The Argosy, Vol. 90 No. 1 — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

6 THE ARGOSY. his eye roved about for the charming hos- tess Steele had told him of. “We'll reach Miss Van Allen presently,” Steele laughed in answer to the glance, “ if, indeed, we dare interrupt her game. Let’s make progress slowly.” ‘““No hurry,” returned Somers affably, beaming on Cassie Weldon and meeting Ariadne Gale’s receptive smile. “I’m anchored here for the moment. Miss Wel- don? Ah, yes, I’ve heard you sing. Voice like a lark-—like a lark.” Clearly, Somers was not much of a pur- veyor of small talk. I sized him up for a lumbering oldster who wanted to be play- ful, but didn’t quite know how. He had rather an austere face, yet there was a gleam in his eye that belied the austerity. His cheeks were fat and red, his nose prominent, and he was clean-shaven, save for a thick, white mustache that drooped slightly on either side of a full- lipped mouth. His hair was white, his eyes dark and deep-set, and he could easily be called a handsome man. He was surely fifty, and perhaps more. Had it not been for a cer- tain effusiveness in his speech I could have liked him; but he seemed to me to lack sincerity. However, I am not one to judge harshly or hastily. I met him half-way and even helped him in his efforts at gay affability. “You’ve never been here before? I asked good old Steele to bring you to-night.” “No, never before,” and he glanced around appreciatively. ‘‘ But I shall, I hope, come often. Charming little nest; charm- ing ladies!” A bow included those nearest. “Ves, indeed,” babbled Ariadne, “ Fair women and brave men.” “ Brave, yes,” agreed Somers, “to dare the glances of such bright eyes. I must protect my heart!” He clasped his fat hands pretty near where his heart was situated, and grinned with delight as Ariadne also “ protected ” her heart. “Ah,” he cried, “‘ two hearts in danger! I feel sure we shall be friends, if only be- cause misery loves company.” “Ts it really misery with you?” and Ariadne’s sympathy was so evidently pro- found that Cassie Weldon and I walked away. “T’ll give Ariad her innings,” said the vivacious Miss Weldon, “ and I’ll make up to the Somers kid later. Where ’d Vicky pick him up?” “She doesn’t know him at all. Steele brought him unbeknownst.” “No! Why, Vick doesn’t allow that sort of thing.” “So I’m told. Anyway, Steele did it.” “Well, Vick’s such a good-natured dar- ling, maybe she won’t mind for once. She won’t if she likes the little stranger. He’s well-meaning, at any rate.” “So’s Ariadne. From her smile I think she means to sell him her latest ‘ Autumn in the Adirondacks,’ or ‘ Lady with a Hand- bag 22) ‘““ Now, don’t be mean!” But Cassie laughed. ‘And I don’t blame her if she does. Poor Ad paints above the heads of the public; so if this is a high-up publican she’d better make sales while the sun shines.” “* What’s her work like?” “You can see more of it in this house than anywhere else. Vicky is so fond of Ariadne and so sorry her pictures don’t sell better, that she buys a lot herself.” “Does Miss Gale know Miss Van Allen does it out of—” ‘Don’t say charity! No, they’re really good stuff, and Vicky buys ’em for Christ- mas gifts and bridge prizes.”’ “Does she ever play for prizes? I thought she preferred a bit of a stake.” ‘‘ She does at evening parties. But often we have a dove game of an afternoon with prizes and pink tea. Vicky Van isn’t a gay doll, you know. She’s—why sometimes she’s positively domestic. I wish she had a nice husband and some little kiddies.” “Why hasn’t she?” ‘“‘ Give it up. She’s never seen any man she loved, I s’pose.” ‘* Perhaps she’ll love this Somers person.” “Heaven forbid! Nothing less than a crown prince would suit her. Look, she’s turning to meet him. Won’t he be bowled over!” T turned, and though there were several Norman oO Comicbooe S CO