The Monmouth inquirer., 1922-09-28

and this afternoon Joan received
Wray with complete sef-possession.
She spoke OF her journey, of the
weather, she was bright, charming
woman of society again. Presently
her eyes began to shine with amuse-
ment, though no smile appeared on
her lips.
'Welli' she exclaimed.
We'll! he echoed cheerfully.
so you were day after the fair.
The bird had flown! she said.
You have heard all about it, then?'
asked Wray.
Naturally wanted to learn what
had been happening during my alb
sence, she returned, and Pauline's
engagement formed the most inter
esting item
Very interesting said Wray.
Bernard met me at Waterloo she
explained. He had come direct from
4 Gloucester Place.
4 confess don't quite understand
It, said Wray.
What perpIexes you?'
sOh, we'll
Is 1T unprecedented that woman
should changer asked Joan.
/ think shall retort with your
own theory
What was that?' she said One
has so many They depend to a great
extent upon the weather, upon ones
temper. and SO forth.
You tried to convince me-
Il protest that I never attempt to
proselytize. Wray!'
That everybody Is capable of one
grand passion, only OF one
Did really say anything quite as
foolish as that! Joan exclaimed.
i fancied you meantit, he retorted
.Ah, well! Imust have been car
ried away by the excitement Of your
return assure you, never talk
in that way in London
I have been out Of it so long, you
see, Joan
AT all events she said, you don't
look as if you are entirely broken
hearted
Certainly not, but still
'Well?' she urged as he hesitated.
I was rather fIabbergasted- just at
first, you know
AT first is good!' she cried. How
long ago was it?'
About an hour
And, she said, with laugh, you
howe A., f;ralxv ,-k.oava,.<.d o1~oaS4,gs
OF course, one has to bow to the
inevitable The fact is, he explained,
I feel rather like fish out of water.
MY plans are all upset
You built yourself a iordly pleas
ure-housei'
WELT wasn't very Iordly.'
Confess now she said. you regard
ed it purely as-what shall call it?--
a matter Of duty
I did, Wray admitted.
"A very mistaken idea, she said.
Obviously. But felt that had
been a good deal to blame. had
allowed Pauline to give herself away.
She had made people talk. and --'
.Oh, you fiirted outrageously!s
Unfortunately, she took it In dead
ly earnest, he said
And now In the same irony OF
events, she has forgotten you.
1T looks rather like it,
And your vanity has received a
scratch she persisted But any
how, you are absoived You have
done what seemed to be your duty,
you have eased your conscience. Now
the world lies before YOU
OF course. ! haven't seen Pauline
yet, he suggested.
Take my advice she returned.
BE wise for once Let sleeping dogs
lie, Wray.
I am going to see her on Thursday
afternoon, he said
Now why7 asked Joan quickly
What is to be gained by that?'
We are bound TO meet
MOT at ALL
We both know the same people
Oh. it's inevitable we should run
across each other Wray insisted.
Then wait until chance brings you
into contact, Joan urged.
I think I shall keep chance out Of
IT, he said. Better to get it over in
discreet privacy.
Then you fear another
I can't put aside the possibility
You think Pauline may lose hel
head a second timer said Joan.
I shall never forget the first,' be
mutteref - AssSaG
sA1 -. -; -.