Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-05-23
EtlE DANCING MASTER
Ry RUBY AYRES
x.he, Of "Ths Phantom Lover" "A Bachelor Husband"
1.-THE One Unsvantsd," etc.

dress. Nasty. cheap finery. I. :"
"Oh, please" said Elizabeth. She
felt somehow q traitor, listening to this
gratuitous information about Pat Roy :
ston's wife.
Mrs. Silcum bridled.
mo offense meant.' she said. with
dignity. "If I'd have known she was a
friend Of yours. now Miss = ="
''She isn't" said Elizabeth. desper.
ately, but I don't think we ought to
talk about her like that-do you? Mr..
ROyston 10 Is my friend, you
know"
"And mfhe, too, as I've said,' Mrs.
Silcum declared. Poor dear gentle
man! Well, we'll. one never knows what
will turn up. but it's to be hoped some
thing good will turn up for him." She
took up Elizabeth's empty. teacup and
down. and get good Sleep" she COM
Stacey comes home"
Elizabeth thought sleep would be i'm.
possible, but no sooner had her head
touched the pillow than she was fast
asleep; she was worn out with the un-
usual excitement Of the past few days.
and she only woke when Meta came
into the room.
Wake up, wake up, Elizabeth; teas
ready"
Elizabeth started up, flushed and
confused. For q moment she could not
remember where she was, then she
laughed nervously.
Have I been asleep all the after
noon? ! suppose I have. was tired.
I won't be a minute
She began to brush her rufiled hair.
and Meta sat down on the side Of tl.e
bed and watched her silently.
After moment, pats come to
tea" she said.
+ She was not slow to see the swift
color that rushed to Elizabeth's face,
and her eyes fell.
"Oh, has he?" said Elizabeth, rather
breathlessly.
Yes; to fix things up with you. He's
been to see your aunt"
Elizabeth swung around aghast. =.
Really Oh are you sure?''
Yes; but he'll tell you about it him.
self. 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.
If RoystOn had seen Mrs. Mason she
of her boats and she hardly knew II
she was glad or sorry.
She looked very young and rather
scared when presently she crossed the
landing to- their sitting room. As she
opened the door she heard R6yston
laughing and the clatter of teacups.
Meta was at the head of the table.
pouring out, and Royston stood beside
He drew forward a chair for Eliza
beth.
hope you are feeling rested" he
said. Meta tells me you have been
sleeping"
Yes; my head ached. I was very
tired" Elizabeth wished that the cO'or
would not keep rising to her face. She
sat down at the table feeling pain.
fully nervous.
You've been to see my aunt, then?"
she said, after moment.
''Yes. I 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 zee you
at any time II she cared to do so.
Over tho TeaHups
she will not come" said Elizabeth.
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! ! am not going to tell you what
she said" he added, laughing. as Eliz-
odd cat. ~ said Meta. Then she
laughed and apolOgized. "I'm sorry.
Elizabeth: forgot she was a relation
of yours
''lt doesn't natter" Elizabeth said.
When tea was ended Meta went off
to interview Mrs. Si!cum about sup
per. I'VE don't, as a rule. have any,"
she said. candidly. But in honor of
you. my dear, ! think something nigh,
be managed
She looked at Royston. "will you
mot to supper. thanks. just wan,
to make a few arrangements with Miss
Conyers."
Meta departed and Elizabeth raised
her eyes to ROystOn's. "What are you
going to do with me?" she asked.
timidly.
Teach you to dance. first of ALL"
he answered. briskly. You will have
row. Tomorrow you will go and do
some shopping with Meta"
Elizabeth flushed. You mean
these clothes will not do:" she asked.
II think others would be more suit
able he answered.
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. yes. | know.
And them" She stood looking up at
him appealingly.
"And them he went on. 'if you
turn out as well as ! believe you will
shall take you into the school
providing you care to come. of course -
he added. hurriedly.
"Oh. shall love it, Elizabeth
said.
He made a wry face.
'Don't be too sure-it'S hard work
and monOtOnoIs work. Wait till you've
tried teaching II lot of duds to dance
and then-----' He broke off laughing.
NO, that was too bad of me, WASH:
it?'
And will you give me my first les
SON." Elizabeth asked. eagerly.
NO: think shall leave that to
Netta." he said.
oh There was a little silence.
Elizabeth stood twisting her fingers
"Of course. | suppose YOU don't take
quite beginners like me?" she added.
uncertainty.
"Oh. yes, do--worse than you
miles worse. But I think III let you
try Netta first of all; she's a splendid
teacher. and | am sure you will like
her.
II like her now
That's capital; | knew you would"
she dances beautifully. of course?'
''She dances very correctly" he an
swered. "but she has not the gift of
temperament as you have
"As ! have:' She caught him ,p
eagerly. You mean--do You mean