Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-19
became almost cordial. bidding him sit
next Miss Delaplane at tabie.

foil for Peggy's blond prettiness. Peter
tnousht her step above Peggy in the
cultural sense, and only learned after
ward that as she was not very we'll Of,
Feggy was using her as a rung in the
social ladder. Mordaunt, Peter didn't
fancy, but Cuttings, who was iovisl and
paid, managed to inject some life into
the party, which. despite the effect of
Ihe cocktails, seemed rather weary and
Mcclure sat risidly at the head Of
the table, forcing smiles and glancing
uneaslly at doors and windows. Peter
was worried too, not as to himself,
put as to any possible connection that
there might be between the man With
the dark mustache and tbe affairs 30
Jonathan Mcclure. Mildred Della plane
wno had Travelled In Europe in ante.
Dellum days, found much that was In.
teresting in Peters fragmentary remi-
hlscences. She knew music too, and in
an unguarded moment Peter admitted
that he had studied. It was dificnit to
lie to women, he had found.
And so, after dinner, that informs tion
having transpired, he was immedintelv
led to the piano stool BY his hostess
VINO was frequently biased In her social
Judgments by Mildred Delapiane.
?, reter played Cyril Scotts "sonu
from the EAST and then, sure Of Miss
aGelaplanes Interest, an Etude of
scrlabine, an old favorite Of his which
ment. A''
And all the while he was aware Of
oonathan Mcclure, seated squarely in
the middle of the sofa which comma nded
al the windows and doors, with ono
hand at his pocket, scowling and alert
6y,, turns, for, though the night had
falien slowly, 1t was now pitch black
OUTSIDE. Peter knew that Mcclure was
thinking he hadn't hired his superip-
tendent as musician to entertain his
daughters guests, but that he was pow
erless to interfere. Nor did he wish 70
excite the reprobation of his daughter
by going up and locking himself In his
room. Peggy, having finished her cigar
ette with Freddy on the portico, had
come In again and was now leaning over
the piano. her gaze fixed, like Mildred s,
upon Peters mobile fingers.
You're really too wonderful a su-
pcrintendent to be quite true" said
Peggy when Peter had finished. "Bu.
do give US rag.
Peter shook his head. I'm sorry,
but | cant do ragtime."
Quit your kidding! I want to
dance"
I'm not-er-kidding," said Peter,
laughing. Il can't play It at all-not
at all"
Peggy gave him look, shrugged and
walked to the door.
Fred -dic-e" she called.
Peter rose from the piano stool and
crossed to Mcclure. The mans cigar
was unsmoked and tiny beads of sweat
stood OUT on his forehead
II don't think You need worry, SIR"
whispered Peter. THE men are all
around the house, but if you say, I'll
60 out for another look around" "
mo matter. III stick It out for
while"
You're better off here than any
where, I should say. No one would
dare"
Here Freddy at tha piano struck up
Mary" and further conversation was
drowned in conmotion. Mildred Della
plane was pre-e emptcd by Mr.. Cuttings
and Peggy came whirling alone toward
Peter, arms extended, the passion for
Peter took turn, but four years of
war had done little to improve his steps.
"I'm afraid all my dancing is in my
fingers" he muttered.
Suddenly, as Freddy Mordaunt
paused, F'eggy stopped and lowered her
arms.
Good Lord! )" she gasped. whats
the matter with pop?"
McGuire had risen unsteadily and
was peering out into the darkness
through tho window opposite him, his
face pallid, his lips drawn into q thin
line. Peggy ran to him and caught him
by tho arm.
what Is 1t, popp Are you sick2"
"N-no matter. Just bit upset. If
you don't mind, daughter, think I'll
be going up"
"Can 10 anythingT'
"No. Stay here and enjoy your.
selves. Just tell Stryker. will you.
Nichols, and then come up to my ROOM
Peggy was regarding him anxiously
as he made his way to the door and in
tercepted Peter as he went to look for
the valet.
What is 1t. Mr.. Nichols7" she
asked. "He may be sick. but It seems
to me-" she paused, and then, "Did
you see his eyes as he looked out Of the
Window"
Indigestion, said Peter coolly.
you'll soc aftor him, won't your
And il he wants me, just call over
I'm sure he won't want you. A few
home remedies--'
And Peter went through the door.
Stryker had appeared mysteriously from
somewhere and had already preceded
his master up the stairs. When Peter
reached the landing Mcguire was stand
Ing alone In the dark, leaning against
the wall, his gaze on the lighted bed
room which the valet was carefully
examining.
"What is it, sir?" asked Peter coolly.
"You thought you saw something?"
"Yes-out thereon the side por-
tico--"
"You must be mistaken-unless it
was one of the watchmen-"
No, no. ! saw
what, sirT'
mo matter. Do you think Peggy
noticed?"
"Just that you didn't seem quite
"But not that I seemed-er-"
"Alarmed2 I said you weren't
we'll"
Peter took the frightened mans arm
and helped him into his room.
"I'm not, Nichols" he groaned
'I'm not myself.
Il wouldn't worry, sir. I'd say It
was physically impossible for any one
to approach the house without permis-
sion. But III go down and have
another look around"
DO, Nichols. But come back up
here. III want to talk to YOU"
SO Peter went down. And, evading
inquiries in the hallway, made his way
out through the hall and pantry. Here
a surprise awaited him, for as he
opened the door there was a skurry Of
light footsteps and In moment he
was in the pantry face to face with |
Beth Cameron, who seemed much dis