The Glenwood post., 1924-11-20


little crowd of girls. Every one was
hands shyly with those whom Gerald
presented to her. When they asked for
her name, however. he shook his head.
"Mademoiselle is our guest for this
evening"" he announced "She is not,
alas of our world. Let US call her
Mademoiselle X"
"Mademoiselle the Spirit. rather!"
Frenchman exclaimed. ~ think that
you have dragged her down from the
skies. Present me. Gerald. or shall
be your enemy for life.'
""The Marquis Chantelaine," Gerald
murmured, "Mademoiselle X The
marquis is shameless fellow, Myr-
tile, and you must not believe word
he says"
'I am shameless or not according to
my surroundings" the Frenchman de-
clared. "No one could look into the
eyes of mademoiselle and speak other
than the truth"
Chlotilde pouted
as no one going to say nice things
to others?" she complained. Gerald
you ought to have warned US. would
have worn my new gown. 1t Is exactly
the color Of the sky. Even my maid
declared that l, too, slipped down from
heaven"
There IVES little chorus of laugh.
ter. Cocktails were brought in and
cigarettes lit. Every 'one gathered
around and talked to MYRTLE. She
answered them naturally enough, but
every now and then with embarrass-
ment.
"Mademoiselle x may be asked no
questions" Gerald insisted. "Where
she comes from I shall not tell any Of
you. Whittier she goes after tonight.
you will none of you know"
"MademoIselle is of the haut monde.
perhaps?" Nadine whispered malicious
ly. under her breath.
"Mademoiselle belongs to a world we
are none Of us privileged to enter"
Gerald answered "It is the one favor
ask. as your host. Please accept my
guest as butterfly, born this evening,
passing away tomorrow
"Oh, la, lap ChlotilIe exclaimed.
1--WE are all like that. Give me another
cocktail, Charles"
They made their way presently to
the supper table. MYRTLE sat at Ger
AIDS right hand, and next to her, on
the other side, was the Marquis de
Chantelaine. Any form of tete-a-tete
conversation, however, was impossible
from the first. They all seemed to be
talking together at the top of their
voices in an almost Incomprehensible
argot, tumble of personal quips and
sallies. MYRTLE listened sympathetical-
ly, but understood little. Occasionally
she laughed when the others laughed,
but as a matter Of fact she needed
nothing to complete her happiness.
She was next to Gerald, who whispered
every now and then little words of en-
couragement in her ear. Presently
Chlotilde jumped up and danced.
Phrynette followed suit and executed
a wonderful pas seul. There was
good deal of boisterous applause. Myr.
tile felt the color burning In her
cheeks. She glanced toward Gerald.
He was laughing. SO it must be all
right. Nevertheless, she was relieved
when at last Phrynette sat down.
"I.will show you." Nadine suggested,
show they dance in Algiers."
There was little chorus of ap'
plause. Gerald alone for a moment
looked doubtful. He glanced toward
MYRTLE at his side.
"Dont overdo It, Nadine he begged.
Nadine laughed subtly.
els it for your ingenue you fear, or
yourself?" she asked. VERY well,
will give you both something to think
about"
She danced at first with all the quiv'
ering grace of restrained but passion
ate movements. MYRTLE watched her
with fascinated eyes. Then suddenly
she broke loose. MYRTLE looked down
at her plate and gripped Geralds
hand.
"Remember, warned you. dear ne
whispered. Don't watch"
"Mademoiselle would perhaps care
for a little stroll upon the balconyF
the marquis whispered in her ear.
MYRTLE shook her head.
"Thank you," she murmured, "1 do
not wish to leave Gerald AS for the
dancing, 1t is foolish Of me but
have never seen anything like It, II
never seemed to me possible that wom'
en- could do such things. That Is be
cause / have not lived In the world.
/ shall progress"
The dance came to an end amidst
uproarious applause. Nadine, di'
sheveled and breathless, pirouetted TO-
ward the door leading to Gern'ds
suite.
II shall 80 into your bedroom and
make myself tidy" she called Out.
you can come and fetch me when
you want me-" She added, looking over
her shoulder at her host.