Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-11-21
The Rutherford Dance

A LINE wore a new frock of glitter.
q Ing white sequins ut the Ruthcr.
ford dance. and her dark hair was
banded with brilliants. She had never
been so recklessly gay. and as usual.
there was crowd of men about her
al the time.
When Charley appeared with Mabel
Collins a wave Of anger swept over
Aline. Only week had passed since
the breaking Of their engagement. and
now he dared to bring that impossible
Mabel Collins to social affair. But
not by the flicker of an eyelash did she
betray how she felt. although she was
quite we'll aware that every one was
talking about it.
Julian Warwick was tho first TO
speak 10 her about it, He had cut
in on dance, and as he swung her
over the floor he remarked with n
laugh. What do you know about Char.
ley and Mabel?'
Aline's own laugh was quick and re-
sponsive. Don't ask me anything
about it,"
"Weil. at least he'll never have to
worry about her." Julian retortcd.
''and they do say. Aline. that you led
Charley q merry chase
"Oh.. Julian Alne was rlayfully
reproachful. That from you?" Aline
did not like Julian very well. He had
rather gay reputation. and ordinarily
but tonight she was reckless: she would
have firted with any one.
Julians arm frightened around her.
and he suddenly leaned down very close
and whispered In her ear:
What do You say to a little spin
in my car after this dance? We needn't
be gone long"
It was not 70 much what he said as
the way he said it. and Aline had a
sudden lightning glimpse of what was
going on In Julian's mind. He wanted
4 Irritation without any serious results.
and because Of what had happened he
thought that she would not be nverse
10 1t. Aline had never encouraged what
IS known In the younger set as "petting
parties She knew that certain of
the girls allowed men to make light
love to them. and she knew that her
acceptance Of Julian's invitation would
mean that she would not be averse to
kiss her. Julian might even feel that
she expected it because it was in the
general order Of things, and she sud
denly experienced sense of revulson
Are you afraid:' he said taunt .
ingly. bending so close to her that hi'
lips almost touched her ear. She caugh,
whif of his breath and knew that h
had been drinking. and her voice rs shs
answered his challenge was cold.
Not afraid. just PARTICULAR she
said insolently, and then before Julian
could reply some one had cut in on thei,
dance.
y watched you from The side lines
until my jealous feelings could bear nc
more said Mason Longs deep vote,
IN her ear. Suppose you firt with ms
for a change. that is. if you think i,
would be at all worth while"
For the first time in her life AIn'
found it impossible to respond to igh
raillery. Mason Longs quizzica
voice, his provocative words. reused il
her the desire to vindicate herself. ant
this was amazing because she had nevc
before cared what any one thought o
her. Confused by her emotions, sh,
was silent for long moment, and al
during this time she was electrical,
conscious Of this mans nearness. of tn
0dOr Of tobacco and fresh linen tha
fingered about him. She had never fel
this way before she had always been s.
cure OF herself. So tlashingly bright n
repartec. and now quite suddenly sh
felt dazed and unable to speak a word
Mason was conscious Of her unusua
silence. and leaning back so that b
could look down into her face. he ques
toned her with bright, rather mockin
eyes.
swer?" he persisted.
~ thought. of course. that you woul
take II for granted" Aline flung bac
at him. But the note of gnyety In he
voice was forced. and she found it diff
ticult TO maintain her usual high spir
its.
ToDOrrOw-The Trutl, Revealed