The Washington herald., 1922-01-15
Continued from Yesterday.

q success of II, Dad will have the
disappointment of his life. You
know he-"
"Adores you. of course" she cut
in with q laugh. THE king can do
no wrong" in Mr.. Barstowe's eyes.
And how" she questioned earnestly.
how Is your wonderful mother? 1
haven't seem her since the family
got back from Newport. But sent
her gift on her birthday"
That was very thoughtful Of
you, Vera" he answered quietly. I'm
sure mother was pleased at your
remembering"
"oh I never forget" she assured
him. Il adore your mother! And
she likes me-awfullyw
Tn sure of it," he agreed.
Much better than you" she add
ed archly.
A smile was his only reply, and
she looked disappointed.
Again Barstowe made An effort
70 turn to Jeanne, but Miss Dayton
neatly interposed with a new sub
Ject of Conversation.
Jeanne kept her attention out
wardly chained to Farnham. They
ran the usual gamut of inanfties Of
new chance acquaintances. She
knew that Farnham's ears were d.
rected toward the other couple,
hoping to catch some of the low
voiced monologue with which Vera
was regaling Barstowe. Jeanne
quickly guessed that Barstowe sug-
gested a formidable rival to the
other man. Obviously he fancied
Vera.
Jeanne looked him over critically
ri
pearance suggested wealth. She
wondered what his financial rating
was. Would II be worth while to
annex his interest while tho other,
more glitterins, opportunity lay
close at hand?
Deciding that IL was best to al
low no chance at wealth to escape,
lest she put all her eggs in one
basket that might at the last mo-
ment prove a broken one, she sur
rendered herself to the task Of cap
tivsting him.
She succeeded so we'll that. when
tea was over and Vera Dayton
ealmly suggested that Farnham
take Jeanne on to the Forbes in his
car while she went in Victor Bar
stoves, Farnham cordially second
ed the motion.
Il really want to talk to Vie" IN
sisted Vera. II haven't seen him
for ages and we have so much In
common. Jim has a marvellous car,
so you'll be quite comfortable" she
assured Jeanne.
Barstowe started to protest
But l asked Miss Dare to drive"
Jeanne interrupted him by sweet
ly acquiescing to vera's plan.
SaCretlv she rathar lfIxed idaa
for three purposes.
In the first place. Il would be
good for Barstowe to believe that
she was Indifferent to his presence
Secondly, she wished to complete
her captivation of this other rich
man. Thirdly. she velieved 1t would
be better after. all not to arouse
Canoy's jealousy by putting in an
appearance with Barstowe after
having declined the formers invi-
tation to motor down with him.
So she climbed into Farnham's
big green car and waved a gay
farewell to Barstowe, unsmiling
behind the wheel Of his blue one,
with Vera Dayton complacently be-
side him.
BY the time they had reached the
Forbes country place. Jeanne, with
O. seeming reluctance. had promised
to dine with Farnham in town on
her very first free evening. which
was a fortnight hence. And she
knew that Farnham was wonder
ing what he had ever seen In Vera
Dayton to attract him!
Miss Dayton must have suggested
a longer way home than the one
Farnham had taken, for II was
fully half an hour later than their
arrival when Barstowe's blue car
turned into the Forbes driveway.
"Ah ha" murmured Seiby North
into Jesnne's ear as the two sat on
window couch slipping before
dinner cocktails. The kitten brings
In her mouse to show the nice house
party what she can dor
Jeanne laughed.
Your metaphor Is not particular
ly apt. Miss Dayton doesn't re-
semble kitten to my mind ana
surely no one would refer to Mr..
Barstowe as a mouse"
But the idea, my dear" North
insisted gently. The theme behind
the little drama-it Is correct! All
women are feline. all men are their
mice But the fatter and sleeker
the mouse, the sharper the claws
~thah VIII CaICu ulHls isn't 1t sOy"
Perhaps" agreed JEANNE, smiI-
ing into her glass. But it's a wise
cat who keeps her sharp claws con-
cealed until the last moment"
He chuckled.
Meaning. I gather, that the pay-
ton lady Is too careless about leay-
ing hers unsheathed?'
Jeanne met his glance steadily.
"Exactlyw
He studied her for moment.
seeming to weigh her. Then he
whistled softly.
when a woman combines brains
with beauty she's dangerous. God
help the poor mousew
What mouse?" querfed Jeanne
lsughingly.
North pursed his thin 1ips,
Il don't think you and 1 fool each
other very successfully, do your"
Jeanne's poise was outwardIy un-
shaken. but she realized that North
was becoming serious factor,
-The dawn was breaking before
the dance which marked the first
D night Of the Forbes house party
had ended
Richard Candy pushed aside the
heavy velvet draperies at the win
COW OF one of the mall anterooms
opening on the ballroom, where
breakfast OF scrambled eggs and
bacon and coffee was being served
the dancers. and let In a stream
or raw, gray light
pontF' shuddered Adele Parkin-