The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-03-28

KOul muSL. remember CnHG nave
had very few opportunities so far"
she observed Besides, Cynthia has
tastes which i do not share
"As. for Instance
"She goes to the National Sporting
club. She once travelled, / know, over
hundred miles to go to a bull fight
ION the whole" Francis said, II
am glad that you do mot share her
tastes
You know herr" Margaret inquired.
"Indifferently WELL" Francis replied.
II knew her when she was child,
and we seem to- come together every
now and then at long Intervals. As a
debutanse she was charming. Lately
1t seems to me that she has got into
the wr0nf, set"
"What do you call the wrong setT
He hesitated for a moment.
"Please don't think am laying
down the law" he said. Il have been
out so little, the last few. years, that
ought not, perhaps. to criticize.
Lady Cynthia, however, seems to me
to belong to the extreme section Of
the younger generation, the section
who have sort OF craze for the I'M
usual, whose taste in art and living Is
distorted and bizarre You know
what mean, don't you-black draw
ing-rooms, futurist wallpapers, opium
dens and a cocaine box It's to some
extent affectation, of course, but It's a
folly that claims its victims"
She studied him for a moment at
tentively. His leanness was the lean
ness of muscular strength and condi-
tion, his face was full of vigor and
determination. Id s.-9s.,
"You at least have escaped the alb
normal" she remarked. Il am not
quite sure how the entertainments at
the Walled House would appeal to
you, but If my father should invite
you there, / should advise you not to
GO"
"Why not3'' he asked.
She hesitated for moment.
81 really don't know why should
trouble to give you advice" she said
"As a matter OF fact, I don't care
whether you go or not In any case
you are scarcely likely to be asked"
Il am not sure that ] agree with
you," he protested. "Your father
seems to have taken quite fancy to
me-
"And your she murinured.
well, / like the way he bought that
horse" Francis admitted. "And am
beginning to realize that there may be
something in the theory which Ne adj
vanced when he invited me to accom-
pany him here this evening that
there is certain piquancy in ones in,
tercourse with an enemy, which friend
ship lacks. There may be complexi-
ties in his character which as yet /
have not appreciated"
The curtain had gone up and the last
act of the opera had commenced. She
leaned back in her chair. Without a
word or even a gesture, he understood
that curtain had been let down be-
tween them. He obeyed her unspoken
wish and relapsed into silence. Her
very absorption, after all, was hope
full sign. She would have him believe
that she felt nothing, that she was liv-
ing outside all the passion and senti-
ment of life. Yet she was absorbed in
the music. Sir Timothy came
back and seated himself silently. 1t
was not until the tumult of applause
which broke out after the great song
of the French ouvrier that a word
passed between them.
Not another word was spoken until
the curtain fell Francis fingered for
moment over the arrangement of her
cloak. Sir Timothy was already out
side, talking to some acquaintances
1T has been great pleasure to see
you like this unexpectedly" he said, a
little wistfully.
II cannot imagine why she an
swered, with an undernote of trouble
in her tone. Remember the advice
/ gave you before. No good can come
of any friendship between my father
and you"
"There is this much Of good in it, at
any iotC, AC dAlo HCkCu, iC HCiu
open the door for her. 1T might give
me the chance of seeing you some
times.r
"That is not a matter worth consid-
ering.' she replied.
Il find 1t very much worth consider
ing" he whispered, losing his head for
moment as they stood close together
In the dim light of the box, and sud-
den sense of the sweetness Of her
thrilled bis pulses. There isn't any
thing in the world want so much as
to see you oftener-to have my
chance"
There was momentary glow In her
eyes Her lips quivered. The few
words which he saw framed there
he fancied of reproof-remained I'M
spoken Sir Timothy was waiting for
them at the entrance.
Il have been asking Mrs. Hilditchs
permission to call in Curzon street"
Francis said boldly.
sfW I. a -