Evening star., 1923-04-19

unfortunate affair must be kept from
the ears of Clairena's father. Thorne
did not know which he feared the
most-Jay Smith or the colonel. Fear,
as he realized the consequences. had
as much to do with SOLDERING him
instantly as the douche Smith had
flung in his face He saw he was
flinging off his coat for fierce com
bat.
Thorne was deeply in debt to Jay
Smith since the time they were coll
lcge students together. He could not
hope 10 ever he able TO discharge
those obligations. II pressed for
payment il would bankrupt him.
All this seemingly passed in
simultaneously through his mind rs
he stood facing Smith. who declared
he must apologize: or fight. Thorne
swallowed his intense rage, making
the amende honorable.
The affair blew over. Jay was
coaxed by mutual friends into the
belief that Thorne was certainly very
sorry. adding: when wines in. wits
out" and consented to forget the in
cident. Thus the matter was patched
up.
Thorne was subsequently invited TO
the bachelor dinner. and his effusive
note of acceptance, expressing his
good will and earnest wishes for
their happy future. quite Modified
Smith. He concluded that he had
been a little too harsh in. his judg
ment of his old comrade.
Looking at her lover, Clairena was
sure. and also glad. that he did not
know Edward Thorne had also pro-
posed marriage to her. being exceed
ingly bitter to learn that she had just
accepted his chum. Thorne's words
at the time still rang in her ears:
You say you have accepted Jay
Marmaduke Smith. but I believe, and
will always believe, that You love
me. Clairena. Your father has put
YOU up to this. He could not let slip
the opportunity to marry you to a
multimillionaire instead of law
yer's son who had his fortune to
make.
jay started from his reverie of that
campfre affair surprised to see
Clairena regarding him intentlH. 1t
was we'll that neither had the key TO
the others thoughts.
II must go. Ciairena. said Jay:
reeretfully. IT shall be thinking of
YOU during all tonight's dinner. be-
lieve me-"
TT is not likely that your guests
would permit you to forget me. even
toasts will. naturally. include both
of us
They cannot say too many charm
ing things of You, Clairena.' he said,
enthusiastically. q shall respond to
them most heartily He added: The
it is to tear myself away. You must
command me to leave YOU. dear
She pointed roeuishiy to her little
jeweled watch. He rose quickly, bent
next moment he was swinging down
the walk. He had forgotten one OF
his gloves. She hurried down to the
gate with 1t. but he was out of sight
She turned and was walking slowly
back to the house when step behind
Z. "a l. n
step we'll. An instant later Thorne
was by her side.
"Don't 20 to the house yet. Clairena.
must talk with you. Sit down here.
Indicating a garden seat just large
enough for two. beneath spreading
reluctance. She knew what he want
ed to say; he had said 1t often enough
during the last few weeks. being the
more persistent after her wedding an
nouncement had been made. She saw
he was unlike himself-that he was
Iaboring under intense excitement
which he was vainly endeavoring to
subdue She noticed how he was
clenching his strong hands together
and unclenching them; that the veins
like whipcords, and his eyes were
bloodshot. "I want to talk to you,
Clairena," he repeated, but 1t seemed
as though he did not know how to
begin. His agitation was growing
each moment.
She heard her father call her from
the porch and realized that she should
have answered. but the words. II am
here. father died away on her lips.
making no sound.
Thorne heard, 100. and muttered
something under his breath as he put
his forefinger to his lips. admonish-
ing her to make no reply. Clairena
knew her father had gone back into
the house and was no doubt going
through the rooms in search Of her
This was certainly the case. The
colonel had found A. column. in the