Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-29
CHAPTER XLIII.
Alicia Rumsey

In the days that followed Martin
CROPPED about in his situation. He
could not blame Nan when he
stopped to be logical about it, She
had not promised to love him. He
was to blame for the whole thing.
But it was intolerable having her fit
about the house knowing that she
was happier in any room of it save
the one that held him.
He wondered if there were any,
thing he could do.
Their meals together were intolera-
BILE. And always there was the
knowledge deep in his heart that
she was separated from him by
eternities.
She was aloof with him now He
knew that she resented his having
forbidden her to go where he was
not invited. And then just when
things had apparently arrived at an
impasse. something happened,
1t came in the shape of a letter.
The pastel gray of the envelope
awoke faint memories in him. Alicia
always used it.
He hadn't seen Alicia in two years
1t would be good TO see her again,
and as lie read the note through the
first flicker of interest he had known
in days leaped up in him.
She was coming to New York for
a visit, her train arriving in town
that very afternoon. For the sake
of old days, would he meet her? She
had heard all about his marriage,
and she did want to meet his wife.
In the old days he and Alicia Rum
sey had been great pals. He had al
ways been very fond of her. but
never quite serious enough to ask her
TO rserry him.
AS he waited in the Grand Central
Station tat afternoon for the Buff
falo express to come laundering in
he wondered what he ought to do
about his own problem and this new
complicat ton. Alicia would, of course.
expect to meet Nan. and to be in
vited to the apartment. He couldn't
bear to have those cornfi0wer blue
eyes of hers turn bewilderedly from
himself to Nan. Because, of course,
it wasn't possible to hide the situa :
tion from Alicia. She would sense
1t at once.
There she was, blue eyes under a
blue hat Of the same color. tall and
slender and radiant. He wished he
had fallen in love with Alicia.
She fairly rushed to him. followed
by red-cap. Her slim hand in its
rough glove met his.
Martin It's good to see YOU"
He smiled down at her. There was
q rush and sweep of vitality about her
in that moment that made him feel
suddenly less tired. But if Alicia s
blue eyes noticed how haggard Mar
tin was looking she gave no sign. She
chatted along at his side as they made
their way up to the big hotel adjon.
ing the station.
III go up for just moment, if
you don't mind. and then. if YOU
don't have to hurry away, Wen have
tea"
In comparatively short time she
was back again. lie had slumped in
his chair, and for a moment did no,
see her In that moment Alicia
caught a glimpse of his face. Here
was a man who was suffering tragic.
ally! She wondered what the situa
ton was and whether she ought To
presume upon her friendship with him
to ask a question of any Kind. Wasn't
he happy with his wife?
Tea is a magic hour in any big
hotel 1t is the hour of letting down
before dinner.
Dinner is, of course q more serious
affair altogether Blu: tea is gay.
The big. softly lighted room was
filed with laughing people. Some
where in the distance an orchestra
walled There was the discreet CHATTER
of china against silver, the walters
hurrying here and there with loaded
trays 1t was all very gay, very
charming, and into this atmosphere
came Martin and Alicia.
Alicia had not ex1ected that her
Crst scene with Martin would be any