. The last
time I had a chance to talk with
you you were quite indignant with
me because suggested your
chauffeur was a Stacker. Should I
apologize?"
The words were said jestingly,
but they embarrassed the girl.
That Is hardly necessary" she
said. Smith needs no apology. He
has already been in France and
has done his share"
"Ah?" JEFFERSON appeared inter-
ested. "Then confess / did him
an injustice. I thought he was an
Irishman who was willing to es-
cape the service"
Il scarcely see how you could
have fancied that Of an Irishman'"
Desiree retorted. "The Irish are
not conspicuous at any time for
lack OF courage"
Jefferson laughed. at is evil
dent" he teased. that your chauf-
feurs valor is a tender. subject
with you. I have no doubt that he
is a fine chap"
He is an excellent driver" was
the cool rejoindeT. Beyond that,
what he is is Of no impOrtance-is
it?" --s.
Jefferson felt snubbed. 1t was
odd that the only rebuff this charm
ing girl had ever administered to
him had been when he criticized a
man in her fathers employ. What
was there about this fellow that
had awakened his own interest as
well as that Of Samuel Leighton's
daughter?
Meanwhile the subject OF this
conversation was in the pantry pre-
pairing the punch for the guests Of
the evening. BY him stood Helen
Goddard. She had tasted the mix
ture and found 1t very acid.
when the fruit is added it will
be too sour for words" she COM
planned. ASK Annie to bring the
sugar in here, please, Smith"
Il will get it myself" he said.
annie is busy with the salad"
He went into the kitchen. When
he returned with the sugar canister
Helen would have relieved him Of
it, but he demurred.
Pardon me, Miss Goddard-but
you might splash the liquid on your
gown-and II will take the color
out. Let me attend to this. First
OF all ] must put the fruit in
mustn't u"
yes" she agreed. "But frstest
of all. take on your coat"
He hesifated. do so. Smith,"
she insisted. "And pin this in front
OF you"
Taking one OF Annle's aprons
from a hook she held It toward him.
Really. he protested with a
laugh, Il DO not need t."
Helen smiled coquettishly. II am