The Washington herald., 1921-04-12
Lxxx-A LATE VISITOR.

In the end. Nancy left for New
York the next day.
She did not cut adrift from the
Langwells. however, for the doctor
had a stateroom on the same train,
greatly to the chagrin Of Connie
Stanley who had been wearing
complscent maddeninsly triumphant
air ever since Nancy had announced
her intention Of terminating her
visit.
The occasion for the doctors trip
TO New York was a very special op-
Grafton upon a prominent parsonage
in the East. for which he had been
summoned by wire.
When Nancy had returned to the
LangweIl residence the previous
night, after dining with the Stanleys
and Desmond, she was still unwill-
ing to follow the advice q Connie
and Desmond in regard to leaving
Chicago.
But somehow, the bleak house
with its great impressive rooms un-
touched by warmth or light, eman-
ating the same impersonal perfec-
tion as a stage set. struck a chill to
her heart. She had a swift contrast
ing vision of her own warmly light
ed apartment with its colorful dra-
peries, soft rugs and inviting cush-
ions: with Semiramis curled up
costly before the fire; with herself
clad in a graceful housegown, pre-
siding over Anna's excellent tea
and English muffins.
1t was several minutes before she
realized that her vision was based
on a past which had ceased TO be.
Gone was Anna-incomparable
paragon!
Gone possibly. too. was Semira-
mis-victim of a high-bred Persian's
delicate heart at sight OF his own
mage under Papa" Harding's
brush!
Gone, likely. was .he apartment
itself-burned. or broken, or other
wise destroyed by Peggy Lewis di-
vorced in-laws!
But even in memoty Nancy felt
herself drawn homeward with
compelling hand. coupled as the
vision was with Comics threat to
write Gerry of the situation in Chi
cago-and Connie was quite capable
of such treachery which she would
conscientiously call loyalty-anC
Maj. Desmond's cryptic warning
There was something sinister
about the Langwell's home. Nancy
had felt il the first moment she had
entered the handsome town house.
She had felt IL again on the night Of
her arrival at their country place.
She felt IL in every glance OF the
doctors brilliant eyes. She felt IL
in the white-faced Iistless Edith.
Mrs. Langwell is out for the eve
ming" Edith's maid told Nancy.
She said you were not to wait up
for her"
Nancy nodded. and had started
upstairs, when the door of the doc
tors study opened suddenly and a
woman passed out.
She was veiled and cloaked. so
that Nancy could not see whether
she was old or young.
The doctor waved a genial hand
to Nancy and called after his veiled
visitor as she passed down the hall:
'Good-by. See you soon"
He looked up at Nancy, who was
halfway upstairs. and held open his
| study door invitingly.
OOAhC NC ~ So
to you"
ITS late, and I'm tired" protest
ed Nancy, knowing perfectly well
that in the end she would go.
Tired after a Turkish BATH" he
inquired with lifted brows.
But that was early today. I ran
into Maj. Desmond at the hotel and
had tea with him. Then Mrs. Stan
ley arrived and informed me that
my husband was dead. While / was
going through that emotional ex-
perience. Curtis Stanley, who had
been taken Unexpectedly drunk,
showed up and explained that it
was only one OF his practical jokes,
so tainted and then we all had
dinner together to celebrate the re-
turn OF my late husband. Could you
ask for a more exhausting evening""
II prescribe a stimulant." said
the doctor. Come in"
With a meekness which seemed
absurd even to herself, Nancy
obeyed.