The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-02-07

| she had so terrified herself that
he might, indeed, do this thing,
she was spent and a little frantic.
She had an idea that she would
go down to Mary's-go to q movie
| take walk. But she waited in
the living room, starting nervous
| ly when Jennie asked mildly what
had happened during the day;
bounding from her Achair when q
machine honked at tho corner.
When, finally, he was at the
door, red hair brushed back, eyes
shiny with such a boys eager
ness, she was unable to meet his
look, unable to speak. She lean
ed against the wall, letting her
hand rest snerveless in his.
But he said, unaware: 'Melan.
cholic tonight? Why for? Ran
off and left me? Waited for you.
Here, more presents. Amt I good
| to your" q
Already there melted through
her a soft, happy relief, q brim.
ming gratitude, Just that he was
here. Oh, let him have lunch
wherever, he pleased! Let liza
Moore smile at him! Only that he
returned-only that he came back,
held her hand. laughing down at
her.
He thrust the package in her
hand-another book. She glanced
at the title: "Thus Spake lara
thustra." Oh-Neitzsche-Ila had
grand passion for him. With q
shrill apprehension she wondered;
"Is he comparing me to her! A
brilliant person like that!"
She said feebly: you bring me
philosophers, Mr.. Red?" And ! but
poor untutored ijiotw
"I'd like to bet that youth get
more out Of 1t than these pedantic
DANES"
She laughed merrily: Meaning
Ila?"
Meaning any one you please
but sweet, untutored ijiot!"
"Oh-come in then, and let my
great intellect wander through
the pages"
mot by a long sight. Get
your clothes and step. Wen
darnce tonight"
Something blessed happen?"
MAY hap! On your way"
Like that, gaiety returned
rushed In silver waters over her.
Pooh! Pedantic danes. But they
the two of them would dance.
And he was always bnoyant-full
Of rhythm then.
They went to the st. Francis.
Stepping into the lights, the glow
Of music and color, Chickie felt
as always, an intensified bright
ness in her mind-a sharpening
all along her nerves. AS though
great, golden ball of joy opened
like a sun and she was caught
into the midst Of it. More stimu-
lating than wine. Snatches of
song hummed to her lips. With
a flip of her hand she could toss
her heart out gaily In burst of
Other girls dancing-gazing with
half-closed eyes at their partners,
-sWayipgi with a scanning, innocent
abandon in the slow, throbbing
measures, Fascinated her. She
compared her dress now to that
clit1gy Persian thing; now to a
striking black. All Of them
herself included-were creatures
of another world, endowed for
this one night with a brilliant,
mysterious charm.
She watched them, wondering
If she looked graceless on the
floor: If her face took on a
vacant, gIlileless stare like that
slim brown girl with her cheek
so serenely against her partners
Barry tapped the table: Here
frail, am / to be ignored all eve
ming as I was all afternoon?
Come through now-why did you
give me the back of your hand
the back Of your head all after
noon?"
Busy, sir. Very busy"
"And she's not interested
enough to ask where I was al
lunch?"
Does he wish to tell me?"
"He do! It may be his futurc
and hers at stake" He told hel
that Tufts had made an appoint
ment with Moore because Moore
might soon be returning to New
York and he wished to get every
thing Strengthened out before then
He made no mention of lila.
Chickie asked, her voice trailing
"Just the three Of you went t
lunch?"
The tone caught him. CHANGING
swiftly he saw the pleadinl
anxiety in her dark. beautiful
eyes.
well You miserable littl,
piker! So that's It? And Tn
treated with scorn all afternoon
I'm left waiting at the church
when o'clock rolls around. Prout
isn't she? Oh, she won't ask AM
questions! She'll pass judgment
Like that! So you saw us. di'
your"
It hurt to be trapped so. Bloc:
flew in q panied red to her face
her eyes brimmed. Yes, I saw
you"
Mean, contemplate way t
pass it up! You think that's TAI
and noble, I suppose? It's not
She merely happened to be a
her fathers office and he wa
driving her to the Palace. HI
dropped her there. You bellev
me, don't your"
She kept her head lowered, Smil
ing. "Of course, do! But, theI
your thumbs down to me-oh
you can sec"
Eyes. frail! And perhaps yo'
can understand how I felt on ;
similar occasion, only yours wa
calculated. You went with hin
on purpose"
Seeing the unsteady glimmer II
her eyes, he got up quickly, sweep
. her into the dance, drawing ne
go close she felt his heart thumr
ing. He whispered softly: Don
have tears in your pretty eyes
Lordee, these wimminw
Finally she managed to say
ibid you get everything settled?
mot so much. These selfisl