The Washington herald., 1920-05-08
Lxxxym-sURPRIsEs.

Mr.. Travis Lloyd was looking at
me with a patheticalIy timid air, as
though he was afraid to speak to
me. IL seemed he doubted the re-
ception he might meet with.
But ] was in no mood for criti-
eism- My only feeling towards the
man was pity. That mad wife OF
his how awful for him.
Good morning" i said. holding
out my hand. and acting as though
everything between US had been as
natural and normal in the past.
such a glorious day. isn't it? What
brings you up to town."
He looked relieved. I'm sure he'd
been uncertain as to whether or not
I'd cut him.
Tim so glad to see you, Miss
Helene. I've been rowing round this
dreadful city. looking for company
in vain. IL saw you turn into
this block from Fifth avenue and I
followed you. 1 hope you don't
mind?"
The poor man looked so solitary
and so depressed that my heart
ached for him. couldn't snub him
now. His troubles had been all
the punishment that he deserved
and more. n thousand times!
of course, / don't mind" / re-
Joined brightly, smiling up at him
from below the green brim of my
new hat. and feeling very spring
like. AS a matter of fact, was
Just getting in here to lunch
His face frightened.
Would you do me the honor?
I've had such fit of the blues this
morning. Miss Helene. 1t would be
Q charity"
1 hesitated for a moment. wonder
ing If were doing right. And then
i said:
why. certainly. I'll lunch with
you, If that is what you mean. 1
feel rather solitary myself
Then well go to the Ritz. It's
ages since I've been there" Before
l could stop him, he had hailed a
passing taxi, and was holding the
door open, for me to get inside.
felt a momentary vexation. /
hadn't indended such publicity as the
Ritz But 1 couldn't voice my pre-
dilections. while he stood there. all
smiles and expectancy.
And so 1 climbed inside.
Tits wonderful of you-to
Dened," he was saying. very gently.
Miss Helene. in the last day or so,
II seems as though I'd been through
hell"
His voice trembled a little, and
he turned his head away. Poor Mr..
Travis Lloyd, I felt truly sorry for
him. What a fate was his,
Il value your good opinion so
much-so very much" he went on,
after a pause. And l deeply regret
now, when it's too late, that ] didn't
explain more fully to you how l
was situated. At least you would
have more respect for me than you
possibly can have
Don't speak about it," broke in.
anxious as to his sease of mind. I'm
heartily sorry for your troubles. /
don't condemn you any longer for
not mentioning things And I'm
sorry that I spoke so harshly to
you. before"
Ny little speech was over. I felt
relieved.
We maintained silence until we
reached the Ritz.
1t was with a little pleasurable
thrin that l entered the dining
room. The place was thronged. New
spring toilettes. entrancingly pretty.
were on every side. And a gay babel
of tongues. and the clatter of
dishes
I enjoy life. enjoy watching
wCIl-dressed. happy people. And my
spirits rose.
The head waiter found US a ta-
bic near the door. which COM
manded ar excellent view OF the
whole room. He was very deferen-
tial to Mr.. Lloyd. noticed, as
though the latter were an old and
valued patron.
Many of the people in the place
were nodding cheerfully to my
companion.
you've got lots Of friends here"
j remarked. glancing In the mirror