Evening star., 1921-09-18

1T is not possible that We have
met before. is it?" Furnival asked
in a low tone. Il seem to know
your face SO we'll"
Lady Mary looked from one to the
other rather anxiously.
Il hardly think So" Phillis an
swered composedly i've always
lived in the country very quietly.
don't think we can have met any
where
CHE changed the subject skillfully.
but Furnival was sure that some-
| where before he had met the half
smiling. half disdainful glance of
those gray eyes.
The band started again. Lady Mary
! was claimed by partner; Phillis was
| left alone with Furnival.
Furnival turned suddenly and
! looked at her.
so old Billy is going to get mar
Well, he is engaged" she admitted.
| (which is not always the same thing
| as getting married. is it,
cit should be. surely
She half shrugged her white shoul-
i ders.
Here is Billy" she murmured.
Furnival rose.
I'VE were talking about you. old
chap. Congrats."
Thanks" Billy's voice was not
This is our, dance. I think" he
| said, bending over the girl.
When they were out Of hearing
Philiis looked up at the Hon. Billy
Don't you like him?' she inquired.
"Furnival? 1 used to-we were
great chums at one time. He shelved
me when he knew the bank was
empty. Shall we dance this. or would
you prefer to sit out?"
"Oh, let us dance"
Billy whirled her into the throng
He was a splendid dancer; no part
ner of his ever had to complain of
torn frocks or rumpled hair. When
| they had circled the room twice he
| stopped by an open doorway and led
her through.
She made no objection. She was
flushed and little breathless.
"Oh. that was splendid"' she said.
A door at the end of the passage
led to a, conservatory lit with shaded
lanterns, the air heavy with the per-
fume Of rare flowers.
Phillis sank into big chair shaded
! by tall palm; the Hon. Billy stood
beside her. frowning.
suddenly. i've had enough of this.
You'll have to let me off my bargainw
The girls pretty face paled:
You mean that you don't like be-
ing engaged to me?" she asked
slowly.
"I mean that I don't like playing
the clown as 1 am. Not that care
truthful come out, and then"
IF am not paying you we'll
Thanks. deserved that" said the
Hon. Billy. in a hard voice. He
, clenched his hands on the back Of the
chair against which he stood.
pns sdn %ssn to hu1s sse don saia
let US quarrel. Tveshad such happy
fortnight. I don't regret one mo-
either"
Does Dos 9 .n man ever enjoy being made mad,
| with sarcasm.
| "If it's only because you're afraid
! OF what people will say n-when it's
broken or" she told him. smiling.
, quite willing for it to be given out
that you Tilted me. So what is there
to worry about?"
! II am very likely to allow that am
You should never meet trouble,
halfway" she said. II don't. Do BE-
friends with me, and" She broke
J of. and sat staring across the con-
seryatory at a man who had 1'ast
He was a tall, mflitary-loolsing man
with gray hair and an eyeglass and
rather melancholy fee which car
ried distinct signs Of dissipation on
its otherwise fine features.
who is that MANI" she asked. in
an altered voice,
The Hon. Billy followed theA direc-
tion of her fixed gaze.
That's Lord Seldom" he said stiff1y.
Phillis had risen to her feeN.
Il want to know him; please in
troduce him to me. want to know
him Do you hearT' She, swung
round imperatiyelys