Evening star., 1941-04-09


come YOU back, Sandra." His voice
was low, but there was no mistak-
ing the admiration in his eyes and
there was sudden gratitude In the
girls heart for that. She had al
most forgotten that gallantry still
existed in a bleak and diSillusloned
world.
Mark Senses Difference.
'It means so much to me to be
here this evening" SandraS low
voice was vibrant with an intensity
he did not understand.
"It's been a long time since ! have
seen you as you are right now"
Mark persisted, aware that Sandra
was listening with curious eager
ness to all he was saying. There Is
something different about you. l
can't quite make it out"
Sandra laughed. We'll. I'm not
testifying on advice of counsel, but
some day" she hesitated and Marx S
keen ear detected a sudden serious
ness in her voice, maybe some day
7 shall come to you for your advice
as counsel" she stopped
abruptly
"Tll always be at your service.
nv dear" His cheerful grin reas-
sured her. steadied her. Just at that
moment Crystal Singleton sauntered
over and laid a possesslve hand on
her shoulder.
"I guess your numbers up, Mark.
Charles said you might be good as
a special pleader, but Sandra needs
a cocktail and I am commissioned
to bring her out to the bar.
There was a quizzical look IN
Marks eyes grew as she watched
the girls depart. He wondered
where Joe was this evening. There
was a fellow nobody knew. A lone
wolf if ever he saw one. Left San
dra entirely too much to her own
devices. She was far too lovely TO
make that a safe venture.
Later in the evening Charles
White protested vehemently wheD
Sandra came to tell him that she
must leave Immediately. Mark
was with her.
Takes Sandra Home.
And I have to leave at the same
time, Charles" he said quickly. Be
fore I sleep tonight have a or1el
to finish. I hate to 60 so soon, but
its business before pleasure tonight
or else
charles laughed. You sound ex-
actlv like that missing brother OF
mine. I'll wager anything he's up to
his neck in another Of his big deals
and forgot all about this dinner
given for him by an obscure mem
ber of his family. I'm certainly
sorrv he never showed up"
wen forgive him this time"
sandra laughed. HE was such q
good excuse for getting all the old
crowd together again. It's been fun,
Charles, and If I didn't have hard
day ahead of me tomorrow l
wouldn't dream of going now. III
Just slip out quietly, without dis
turbing any one"
FAN right, Sandra." Charles start
ed walking slowly toward the main
entrance of the clubhouse with her:
"If you must, you must, and shall
take YOU home. I say, Mark" ne
called out suddenly, IN take San
dra home and will drop you on at
your apartment house on the way
over"
1t was nearly midnight when
Charles stood on the steps OF the
stately old Starr mansion and
watched Sandra fit large brass
kew into the ancient lock that
guarded it's wide front door.
IT'S been a wonderful evening,
Sandra said with a faint smile as
she tried to throw of q growing
sense of depression that had settled
down on her as they came toward
the house up the curving driveway:
Thanks, my dear" He stood
looking at her moment in silence,
then with a quick turn OF his head
he glanced up at the dark windows
of the house, shrugged his shoulders
and put a foot on the running board
of his car.
A Sudden Apprehension.
"Ill pick you up for golf game
tomorrow" he spoke with sudden
decision as the motor started. "Joe's
got crust to keep you in this house
as If you were prisoner. We're
going places, you and I, and II Joe
doesn't like it he can Jump In the
river. You might really like Kansas
City II you saw little more OF 1t
especially with me-"
Sandra gave q nervous little laugh.
"Well, maybe. Wen see. It's late
now and you must run along.
Thanks again for lovely evening"
She watched the car until 1t dis
appeared down the drive, then she
went directly through the great hall
to the library, where Parker always
left something cold to drink on the
little table just inside the door. So
short a time ago she had changed
her whole life in this same room!
Suddenly, without warning, out Of
the midnight stiffness that hung
heavily in the room, q cold chill
seized her as If q clammy hand
had reached for her heart. The tray
was not there. Hearing footsteps
she stepped quickly into the hall
and called the butler in low voice.
Parker! You have forgotten the
tray"
No answer. The footsteps stopped,
| She strained her eyes, trying to see
n