South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-03-02

going through the same elaborate
formula. Probably because OF that.
as much as anything else, constraint
grasped the little company tighter
Graham couldn't hide his anxiety.
Paroles Knocked it with sreering
phrases which he turned most care
fully. Before the meal was half fin
ished Graham glanced at his watch.
We've just. time for the eight
thirty" he whispered to Bobby, IF
we pick up a taxi"
Maria had heard. She pouted.
There is no engagement" she
lisped, "as sacred as a dinner, no
ENHANCEMENT except marriage that
cannot be easily broken. Perhaps l
have displeased you, Mr.. Graham.
Perhaps you fancy 1 excite unpleas-
ant comment. 1t is unjust. / assure
you my reputation is above re-
proach"-her dark eyes twinkled-
"certa inly in New York"
1T isn't that" Graham answered.
I'VE must go. It's not to be evaded. +"
She turned tempestuously.
Am l 10 be Inundated so? Car
los Why did you bring me? Is all
the world TO see my companions
leave in the midst of a dinner as if
[ were plague-touched? Is Bobby
not capable of choosing his own
company"
You are thoroughly justified,
Maria" Paroles said in his express
sionless tones Bobby, however, has
said very little about this engage
ment. / did not know, Mr.. Graham.
that you were the arbiter of Bobbys
actions. In a way must resent your
implication that he is no longer
capable of caring for himself"
Graham accepted the challenge.
He leaned across the table, speaking
directly to Bobby, ignoring the
others:
You've not forgotten what I told
you. Will you come while there's
here any longer"
Bobby. hating warfare in his pres
ent mood sought TO temporize:
ITS all right Hartley. Don't
worry I'll catch a later train
Maria relaxed.
"Ah, Bobby still chooses for him
self"
III have enough rumpus." Bobby
muttered. when I get to the Cedars.
Don't grudge me a little peace here"
Graham arose. His voice was dis
couraged.
I'm sorry. I'll hope, Bobby"
Without a word TO the others he
walked out of the room.
So far, when Bobby tried after
ward to recall the. details of the
evening. everything was perfectly
distinct in his memory The re-
mainder of the meal, made uncOm-
Portable by Maria's sullenness and
Paroles sneers, his attempt 70 re-
capture the earlier gayety OF the
evening by continuing to drink the
wine, his determination 10 go later
TO the Cedars in spite OF Graham's
doubt-of all these things no partic-
ular lacked. He remembered paying
the check. as he usually did when
he dined with Paroles. He recalled
studying the timetable and finding
that he had just missed another
train.
Maria's spirits rose then. He was
persuaded to accompany her and
Paroles TO the music hall. In her
dressing-room, while she was on the
stage, he played with the boxes of
makeup, splashing the mirror with
various colours while Paroles sat
silently watching.
The alteration. he was sure. came
a little later in the cafe at a table
close to the dancing floor. Maria had
insisted that Paroles and he should
wait there while she changed.
But" he had protested, II have
missed too many trains"
She had demanded his timetable.
scanning the columns of close fig
ures.
There is one" she had said. cat
twelve fifteen-time for a little
something in the cafe, and who
knows? If you are agreeable I might
forgive everything and dance with
you once, Bobby, on the public
floor"
So he sat for some time. expectant,
with Paroles. watching the bolster
Gus dancers, listening TO the violent
music, slipping absent-mindedly st
his glass. He wondered why Paroles
had grown so quiet
81 mustn't miss that twelve
fifteen" he said. You know Carlos,
you weren't quite fair TO Hartley.
He's q splendid fellow Roomed with
me at college, played on same team,
and all that. Only wanted me to do
the right thing. Must say it was the
right thing. l won't miss that twelve
fifteen"
Graham" Paroles sneered. lis a
wonderful type-Apollo in the flesh
and Billy Sunday in the conscience"
Then. as Bobby started to protest,
Maria entered, more dazzling than a.
dinner; and the dancers swayed less
boisterously, the chatter at the tables
subsidized, the orchestra seemed to
hesitate as a sort of obeisance.
4 man Bobby had never. seen be-
fore followed her to the table. His
middle-aged figure was loudly
clothed His face was coarse and
clean shaver. He acknowledged the
introductions sullenly.
1--WE only a minute Bobby said
TO Maria.
He continued. however. TO raise
his glass indifferently to his lips. All