The Washington times., 1922-04-02

with hands ciasped upon ner
breast, erect and rather de-
nant They made q contrast,
those two-the big woman in blue
satin and gold, massive and power.
full. with quiet, gray eyes and thick
lips we'll set; the girl. absurdiy
small in her combative pose, white
and pitiful in her little dance frock
OF champagne georgette, that was
cut much too low III front and ex.
posed unduly her fragile shape, as
II In London. at last, she had de-
cided to exceed. Thrown over
her arm was her cloak of black
velvet edged with swansdowr.
Even then Mrs. Caldecot was still
woman enough to realize that Pa.
tricia was wearing her Winter cloak.
They were looking into eacn
others eyes, already inimical. bat
hesitating. like two wrestlers eses.
ing a grip. Both knew that even
now all might be explained and COW
cred up, IL only nothing decisive
we're said; both we're afraid Of the
first word, that would create q SIT.
uation which must affect them
deeply. So strong was this feeling
that II was Mrs. Caldecot who a..
tackled. And she attacked In
light, feminine way, OF which the
younger girl would, in her inexpe-
rience. have been incapable.
Il see you've come round between
two dances. Was II a dull dance?"
Patricia stared at her. Sh' hadn't
expected 10 begin like this. so was
led away. Dance! Oh, yes, Of
course. just got away for mo
ment. had to see you"
As the girl stopped. Mrs. Caldecot
foGnd a little pity mixing with her
anxiety. Then she resented this
emotion and her words grew cold.
Indeed! suppose you can explain
this vio'eht intrusion! | think my
maid told you that couldn't see
you. But you seem to have In
sisted"
"Oh. Mrs. Caldecot." said Patricia,
her anger and her plan disturbed
by this attack upon her manners. 81
to have done II. only something's
happened You see, ten days ago
Bob was thrown from his horse
What" cried Mrs. Caldecot, com
ing toward her. "Is he nurt?" She
felt no enmity now, only immense
fear. .
NO" said Patricia, mot exactly.
not badly; he's going to be all right.
thought you knew" Her voice
became savage. Il thought. CT
course, you knew"
rs he out of danger'" asked Mrs.
Caldecot. as IL she did not under.
stand the imputation. as t. her only
care were the wellbeing OF the man
for whom those two were fighting.
Yes said Patricia, with an ef.
fort. There's nothing to fear now.
Only, you see. Mr.. Sutton let him
try q new horse-oh. never mind
those details. He fell on his head.
He might have been killed"
Go on" said Mrs. Caldecot,
tensely.
1T was ten days ago, and I've
been with him night and day. He
was delirious for two days"
Yes, yes" said Mrs. Caldecot, as
the girl stopped. seeming unable t.
speak. Go on, 60 on; what's the
matter"
He called for you all the time"
murmured Patricia. Then, in a
stronger tone. "Yes, he only called
for you. couldn't bear 1t. All the
time he was saying, Claire, where's
Claire" Oh, can't bear It."
Her voice suddenly rose to a
shrek "He put his arms round nv
neck and called me Claire. Oh.
don't stand looking at me like that
Haven't you done me enough harm?
Why don't you own up, Mrs. Calde-
cot? It's been you he loves. Yon
know 1t quite well. Don't stare NJ
me. You know it's you he loves.
not me-"
Mrs. Caldecot felt herself draw
ing up her shoulders, a faint warmth
Of pleasure in the contest came inr5
her blood. Raising her eyebrows
she replied, "Nonsense!"
The denial seemed to infurials
Patricia. "Oh. it's all very well
your saying nonsense. or course,
you would. OF course, you'd deny
1t. You deny the things ] can see,
things that everybody knows. Now
understand all those hints