Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-07

| II don't forget-readily," said Con-
stance.
That's goodl 1t makes me very
happy to hear you say that" returned
John with honest significance I'VE
were friends indeed in the old days,
weren't we, Connie? What happy days
those werel''
| CONSTANCE'S dark eyes lifted with
~ a touch of delightful self-con-
seriousness. She inquired abruptly,
How is your wife, John?"
My poor wifel" he said regretfully.
She died, Connie, about three years
ago, leaving me with two of the sweet
est little girls you ever saw"
I'm SOrry-I'm so sorry, John! Tell
me about your little girls"
'Darlings!" he said. with genuine en-
thusiaSm. Lillian is 8, Rosalind g..
Both fair. with eyes like mine. My
wife was dark-you remember?"
Il knew heg so slightly" murmured
Constance.
"Of course-of counsel The faintest
tinge OF jocular understanding crept
across Johns paternal rhapSodies.
how"
Constance said, with unbelievable
reckleSsness, II misSed-my friendship
with you-after she came"
A moment Of pleaSurable awkward
ness enSued. Constance looked on into
space. John looked earnestly at Con-
stance.
do you find me-much changed?"
he asked her presently.
YES" said Constance, IT do. But In
an-interesting way. You used to be
shyer, think; less certain of yourself
One has feeling now of-authority
John. The inevitable manner Of sue
cess. see the West has altered you"
But you don't dislike 1t, CONNER"
ION the contrary"
She made an unconsidered move to
rise. The largeneSS of him, the ripe,
genial, poSSesSive maSculinity of him,
were very close. 1t startled Constance
oddly.
This is a charming little place of
yours" said John.
Constance sank back treasured. I'm
fond of it. have an excellent English
maid who looks after me here. This is
her night out"
(But the room had not been empty!
The room had not been Oakland cold
and lonely! Exultation rose in Con-
stance, curiously, like the tide along a
thirsty shore.)
i suppose you were going to get din
me- by yourself, then-some sort OF
trihing female meal?"
Constance said, almost meekly. that
there would be something in the Ice box.
"Well-let 1t stay there!" said John,
rising suddenly, catching both her hands
and drawing her to her feet. He was
terribly strong, of course; g big man
those shoulders-she had forgotten how
big he waS-hiS deep-cheSted Iaugh-a
vague scent of tobacco hung about him
when one stood so near-tobacco-and
some nice soap. A clean, big man-his
blond hair was thinning-he had a fine
forehead-and nice. straight forward
eyeS-she hadn't remembered he had
such nice eyes.
What was there about the faint
blush shadow on a close-shaven chin
that made one want to put up ones
hand? (Sophy, putting up her hand to
Lowen'S headD What was there In the
touch OF big, warm fingers that COM
forted-and quieted-no, not quieted,
exactly, either, but.
'Tired?" asked John.
"No-not in the least!" said Con-
stance. Queer-she had been horribly
tired. She felt new, somehow.
Then get your hat on again while I
phone for car and seats for a show.
We're going to have party. just the
two of us"
''Oh, John!" Constance couldn't keep
touch of excitement out of her voice.
That would be delightful-but-shan
change my dress?"
you couldn't look any better than
you do-to me-" said John bluntly.
Really, John?"
Really, Conniel"
ar
So long as You don't take too long
about 1t. hate to let you out Of nv
sight. now I've got hold of you again.
Isn't this like old times, CONNER"
only much better!" She drew away
her hands to cover the holiness of that.
LIE was standing very near her again.
: The tweed coat he wore had
rough, dark weave. Why should the
hesh OF ones cheek prickle to look at il,
SO near? A deep voice, lowered-and
n9skier-tnan before what a queer
et1ect 1t had-on ones eyelids-heavy.-
put sweet! -. She moved away from
nun step. He followed-like destiny.
to see me againl"
"Oh. joint"
Why won't you look at me?"
I do. John. I would, II you'd-not
so near!" O'
You'd love the West, Connie"
Would I. John?"
And those two kids of mine
they'd just about worship YOU"
He had her two hands again, snug
Cling them against his shirtfront, draw
ing her oy them, compelling her even
nearer. A tremor went through her.
like wind over the grass.
'John-please!"
"Connie-pleaSel"
Then, like q sword blade across a
silken thread-the telephone on the
table, Shrilling clear. Once. twice.
three times-before he let her hands 20
free-with muttered word that stirred
her. proudly and sweetly.
Just minute. John-I'm sorry!"
Tell whoever it Is you're going out"
II will, John'
She caught up the instrument with
swift, unsteady fingers, his eyes upon
her.
Constance Wyatt speaking!"
Out Of buzzing, whining chaos
clearness, stillness-and then voice
soft, drawing voice whipped to
urgency and stumbling-a sweet voice,
jangled-a gay voice with its laughter
ripped away. "Connie-it's Sophyl
Connie-can you hear me?"
Yes, Sophy. Very we'll What
is 1t. dear?"
"Connie-can you put me up-for
the night? Can you2-I'm coming