The evening world., 1921-04-05
CHAPTER VIII.


E<K ET'S dance" suggested
- Pinnell.
IL 1t was "a warm, starry
night and he had called
early for Neata, anxious to be with
her every possible moment He wanted
to take her to some bright, gay place,
frequented by pleasure-seekers-t
glide to the soft, seductive strains of
a waltz, TO answer the joyous sum-
mons of the quick, exciting notes of
a one-step, with her wondrous beauty
surrendered to his arms. He wished
the thrill OF seeing people turn and
smile at sight of Neata and to hear
them comment on her lovelineys, as
they did wherever she went. He mar
yelled at her lack of conceit--her
sweet graciousness. She accepted the
tribute of the admiring throngs with
puzzled gratitude and humility.
Where shall we go?" asked Neata.
ANY place 50 long as 1 am with
YOU" he laughed softly.
Wen try the Pennsylvania roof,
/ then" said Neata. 1T will probably
/ be crowded and very likely we will be
unable to dance comfortably, but the
music there is delightful and perhaps
we can sit outside on the balcony.
am in the mood for such entertain
ment tonight"
| She wanted to put aside the past
! to stop thinking and enjoy the mo-
ment. If only there were some
method by which one could press a
! button or turn brake or manipulate
some other contrivance to shut off
the flood Of thought-just to take
what came in the most philosophical
manner-to accept everything as the
managing OF Fate-and not to care
Her slim, long fingers brushed
| lightly across her white forehead.
Seemingly. she just smoothed wav-
ing lock into place, but it was a habit
of years, a childish gesture at ease
ment of any problem which puzzled
| her panied brain.
IN be ready in a jiffy," she smiled,
and ran upstairs to don her black
velour cape and hat of orange velvet
round which trailed a foaming os-
trich feather.
She lool.ed critically in the mirror
and decided she was a trifie too pale.
A bit of rouge she added to her
cheeks-her lips needed no artificial
coloring. The slightly heightened
color lent her animation. None would
dream that she was sick at heart
They parked the car on Seventh
Avenue and, entering the huge lobby
of the Pennsylvania Hotel, made
their way through the crowds. A con-
vention was in progress, and groups
of people stood about enjoying the
sight of one another and the re6ec-
nR nj ~
marble walls. The gilded elevator
delivered them to the roof, where
they were greeted by the subdued
murmur of many voices.
Bmory's tip to the head waiter
made available n table on the bal
cony. They were seated and Neata
had thrown off her gloves and thrown
back her cape. She was wearing a
black satin frock, heavily beaded,
which set OF to splendid advantage
her glowing shoulders. Her black
satin slipper tapped the stone floor
ing, keeping time to the music. Emory
gave their order to the attentive
waiter standing by and then they rose
to dance.
The couples swayed slowly-the
black and white marble floor was so
closely packed that collisions were
unavoidable. The dancers laughed at
cored for more music. To some IT
was a relaXation-they frolicked mer-
rily. their shoulders shaking, their
feet moving in tiny jerky steps. To
others the contact brought oblivion
with cheek to cheek and bodies close
pressed, they dreamily danced on,
fOrgetful OF time and place.
Upon the dais, the chubby conduc-
tor Of the orchestra bowed, wiped his
at an end. The dancers, flushed and
warm, returned to their tables to par
take of food and drink. Prohibition
had made popular the specially mixed
fruit connections, tall glass pitchers
OF which stood on nearly every table.
Fishing out numerous red cherries and
pieces OF pineapple, which had been
cut in cubes, seemed the arduous task
of many pretty girls. To stab a cher
~ on the end Of a fork, when it was
fortified with slippery chunks Of ice
and bits Of mint, was not the easiest
thing in the world, they discovered.
Neata was thus engaged, her mind
intent on getting the fruit, when
Emory startled her by reaching over
and placing his hand on hers. She
did not attempt to take it away but
she did not return his pressure. A
cold fear possessed her,
humbly begged.
She was dumb for some time. She
looked out into space, wondering
whether she could tell him the truth
let him know that she had not been
able to forget Colin-that her love for
him would not die
A blaze OF light across the river de-
noted the location OF Palisades Park
on the Jersey shore A display OF fire
NUprka wa c in DrOgrp SS-SpmpWh nm.
timely, she thought absently. Sky,
rockets were shooting up, bursting In
shower of glorious blues. greens
yellows and puppies. She watched
them disappear like falling stars.
She did not wish to hurt Emory
She was deeply interested in him, feel
q ing for him the affection-almost ma
. ternal in qualty-which all womer
; feel for men who love them or who
at some time, have loved them.
I'm sorry" she answered softly
4 There were tears in her voice. "Yo,