Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-11

JACK ndQ ClSdppedICOs cflQC1At-
ly for a private talk, and she
IL found difficulty in adjusting
herself to the conversation OF
the other women.
1t was a relief when the men finally
Joined them, and Kitty suggested bridge
for she had to concentrate on the game
and that diverted her thoughts from
what Jacks mother was saying TO him
upstairs.
Mr.. Vaneering escorted Dagger to
her room after the party had broken
= up. He was very quiet, and made no
reference to his wife's departure; but
his manner toward Dagger was unoo-
trusively affectionate.
Good night, Alix - or may I say
Dagger? Thank you" He stopped to
kiss her. You are treat. am go
ing to enjoy you
"Please do was all she could say
for acknowledgment.
For she was frightened. What had
happened between Jack and his
mother? What would happen? Jack
was lounging in big easy chair, a
cigarette in his mouth. He rose at
once and made a determined effort to
erase the shadow which hung over his
features.
"Ah. SPORT" he greeted her. What
tuck?"
She tossed a handful of checks to
him, without comment He whistled,
riffling through them.
About thousand, Ell? And l sup
pose the chumpS thought they would
Show the little girl from Texas some
high lifel" He took her hands, his
eyes scrutinizing her with mixture OF
alteration and concern. Say ne
gulped- you and mother haven't
hit it off, have you?"
Dagger choked her first indignant af-
firmation of the question with an ef-
fort. A still voice deep il her brain
whispered that this man was her hus-
band, who, in less than "a hours, would
have left her for the caldron of the
war. Any humiliation or discomfort
she suffered wouldn't be too steep a
price to pay, If 1t made his going easier
Il know, dear" She nodded wisely.
"And you mustn't worry. Wen get
along perfectly just as soon as We know
each other And your father and Kitty
like me, already"
They're wild about you. And so viii
mother be after she's reconciled to the
situation. She can't help loving you
nobody could
And he swept her bodily of her feet
In an embrace that shook her with
ecstasy.
"Only tonight and tomorrow" he
painted "Oh, Daggerl So short a time.
Love me, dearest, love me-"
Il love you with all my heart" she
murmured.
But when she closed her eyes it
wasn't Jacks face that swan mistily In
front of her. Could it be Towards?
Later, lying awake beside her sleeping
husband, she conned the sequence of
her life. the many unprecedented steps
by which she had come from Casa
Blanca to this high-walled chamber
through the windows of which beat the
pulse of New Yorks night life. SO far
In so short timel What might the
future hold for her?
And suddenly she was glad that the
future was closed book. The past had
held its tragedy. Best let the futures
leaves unfold from day to day. So at
last she slept, waking IN a flood of
golden sunlight, with Jack bending over
her.
Hi. little devil! Aren't you inter-
eSted inSEne today? Come on. Break
fast Is spread in the den"
Most Of the day she spent with him,
except for luncheon and an early din
ner with the whole family, and an in
terval she, herself, suggested, devoted by
him to a visit with his mother. When
he left for the ferry to Hoboken to
board his ship Dagger kissed him good
by with a contentment that was bliss
full
I'VE ought to have gone with him."
Sobbed Kitty.
1T would only have been harder for
him." said Dagger. Paintings are best
gotten over with. Nobody says any
thing particular on a flying field when
a
II hope you are reconciled to aban-
doning flying, Alexandra" observed her
n1other-in-law.
rs it necessary" asked Dagger. "I
was able to be Of some assistance to
war work in Texas"
This is not Texas. And flying is
dangerous business. Also, you have a
position to maintain here, and at your
age you must consider decorum above
all things. These flying fields"
An upward glance conveyed the
worst. Dagger smiled.
They are tough places" she admit
ted. although a girl pilot would prob
ably be safer in a hangar than any
where-unless it was a ship. I won't
bother you, Mrs. Vaneering. II you
seriously object I'll stay on the ground "
THAT is my wish" Mrs. Vaneertng
answered haughtily.
"Oh, bother" exclaimed Kitty, who
had dried her eyes. II was hoping
Dagger would take me up"
Alexandra, if you please" corrected
her mother.
I'VE shan't have to worry about Alex
andra's responsibility, Mr. Vaneering
interviewed mildly. Suppose We all go
to the theater? We shall be better of
this evening with our thoughts occu-
pied"
1T would be impossible for me to
enjoy a theatrical entertainment while
my Jack was sailing for France" re-
turned his wife.
The days passed quicker than Dagger
had expected. If her mother-in-law
remained distant and hostile, Mr.. Van
eering was at pains to be attentive, and
Kitty gave her companionship and saw
TO it that she met people and had suf-
ficient entertainment.
But the bulk of the people she met
had nothing in common with her.
Always, too, she had Jack upon her
mind. The night Mr.. Vaneering had
knocked upon her door. unwontedly ex-
cited -"Alix, Alixl Washington just
s~al1ad me 1ack's coOy0V iS ca 70 she