Evening star., 1926-01-22

"Niolet's fed up with me and / don't
| wonder at it. She always was too
good for me- he added with a little
burst of candor. Il think we'll get
on better as pals"
I'm glad" Hargrave confessed Ito
find that you are so sensible. That
ends our little talk. then
The curtains were thrown back
The butler appeared with a little bow
Monsieur est seryi." he announced.
as Violet entered the room.
At luncheon it seemed TO both Of
them that Hargravc unbent more
thoroughly than on any previous oc-
casion. That curious air of aloofneSs
almost of reserve. which even Violet
had found at times depressing, had in
large measure vanished He talked
to them both with perfect natural
ness. asking Robert in particular
questions as to the nature and scene
Of his employment and his desires for
the future. Violet joined in now and
then. but of direct conversation be
tween her and Ilargrave there was
very little. Nevertheless. since the
crisis of the night. since the morning
in the mountains. swiftly born
change was already showing itself, Il
now. although more Subdued. happi-
ing her from q light hearted girl into
Il woman of poise and vivacity.
Robert. listening To her a little
jealouSly. found himself more than
once surprised. She had definitely, as
il seemed, left his world, without
trouble or effort. Already these other
two-IIargrave and she-seldom
though they addressed each other
We're finding common language,
l., ;ol, ~
seemed barred He spoke to her
about it while Hargrave had left them
temporarily to answer the earnest
solicitations Of Il would-be hostess
upon the telephone.
What has happened between you
and Sir HarSraTe. Violet? he asked,
a little suspiciously. You seem on
different terms somehow"
Il dare say we do" she admitted.
Nothing much has happened. except
that I started for London this morn
ing and he came after me and brought
me back
Because Of last night"
Because of last night" she as
sented
He leaned back in his chair and
frowned.
Il suppose really he said lit is
who ought TO have cleared out.
ne NHolh matter Is llIllSleu- SHt
told him. Don't bring it up again.
On the whole. it is perhaps for the
best
You mean YOU are glad to have
had an opportunity Of chucking me. "
he grumbled.
That is not a mans speech. Rob
ert." she answered. You and | both
know it is you have chucked me. You
left me alone day after day to spend
my time anyhow. with any one. while
YOU spent yours with Mile. Zelie and
any one else who happened to amuSe
YOU 1t wasn't a fair bargain, Robert.
That is why l was glad of an oppor-
tunity of ending it,"
II got what I deserved. l suppose, ="
he admitted. But Violet
''Well?'
You're not going to be idiot enough
to fall in love with Sir Hargrave, are
you?"
She listened for moment. In the
distance they could hear the conVer
sation at the telephone still proceed
ing She leaned across the table.
There was q defiant expression in her
face.
This Is a matter. Robert she said.
upon which there need be no mis-
understanding between us. | think l
have been in love with him all the
time Last night ! was sure of it:
this morning | was more than ever
convinced. haven't u chance, /
know. | can't compete with all these
other women of his world. Still, you
asked me a question and / have told
you the truth"
You're a fool" he declared, shortly.
Il know it," she answered, but, at