Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-01

NO" said Maud. This had hap
pened often curing those first weeks,
but it was getting even harder TO say
it now. He"
Can YOU tell me when he will be
there?" the man went on impatently.
Mr.. Dudley Is dead.
The voice at the other end Of the line
gave a queer little gasp of astonished
embarrassment.
Why. that's awful I hadn't heard
of it. Who's this Mrs. Dudley?"
Yes"
You don't remember me. probably.
This is Marx Wooley--from Schenec-
tady was out at your place last
Winter one night"
Maud remembered vaguely.
When did this happen? I'm ter
ribly sorry, Mrs. Dudley"
six months ago. 1t was angina.
He had had a couple Of attacks before.
but he hadn't guessed what they were. "
He wanted TO know about 1t. and she
fell back into the little patter OF SEN
fences with which she had explained
so often what the surface was that lay
over the depth of shock and pain
Il can't tell you how I feel. / came
into town today and thought I'd look
Bill up. I thought we'd have dinner
together. maybe. Isn't 1t fierce? You
never know. do you? How are you get
ting along. Mrs. Dudley?"
"Oh. I'm all right"
Living alone?"
Just now I am"
Well. you certainly have my deep
est sympathy"
He hesitated. and she could think Of
Il really feel most apologize. calling
up this way. I'd really like 10 come
out and see you. Or, wonder If YOU
would like to get out and have a little
dinner somewhere. We can 20 any
where YOU say. Now. don't hesitate TO
turn me down. II you feel like ita
Why, think 1t would be nice" said
Maud, thinking quickly OF the price OF
dinner saved Only you mustn't feel
you nave to ask me or anything like
that"
TWENTY she looked that night as
she stood ~cady to 90 out. as II
her 10 extra years had been miracu-
lousy Cancelled by life. She wore black
satin, as iustrous as her skin was soft
and white; black satin, from the gentle
little folded turban Of a hat to her
slippers. with their rhinestone buckles
II was cheap dress; but 1t vas clever
ly cut and plain. so that against 1t
the diamond pin glittered magnificently.
She was wearing all her diamonds. be-
cause it made her nervous to leave them
IN the apartment, and she had cleaned
them carefully, so that no facet would
lose It's chance 10 catch the light. Maud
was meeting Mark Weoley at restau-
rant. It seemed better than to have
him come 10 the apartment, and less
melancholy
She wrapped her coat. also Of black
with a hint OF nauve in the lining
around her, and walked over TO the
avenue
She had forgotten Marx Wooleys face
but as soon as she saw him 1t again
became familiar. He was good looking
with the appearance Of q man who al
ways bought suits In one place and
rarely varied their cut or color, and ne
had the ili-at-esse manner Of a man
70 whom restaurant dinners with ladies
are unusual
Maud liked him She took The sym
pathy he offered guessing from the
somewhat startled Difference in his
manner that he felt her beauty and
charm
Must be lonely for YOU. he said as
they grew deep In confidence,
IT'S awful, sometimes"
: You've been used to a lot Of gaYety
too How Bill did like good time
! remember that party at YOUR apart
ment and how dumb felt"
Maud had always felt dumb at those
/ parties. too. But she didn't say so II
! didn't seem quite loyal. She only
I LAUGHED
/ you weren't" she denied
! yes I'm that kind ~ fellow HEAVY
leather you know" She caught his
ewes rather intensely on her face. OF
! the rift Of white throat that came above
/ the black satin They fell To her hands
/ and the diamonds ITS good Of vou
! 10 waste time on q person like me Mrs
I Hu6ley I'm not used 10 much OF any
thing In my way . fellow gets
/ l1oUss garden, good substantial ca
that he runs Ave or six years and csiii