Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1930-06-13
CHAPTER IV-Continued

VIII was at the door, grinning at
them, his mobile mouth twisted into
a kind of sardonic look that he wore
at times, and that made him like his
father. He had great deal of poise,
Ernestine often thought, considering
his youth and scanty advantages. Mar
riage had changed him very little. He
was, perhaps, somewhat more inflam-
mable, but he took Ernestine and the
life with her most naturally and with
out self-consciousness
They went on to Pastano's, entered
an unmarked doorway and climbed
broad wooden steps with double doors
at the top which opened upon light.
music, heat and the sound Of happy
voices.
The big room was airy, its excellent
ventilation a surprise to Ernestine,
and an important factor in every ones
pleasure and good appetite. Mr..
Poole came to meet them, and Ernes-
tine gave him her hand and her incest
schoolgirl smile. She wished Mrs.
Bennett had not said anything to her
about this man. She did not have to
heed any warnings except those her
husband gave her!
Following Mr.. Poole among the
tables, Ernestine thought about the
many things WIN had told her of this
man, until she felt that she knew
him perfectly. His remarkable gifts,
L. 90 hts
ness of himself, his small vanities and
prejudices, his Incidence and drunken
ness and his great charm, she knew.
He was as natural and straightfor-
ward with every one as child with
other children. Yet he possessed also
the authority and autocratic manner
of the man Of established reputation.
He drew Ernestine's hand within the
curve of his arm, and led her to a
table reserved for their party.
All the places were filled except
theirs, and the men rose to greet
Ernestine. There was only one other
woman. Mrs. Wiston, the wife of the
syndicate editor of the Sun, a small
beautiful woman with the face of a
siren who can never forget her role.
She had been married twice before she
had met Wiston, and Ernestine knew
that back in New England were the
wife and child Wiston had set aside
for her. Ernestine was conscious of
the indignation common to married
women against such an impostor.
Wiston himself, tall academic man
with a ribbon to his glasses, Ernestine
had met at the Office, and John Tucker,
called Tommy by every one, who was
Wills rival for honors in the art
room. The third man who was pre-
scented to her Ernestine did not know
and she failed to catch his name. He
was small powerful looking indl-
vidual, with dark mustache, bright
gray eyes and vain and elaborate
manner The other two men, Under
wood and Harrison, were from the
Sun staff, and happy to be at any
party, any time, any place.
They all sat down, Mr.. Poole with
one of the women on either side, and
Tommy Tucker next to Ernestine, the
pompous little man next to Mrs. Wis
ton, with the others grouped about
the big table. Ernestine by now had
forgotten her self-consciousness and
became radiantly happy. She wished
VIII were beside her. She was only
a half, and VIII was the other half,
and he ought always to be beside her,
breathing as she breathed, turning as
she turned. The idea delighted her,
and she laughed at herself but felt
still deep joy In their unity.
Mr.. Poole turned to Ernestine and
told her softly that her youth and
beauty were sweeter than sweet night
itself. He took his glass in his hand.
"And more intoxicating" he said,
"than this for which l have wasted
half my life and most of my talents"
Ernestine, looking up in his kind
face, knew instantly that in spite Of
his flowery words, and in spite of Mrs.
Benefits conventional fears, this
great man had no predatory impulses
toward her. He knew that she was
deeply in love with VIII. But to
watch her, to speak to her, to listen to
her voice, gave him pleasure. 1t was
all he would ever want of her. Her
instinct in this matter proved true,
during the years Of Wits association
with Mr.. Poole.