Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-07-23

crate? And how much was due 10
fastidiousness. how much 10 espe-
dicncy. how much to common sense.
and no" much 10 spiritual convic-
tion?'
Docs your conscience really trou-
bie'' asked silvette anxtously.
NO: only in regard 10 Jim FSIger-
ton. Id rather he knew how wc re-
gard lifc before he rcclaims relation
ship In public; that's all"
Diana turned. deliberately rolled
across tho bed. landing lightly on her
feet.
A ProEnostiEntion.
AN right" she said: only, some
day somebody viii tell Jim Edgcrton
that those two cousins OF his are out
pacing proprtety. We're Just a dash
too pretty ,Silv!c. and we've simply
got TO be careful. There's one enemy
YOU and l vii! always have TO reckon
with-our our sex"
She walked 10 tho window. looked
out and stood watching tho rain. her
childish mouth troubled. And. pros
entity. speaking again without turn
ing arund.
Our program. as we have arranged
out. go in for everything. play tho
meet the gayer world face to face
all u has 10 offer"
Except love"
The chances arc against any deal
IN hearts. as far as NC are concerned
You're not thinking OF jim Edger-
ton. are you. DR.
Diana stood. hands claspcd behind
her back. staring AT the rain. sud
denly she pi,oted on her sandals.
Yes. thinking OF him. I'm think
INK OF him all the time.
That is very unvise" said Sill
yo,,e gently
II am thinking o. him. but It's only
thinking. like him, never
liked any man better. or as we'll. per-
haps. And I've known him
three days Give me day or two
grace. and I'll stop thinking about
hiu:.'
"rou were quite mad over young
1rwood In Keno" unused s!lve;,e.
Yes. realize that like
/ msn. enjoy them: II I had my way.
Id carry on Ike ;he deuce with every
man who took my fancy. before I
como 10 the nnal decision and spoil
life for myself"
You carry on Ike tho deuce now,
sister" said s!lvette. Laughing.
Il don't do 81 enough" retorted
Diana herccly: what nave l got to
look forward 10. after ALA home
less life % social employment. an old
age OF gossip and cards!-or. II I
via out. a iovelcss middle age wear
Ing some wealthy mans name and
pearls. and all tho rest dashed out
the brightness. tho youth OF things.
the hope OF things. children
You don't want children" ex-
claimed siive,te. Mortified; "grubby
little things, thought you hated
them
"GEubby little things" repeated the
girl slowly; 80 | do. in theory"
A Note for Edserton.
Diana, on impulse. sat down at the
little fy-away desk and scrubbed a
note.
Take it to Mr.. Edgerton," she
said TO the maid
Edserton. dressing leisurely, read
the note where ne stood under the
electric cluster:
Dear Jim: The rain. the world and
things Cypress me- So do you some
times. There's a long future
ahead OF mo. l dread it-who was
eager tor-the plunge a few days since.
seem TO be standing on the thresh-
hold Of things In general. waiting
| for my cue TO enter, but with little
heart for the stage now. Alas, ! am
already tired before the overture has
ended.
IF we dance tonight. ask me.
Probably I'm the only girl in the
house who could stand a dance with
you--and I'm not so certain about
| myself. But II we play
bridge. continue not to sit at our
table. ask it OF you for reasons
which are none OF your business. In
| dulse my within, please.
"JAPONETTE."
Edgerton finished dressing. then
by the valet
"Japonettc, dear. I'm as rotten at
cards as am dancing. / won't per-
NIT indiscrcet infatuation to interfere
| with your bridge. {. And. By
! the way, In this sort of a house the
cha noes are they'll play for stakes
probably big stakes. My limit IS a
| cent a pointer was in days OF af
| huence-but our host will scarcely
| expect us to risk our salaries, |
fancy. SO even II you have no OBJ
lection to playing for stakes-which
probably. however. you have-you
need not feel obliged to. Our duties
here do not include losing money to
Mr.. Rivetts assorted guests, you
know. Feel perfectly at liberty TO
let the table carry you and Silvette.
Shall wait and go down with you
both? J.. E."
She read the note; then handed II
silently to Sivette. who read it also
in silence.
You see" said Diana, its ex-
actly what ] told you. He doesn't
wish us TO play for stakes"
| A Sincere Welcome
Diana shook her disheleved head.
seated herself and wrote hasty an
swer, sending it away by the valet,
| who was waiting outside the door
Don't wait for us: we're not book :
al Wa'ra rtt 4