Evening star., 1932-08-07


xlashed q tunnel through the stormy darkness
at the ends of the avenue we could just dis
Germ the bulk of a huge house. dinnly indicated
by the lights here and there, but no other sign
of human habitation was to be seen as far as
the eve could reach
Evidently we other guests were expected
for lights flooded the porte-cochere as We stop
ped in its shelter Stifhy we climbed out of the
car and trooped eagerly into the warmth of the
luxuriously furnished hall, as a young butler
flung open the door.
For one panicky moment L wondered if
were intruders, blundering into the wrong house
in quest of cocktails and gayy adding ourselves
to a party already under way. 1t was neeting
impression, however, for in another moment
Mrs Scranton had come forward and was ex-
changing greetings with the Ludlows and ac-
knowIedging Marie's presentation of Dr. Brain
erd James Carter and myself in the most cordial
way imaginable.
AS she crossed the hall thought to myself
that she was, perhaps. the most beautiful woman
I had ever seen. She was, one guessed, about
SO, with an exquisite skin and perfectly white
hair, widely undulated and drawn to knot at
the nape of her slender neck.
1T seems dreadful to add even two little miles
to any ones journey on such night" she said
in whimsical apology, but when Alicia Worth
ington told me that you were to be her week
end guests couldn't let you go without at least
a cocktail but this unheralded deluge makes
me feel like brute. One never expects any
thing but fair weather and starlit skies, does
one?"
And then" James Carter said heavily,
Providence reminds us, with storm like this"
had heard that James Carter was self
made man who had recently risen to great
wealth and through his business associates, a
certain doubtful social position. Suddenly,
Variously stories about his prowesS with women
crowding back into my memory and I
wished heartily that our party were made up
only of the Ludlows nice DR.. Brainerd and my
self and that we were at our journeys end.
The thought of the 10 more miles Of bicker-
ing between Arthur and Marie, punctuated by
Mr. Carter's heavy-handed sarcasms, was al
most too much Then as we settled down be-
fore the grateful warmth of the living room fire
and 1 watched our coats being borne away by
the butler, found myself wondering once more,
how on earth Arthur Ludlow had ever managed
to buy matched sables for Marie.
while we're waiting for Horton to come back
with the tea and cocktails" Mrs. Scranton ex-
cused herself, II think I'll telephone to Grant
and Alicia Just to let them know that you have
not been drowned"
In few minutes she came back, crying gayly,
"You're my prisoners for the night. There's a
mile or so Of bad detour just below us and the
little temporary bridge has been washed away.
The only other road to Rosebanks is very round
about I know you'd never find your way, and
so I have just telephoned to Grant and Alicia
that you won't be there until tomorrow
VERY high-handed of you, my dearl" came
voice from the doorway, and we saw framed
there man Of 60 or therabouts. He was lean,
well built creature with white mustache and
the ruddy skin of the habitual golfer. Now he
advanced toward us with genial smile This
storm has got into my wife's blood made regu-
lar pirate OF her!" He chuckled. II hope you
are prepared to render unquestioniny obedi-
ence?"
TOR moment we struggled with efforts at
/ polite hesitation but it was obvious that
Mrs Sc~antons invitation had come as life
saver to all of us, and we joined in Mr.. Scran-
tons laughter.
"Then it's all settled and I'll have your bags
brought in at once" Mrs. Scranton continued
gayly, and you might well dress for dinner,
which, by the way, will be served in an hour,
and we'n call it party. have plenty of room
for you all There are only two other guests
with us this week, Robert Pen and Leonora
Cabell-the actress, you know.
"Ieonora Cabell," Marie Ludlow repeated In
toneless voice, and was sure saw her ex-
change an enigmatcal look with Mr.. Carter.
Robert Pell!' exclaimed Arthur Ludlow, and
to my bewilderment, he, too, cast the stohd
Carter a meaningful glance.
But, my dear Mrs. Scranton DR. Brainerd
protested, as if he too, had sensed the sudden
strain, this rain won't keep up indefinitely
Surely, things will clear up in another hour,
and we can return to New York"
Mrs. Scranton waved her lovely hands de-
pecatingly. Tomorrow it will be fair and YOU
continue your journey. but tonight the
only sane thing is to stay at Deep Valley. Be
Sides" she added I've always wanted to know
the famous Dr. Brainerd."
IF you had only brought along your little
satchel, Brazil" said Marie Ludlow, you could
Just have given me something to keep me quiet
and my annoying chatter would be stiIled and
you could enjoy the evening"
"As a matter of fact" chuckled DR.. Brainerd,
"I did bring it, I came directly from the hoS-
pital to pick you up at your apartment
Marie placed a pleading hand on his cDat
sleeve. Please, Brai, you must give me some
thing. I'll go stark, raving mad if don't get
fau hours of Sleen tonight Then turning