Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-05-31
Meta Is Jealous

hand gently away.
The next moment they were standing
together on the path in the chilly night.
"Will some one be waiting up for
your Royston asked.
"No; Meta gave me the key" Eliza =
both took 1t from little bag she
carried and fumbled clumsily at the
lock before she succeeded In opening
the door; then she turned and looked
down at him as he stood below her on
the bottom step.
The light from street lamp close
by fell full on her face. and Royston
saw the unconscious question IN her
eyes as for n moment he held her hand.
He heard that question in her voice.
Zoo. when presently she said: Good
nirht, and thank you very much
''It Is I who should thank you,' he
answered with infinite gentleness.
He waited till he saw her safely in
ana the door shut. then he turned
slowly away and Elizabeth crept up
stairs in the darkness with the tears
running down her checks.
She stole on tiptoe past Netta's door,
hut Netta was awake and heard the
weary. dispirited step pass on to the
"she's failed" was the thought that
flashed into her mind. Poor kid II
sorry; she's been failure right enough
or she have come to tell me all about
It. Poor kid I'll be nicer to her to-
morrow
And she turned over with little
Sigh Of relief and fell asleep.
There was note from Nine. Senes.
tis the following morning, saying thai
she would call for Elizabeth at hall
mast twelve to take her to lunch Will
Farmer.
Elizabeth paled as she read the few
lines in the scrawly writing: 1t scemc'
70 her as If already she no longer be
longed to herself. but TO these two peo
pie who were investing their money ~
her future. The note was command
she thought, not request.
When she took Nettn's breakfast II
to her she took the note with 1t.
That's eth, the beginning, ,s I surpose' rooS
and raised astonished eyes.
'You sound M II you are nc
pleased" she exclaimed. ~ only wisl
Il was n>s-Farmer's millionaire.
II don't care IL he is
Rubbish! If you're clever he nigh
take fancy to you.
Elizabeth flushed hotly.
II don't want him to: don't lik
him. He was at the dance last night.
WAS he! How did you get on?'
Il think Mr.. Royston was pleased
We got lots Of applause"
"Oh. did yod~ Meta sounded cha
grined "You might have come In an,
told sos ), me about 1T before you went t
II thought you would rather dIdn'
wake you"
Il wasn't asleep. Pat brought yo
home. Of course?'
''Yes.'
Meta frowned.
You're not very interesting sh
said impaticntly. "What happened
Didn't you enjoy it? Who was there
Goodness. II It had been me. I shoul
have been full Of it all"
Elizabeth's eyes fell.
II think l was too nervous at frs
to notice much" she confessed. IN
aunt and Dolly were there. and the
we're angry when they saw me. NJ
aunt same and spoke to me---"
"Old cat. She won't be angry whe
she che ! hear" all London talking abou
oh. but that won't he for ages.
ever Elizabeth protested.
I'm not so sure. Senestis is a won
der. II she takes a fancy to any on
and thinks they've got real talent. sh
trains EN- and has 'em In the publ
eye in shimmy shake. What do 20
think of her. by the way?"
II think / rather like her. Eliza
beth admitted, 'but would muc
rather. stay here with YOU than 60 I
live with her"
Who said you were going to liv
with herr sharply.
>, mfr. Royston told me last night
lie said that Mr.. Farmer wished It.
Elizabeth sounded disconsolate.
Ne;tn sat up with sudden energy
Lucky girl - she said. ut show
Senestis thinks you're the goods
shows that she believes in you! NJ
dear, you'll see life with her and she
dress YOU up to the top notch.'
Elizabeth shlvcred.
II dread II. don't like It at al
1t seems all wrong that strange ma
should be paying for my clothes an
ior me to live, and-and for every
| thing, she protested.
Meta laughed.
My. dear, it's being done all day an
Tery day. How do you think all thcs
people get on in the world? Not by the
own efforts, you bet your young life
Some one sees them and takes a fancy I
them. and the rcst-well. it's largely
matter Of arrangement. She sighe
I heavily. III wish some one would con
along and take a fancy to me-" 81
added gloomily.
Elizabeth did not answer; she WI
thinking how gladly Meta might go
Mime. Senestis instead and leave h,
with Pat Royston.
And are you of SOON" Net
asked.
~ think so Monday. think"
Meta lay back on her pillow with
groan Of mock despair.
And what's to become Of me, til
here. a helpless log? And who's to he
RAJ and dance with him, should Il
Elizabeth's eyes flashed eagerly.
Wen, l can stay till you are WE'LL
she said. "I'll tell madame today. /
stay and nurse you and help Mr.. Roy
ston OF course | will"
lie wont let yOu,' Meta declare
hatiy. He s as obstinate as a mu
when he makes up his mind, and he
made up his mind that it's time "
ieit our show and started somethir
pettcr, 20 you'll 20 on Monday or j.
very much mistaken. BY the way, i
Wlfe came here again to see you la
night; she came Just after you'd gon
lucky she didn't meet Pat he'd hn
here ''N"' "
MI wonder what sha wants me for
'N'Naoeth said in II puzzled voice.