Evening star., 1923-04-03
THE HOUSE OF MOHUN
BY GEORGE GIBBS
of Youh Triumpha andO successes
cHyhku D.
BY GEORGE GIBBS
Author of Youth Triumphant" and Other Successes.
Copyright, lsas. D. Appleton L Co.


the sudden cessation of his addresses
Cherry had assumed that her mother
had made a proper use Of her social
graces in Giverting the current of
Chfchester's vagrant affections into
another channel. The ease with
which this had been accomplished,
though unfattering to her own self
esteem, had given Cherry new
measure Of her mothers adapta bility.
The despairing tears which she had
shed on Cherry's account no longer
flowed Smiles had soon taken their
place. She spoke no more of Cherry's
ingratitude. 1t had seemed to Cherry
that Alicia's acquiescence had too
many Of the elements of contentment
to be above suspicion. What did her
mothers new attitude mean? What
had Nren the motive of the CONVERSE
tions with Ar. Chichester, which had
res,ored her mother to calmness and
, self lf-complacency? Her references to
Chichester were above criticism. but
| they opened the door to disturbing
queries as to the influences which
might have been the cause of his
generosity; He had taken UP some
the banks had held. And II generous
as to this. why not as TO the matter
| of the personal loan which had been
| the cause of Cherry's rebellion?
Cherry Is Worried.
The thought of that loan still wor-
ried Cherry-more even than her own
failures in the struggle for existence
| She knew that the money realized
from the sale of the pearls had been
enough to pay all obligations. and her
mother, who had insisted on deposit
| ing the sum in her own bank account,
| had assured her that Chichesters al
| fair would be attended to-. But
| since her mother now kept her check
book and her bank book in locked
drawer, Cherry was forced TO be con-
| tent with that statement.
| As Cherry approached the house on
| her return from her unsuccessful visit
! TO the Meadowcroft Studio, she saw
| that John Chichester's limousine
stood at the door. She met its owner
| in the small parlor, where he sat
awaiting her mother. AS she entered
! / e rose pulling nervously at his wisp
/ OF mustachc. Her glance passed over
/ his evening clothes, which suggested
/ quite plainly their plan Of dinner
and theater party for two Chefrv
; cool greeting perhaps renee, reneGtea u heo Fo
UPS AIRS at once, but at the door she
/ pa ..c and turned.
"oh," she said quietly. "there's
something Inat I've been wanting 70
speak to you about"
"Ah. Cherry. Is there anything
| further that / can do?
! 1t was her imagine nation. of course,
! which emphasized his wish TO placate
no thanks. It isn't anything like
| that. It's about what you've already
! done"
! MY dear Cherry" he said pleas
! antly, Il hope you won't give that
But I do She paused a moment
! searching for words and then. avoid
/. ing subterfuge. spoke directly.
"A few months ago my mother Dor
| rowcd $4,000 from you--
NO. loaned it to her. my dear.
| There's a difference.
/ You were very kind. My father
and ] deeply appreciated your klnd :
ress-your other ktndnesses TO US az.
| But what l wanted to know was
| whether or not my mother has repaid
1T to you?"
/ Chichester gazcd at her a nome ut
half whimsicalIy and then looked
Has that worried you: My dear
cherry. calmly. Did she pay YOU or
/ not"
w rat affair it is Of mine" FER
! haps YOU don't think II Is. L do. , hat
money wcLt 10 paV SUma Of my dchtS
as well as hers. Has she given YOU
anything?
''Oh. yes. of course
How much?'
Really. my dear-it's very foolish
Of YOU TO disturb yourself. She has
paid me--er-a substantial sum. What
should it matter 70 you If ! am salts
fed? As you know ! have more
| money than i
That's not the point. Mr.. Chiches-
ter" Cherry broke in quickly. Il
would be obliged if you'd let me know
just how much We owe you-wont
you tell ne?''
Chichester hesitatcd. She did not
believe him 10 be by inclination liar
Wont you let this be a matter
between Mrs. Mohun and me?'
The purpose of his question was
perhaps generous in intention. but he
realized Immediately that it had an
awkward sound. and he saw the swift
fire that ran through Cherry's eyes
You can hardly think" she said
c0olly. that would be v itling TO
believe in an obligation on my moth
er's part not shared by the rest of
her family"
! He covered his momentary confu-
sion by a short laugh.
"oh, I say. Cherry. Aren't you a
little severe? OF course, there's no
obligation except that of a very
warm friendship made more gentle
"Oh, yes, of course" she said with
a shTug
! He turned toward her again.
] Won't you let me have the privi-
| lese VI neipIhs Sou-ol hSlpihs Sou
Wouldn't it be more-er-philosop
cal to say nothing more about it"'
She paused a moment, thinking.
Then mother has paid you moth
ing" she announced.
II didn't say that"
NO, but you might as well have
please say no more about It
Cherry"
q
At this moment there was sibi-
lance from the stairway outside and
Cherry turned to meet her mother.
She wore one of the frocks which
pay for. new one of black that
brought her head into colorful relief
She was more than usually well tint
ed. and, as she came into the room
exhaled delicate odors. Her smile
broke languidly.
$50 sorry to keep you waiting-oh.
Cherry. dear. when did you get in? ]
hope you've had nice day. Mr.. Chi
chester and are going to dinner and
then to Mr.. F.s Aunt It's fearfully
funny they say--that is: if Mr. Chi
chester isn't ashamed of being seen
with me in this rag"
I've never seen you look more
| charming said Chichester gal
lantly.
I'VE won't be late, Cherry. But you
needn't bother to wait up for me. I
have my key. Good night. darling.
Come. Mr.. Chichester
HeartIess Worldliness.
Cherry made a perfunctory response
to their farewells and stared blankly
| after them, her mind slowly expand
ing to the significance of this frank
| declaration Of independence. Her
mothers artistry had never seemed
so admirable. her worldliness so
heartless. Nice day, indeed: What
did her mother care what sort of a
day she had had-if she could have