The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-12-11

seemingly engrossed with her, and
the young man Of the market also,
who had followed her that morning.
She extended her arms, tilted her
head little back, and the trained
muscles of her supple body began
to twitch, and creep, and ripple as
though Observation-Disclosures in.
dependent life.
The pipes twittered. All eyes
were upon the girl in the midst OF
the pale floor.
The fingers of her outstretched
hands moved as though she were
plucking at invisible strings or
reckoning mystically. II was
unique, extraordinary, and she was
very beautiful.
The display ended. The dancer
drew deep, relaxing breath. All
radiant, conscious Of success, she
saluted the guests again.
At that moment a rain OF roses
descended upon the feasters. Most
Of these were by this time exalted
with wine. There were cries, hand.
clippings. and the h-pitched, i'm
moderate laughter of partly intoxi.
Gated women.
Someone tossed rose at Astarte
and Immediately dozen fell about
her. She stopped, laughing, and
flung them back.
Put ont the lights" commanded
a mans voice.
Instantly the slaves stationed by
the silver candelabra began to ex-
tinguish the lighted wicks. The lit
tie lamps Of the table lamp stands
were blown out. With a swiftness
that was magical the place dark
ened.
Astarte stood on the spot where
she had danced, half-laughing, ex-
pectant The cymbals clashed, the
tambourines ratified and pan.pipes
were blown.
A tinkle OF little bells caused her
10 turn her head, and she saw
Semla. the Syrian stomach dancer,
with her arms about the neck OF a
young blond Greek, handsome and
half drunk She was hanging upon
him as though he was the very
source OF her life, and he was in
the act of bending his head to find
her lifted lips.
The last lamp-hame went out like
a snuffed star; the shifting cymbals
met In final clang. The hall of
the feast was in complete dark
ness. but the court before II was
touched with uncertain light by the
two lamps at the head and foot of
the staircase.
In the darkness a hand touched
her arm. She started as violently
as If knife had pricked her.
The hand closed on her-shifted
with sure and instant quickness
TO her wrist, and frightened upon
it. At once. and with complete
certainty, she knew that this was
Valerius.
She uttered nothing. His left
hand came upon her other wrist.
She was held as firmly as a captive
whose escape would be inadmissi-
Bile. He spoke from the darkness.
you struck me this morning.
Children who rebel are punished
ann going to punish you. Astarte."
She seemed 10 yield, suddenly. to
soundless laughter that shook her
like hysteria Her voice. when she
answered. laughed at him out of the
dark.
How" she said.
"Pll show you"
He held her now as he had held
her in the fountain, but more merci.
lessly. His breath was hot against
her face and she smelled wine.
81 want you!" he said. His
speech was clean-cut as in the
morning but something in his in
donation betrayed the drink that he
had taken. And | take what l
want, Astarte."
His arms crushed her. She felt
that she must gasp for breath.
Il take what | want" he said
again.
She was aware of his kisses. His
mouth was as pitiless as the hand
of a despoil5r. She had been in
stinct with warm excitement, eager
and fearlessly curious Now resent
ment sprang, full-grown, into life.
II hate you-I hate your kisses!"
But it was not his kisses that she
hated-it was his attitude of mas
tership that took and then would
throw aside. Her pride fought
against him like frantic animal in
net
81 don't care fig whether you
hate me or love mel want you!"
She began to struggle with all her
strength, silently, with clenched
teeth.
CHAPTER VII