The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1920-01-22
CHAPTER Ix-continued.

-IG@
Night had settled when Dave left
the office. A soft wind blew from the
southwest; June was in the air. June
too, was 10 Dawes heart as he walked
the few blocks to his bachelor quar-
tiers. What of the drab injustice OF
business? Let him forget that; now it
was night and she had called
him Dave
He dressed with care. 1t WAS not
until he was about to leave his rooms
that he remembered he must dine
alone; he had been dressing for her.
uncOnsciOusIy The realization brought
him up with something of shock
"This will never do" he said. Il
cau't eat alone tonight, and can't ask
Reenie. so soon after the incident with
her mother. l know-Bert Morrison.
He reached for the telephone and
rang her number.
Her number did not answer. He
thought of Edith Duncan. But Edith
lived at home, and it was much too
late TO extend formal dinner invita-
ton. There was nothing for it but
TO eat alone. He suddenly became
COASCIOuS Tic great IOLSlEAICSO VI
his bachelor life. The charm of bach
elorhOod was Il myth which only need
ed contact with the gentle atmosphere
of feminine affection TO be exposed.
He took his hat and coat and went
into the street. 1t was his custom to
take his meals at Il modest eating
place on side-avenue, but tonight he
directed his steps to the best hotel the
city afforded. There was no wisdom
In dressing for an event unless he was
going to defect his course somewhat
from the daily routine.
The dining hall was blaze Of light.
Dave paused for a moment, awaiting
the beck of waiter, but in that mo-
ment his eye fell on Coward, seated
at q table with Mrs. Hardy and Irene.
Coward had seen him and was mo-
tiOning to him to join them. The sit
uatiOn was embarrassing and yet de-
lightful. He was glad he had dressed
for dinner
Join US. Eden" Coward said as
he reached their table. "Just little
dinner to celebrate tOday's transaction.
You will not refuse-to share to that
extent?"
Dave looked at Mrs. Hardy. Had he
been dealing with Coward and Mrs.
Hardy alone he would have excused
himself, but he had to think of Irene.
That is, he had to justify her by being
correct in his manners.
DO join u.s." said Mrs. Hardy. 1t
was evident to Mrs. Hardy that it
would be correct for her to support
Mr.. Conwnrd's invitation.
You are very kind" said Dave as
he seated himself. Il had not hoped
for this pleasure" And yet the
pleasure was not unmixed. He felt
that Coward had outplayed him. II
was Coward who had done the gra-
-cious thing, and Dave could not pre-,
vent Coward doing the gracious
thing without himself being ungra-
ciOuS.
After dinner they sat in the lounge
room, and Coward beguiled the time
with stories of sudden wealth which
had been practically forced upon men
who were now regarded as the bust
ness framework of the country. AS
these worthless StrOlled through the
richly furnished room, Ieisurely
smoking their after-dinner cigars, Con
ward would make a swift summary of
their rise from liveryman, cow
puncher, clerk or labOrer to their
present aff1uence, occasionally appeal
ing to Dave to corrOborate his state
ments.' 1t was particularly distaste-
full to Eden to be obliged to add his
word to Conward's in such matters,
for, although Coward carefully re-
Trained from making any direct ref
erence to Mrs. Hardy's purchase the
inference that great profits would ac-
crue to her therefrom was very OBJ
viOus.
Elden was glad when Mrs. Hardy
remembered that she must not remain
up late. Her physician had prescribed
rest. Early to bed, you know Dave
had opportunity for just a word with
Irene before they left.
''HOw did this happen-tonight? he
asked, with the calm assumption of
one who has 4 right to know.
"Oh, Mr.. Coward teIephoned an in
vitatiOn to mother" she explained. 81