Omaha daily bee., 1922-03-18

the bed aud watched her silently.
After a moment, Pats come 10
tea" she said.
She was not slow 10 see the swift
color that rushed to Elizabeth's face,
and her eyes fell.
"Oh, has hc!" said Elizabeth,
rather breathlessly.
Yes; to fix things up with you.
He's been to see your aunt
Elizabeth swung around aghast.
"Reallyl oh! Arc you surel'
Yes; but he'll tell you about il
himself. Hurry up" .. ',.
She went off into the sitting room
which the two girls were TO share,
and Elizabeth began twisting up her
hair with shaking fingers.
II Royston had seen Mrs. Mason
she knew that it meant the final
burning OF her boats, and she hardly
knew if she was glad or sorry.
She looked very young and rather
scared when presently she crossed
the landing 10 their sitting room. As
she opened the door she heard Roy
ston laughing and the clattcr Of tea.
cups.
Meta was at the head OF the
table, pouring out, and Royston
stood beside her.
He drew forward chair for Eliza
beth.
Il hope you are feeling rested" he
said. Meta tells me you have been
sleeping
yes; my head ached. | was very
tired Elizabeth wished that the
color would not keep rising to her
face. She sat down at the table feel
ing painfully nervous.
You've been to see my aunt,
theni" she said after moment.
"Yes. | told her that you were
here with Meta and that you were
perfectly safe and comfortable, for
the time being at any rate. ! also
told her that she was at liberty to
come and see you at any time if she
cared to do So"
"She will not come" said Eliza
beth. sfa.
NO" he agreed. II don't think
she will; but at any rate we have
been open and aboveboard with her.
She was very angry with me, Of.
course. No! I'm not going to tell
you what she said" he added, laugh.
ing. Elizabeth's eyes asked ques-
ton.
"Old cat!" said Meta. Then she
laughed and apologized. "Tm sorry,
Elizabeth; forgot she was rela-
ton of yours
1T doesn't matter Elizabeth said.
When tea was ended Meta went
of to interview Mrs. Silcum about
supper. I'VE don't, as rule, have
any, she said, candidly. But in
honor OF you. my dear, | think
something might be managed,
She looked at Royston. VIII you
stay, Pat?"
Not to supper, thanks. Just
want to make few arrangements
with Miss Conyers." :.
Meta departed and Elizabeth raised
her eyes to Roystons. What are
you going to do with me?" she asked,
timidly. 80,
Teach YOU to dance, first Of all"
he answered, briskly. You will have
YOUR first lesson the day after to-
morrow. Tomorrow you will 60 and
do some shopping with Meta.
Elizabeth flushed. You mean
these clothes will not do?" she asked.
Il think others would be more
Suitable" /" he answered,
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, yes,
know. And them" She stood look
ing up at him appealingly. -.
And then," he went on, II you
turn out as we'll as | believe you Will
l shall take you into the school
providing you care to come, OF
course!" he added hurriedly.
"Oh, l shall love it,! Elizabeth
said.
He made a wry face.
"Don't be too sure---it's hard work
and monotonous work. Wait till
you've tried teaching lot OF duds to
dance and then ne broke
off laughing. NO; that was too bad
of me, wasn't 1t:
and will you give me my hrst
Iesson?" Elizabeth asked, eagerly.
mo; l think l shall leave that TO
Netta," he said. 80, ~,
"Ohw There was a little silenee.
Elizabeth stood twisting her hngefs.
"Of course, | suppose you don take
quite beginners like me: she aooeu.
uncertainty. .l, ,or
,,;,es worse But | think III let you
,rv Meta first of all; she's splendio
teacher, and | am sure you VIII ike
her"
IL like her now.y .,a -
That's capital; | knew YOU wouia.
aShe dances beautifully, OF
course H.. he
aShe dances very correctly, ne
answered; but she has not the sA'
of temperament as you have.
"As | have?" She caught him up
eagerly. "You mean-do you mean
that might-might even dance 0e'
ter than she does? ,...r
Il will answer that question ia'ei
on he said, smiling. :
And then if ] get on well Can :
dance with you:
Yes" !,
Elizabeth looked at HIM with
shining eyes; she felt as il the future
had suddenly opened in a blaze OF
plorv. She dragged her thoughts
k..L to/+Le nresent difficulty,