Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-05-25


said. II arrange all the rest with
Mr.. Farmer and monsieur here
81 will look in again this evening.
Royston said rather curtly. He wa,
frowning as he followed Elizabeth into
the street.
"You don't look rs II you are
pleased" she said, glnncing up at him
"! thought It was what we came for
what YOU wanted.'
lie shrugged his shoulders.
II suppose l expect too much.
suppose l thought l was going to hav,
1t all my, own way. However. II you
are satisfied"
You don't like Mr.. Farmer" Eliza .
beth said after a moment. II remem .
Der you told me that the first night
met you"
Its not possible to like every one. y
Royston said evasively, but / must
say I don't care for the man. That
isn't the point, though. and If he will
do for you what What unfortunate =
ly am not in n position to do, neither
of us should have any cause to quarrel
with him."
They walked some way in silence
then Elizabeth said hesitatingly
1T is not too late to draw back
now, If you would like me to. should
not mind. I should be quite happy,
just staying on with you and Meta"
"You will stay with Meta as 1t is.'
he answered rather sharply. "The fact
of your studying with Nine. Senestis
will make no difference at first to your
ordinary life.'
Her face flushed eagerly.
oh. then, l shall still see you some Il.
times?'
lie turned his head away.
Yes. certainly. If you wish to, and
if-if Farmer has no other ideas on
the subject. After all. suppose that
the man who pays the piper has n
right to call the tune"
Elizabeth was not feeling at all
happy. There seemed to be some sub
tie change in Royston's manner since
they left Nine. Senests'.
Nobody can prevent me from see =
ing you If I want to-" she said.
There was n note Of defiance in her
voice. and Royston looked down at her
with rather wistful eyes.
Nobody can prevent you by main
force, If you mean that" he said. Its
just question Of what will be the
wiscst thing for you and the future.
| don't fatter myself that Neil Farmer
cares any more for me than | do for
him.. and so If he objects to our ac-
quaintance. yours and mine. and you
are q wise little girl, you will cut me
OUT
She looked up with wounded eyes.
Our acquaintance l thought you
said We were friends.''
1T IS kind Of you to remember that, "
Royston said formally.
Tears swan into Elizabeths s eyes,
and it was only with difficulty that
she kept them from falling.
Il don't understand you little bit -
she said uncertainty. ''You take me
to Nine. Senestis because you say it Is
your duty to see that l do the best
for myself; then when she speaks OF
Mr.. Farmer you object to him, and
then when ! say that I will not 20 to
her at ALL but stay with you and Meta,
you tell lie that l should be very
foolish to throw up such a chance.
don't know what you mean; but fl
If you don't want me to go, after all,
| am quite willing not to. II you
don't like Mr.. Farmer. am sure
| shall hate him. too. and that's all
about 1t. 50 it's for you to say
Royston kept his eyes straight ahead,
but his color decpencd little.
"You Look as il You Would Cry'
Perhaps I spoke rather too forci.
big about Farmer he said after n
moment. I've no doubt that you will
like him; lots of people think he is
quite a good chap"
II shall not like him If you don't"
Elizabeth said obstinately. "And. any
way, that isn't an answer to my ques-
tion. If you want me to 60, I will (:
If you don't ~
self"
And you think it is doing the best
for myself to go?'
"Ycs."
She drew her breath with a sharp
little sound
VERY well. then: will. and thank
you very much.' There was an un-
conscious touch Of irony in her voice.
iou have nothing to thank me
for" Royston said in rather n fat
voice ~ am sorry I have not been
able to do more: it is-it Is not for
lack of the desire to do it, assure
YOU"
The words sounded painfully for
NAL. and Elizabeth could find no an.
swer to them. They walked on silently.
"You must be tired" Royston said
after n moment. 1--WE ought to be
able to pick up taxi here"
"Thank you. but would much
rather walk. II you don't mind; If you
arc not In hurry: you're going out
With Meta tonight. you know"
$50 ! am; I'd forgotten lie spoke
impaticntly. "If YOU know how sick
I ;,,fn .,l
----" Then he laughed and apollo
Gizcd. II should not have said that,
but ono must grumble occasionally.
You'll find it so, too, when you settle
down to serious business.
"Ycs" The little monosyllable was
diSpirted.
Royston looked down at her.
whats the matter?" he asked,
rousing himself to speak cheerily.
''You look as if you could cry with the
slightest announcement.
Elizabeth raised her eyes; they We're
swimming in tears.
$50 | could.' she said desperately.
II don't like things; wish I'd never
gone to see Nine. Scncstis. don't
want to be n professional dancer. ]
thought ! did. but now ="
Rubbish said Royston. "You
know you're talking rubbish. Hundreds
of girls would give ten years of their
life for your opportunities. If YOU look
like that, ! shall begin to think you're
blar ing me-
"I'm not. As il | ever could 80
Very well, then. smile. All, that's
better. III come home with you to see
Meta. and perhaps you'n ask me to
mncn."
Elizabcth's pal" face broke into n
smile.