Patricia Brent, Spinster

been noticed; but this evening it was the signal for a sudden cessation in the buzz of conversation, and all eyes were upon her. For a moment she stood in

ded woman ever dressed in black and white unless she had some ulterior motive. Upon the subject of sex-attraction Miss Wangle posed as an authority, and

least two and a half inches too short; but as Patricia had explained to Mrs. Hamilton, if you possess exquisitely fitting patent boots that

lass as she fastened a bunch of red carnations in her belt. "White at the wrists a

was an artist in dress. Finally, when her gold wristlet watch had been fastened

not?" For a few moments she regarded herself quizzically, then finally announced, "No: we will not. An umbrella suggests a bus,

of the mirror, looking at he

e violeter, your hair more sunsetty and your lips redder

was full. Everybody stared at her as with flushed cheeks she walked to the centre of the room. Then suddenly

iled and Mrs. Mosscrop-Smythe looked sympat

he remarked, at which Patricia turne

s and jackets. They, too, were apparently going out, although she had not heard them tell Mrs. Craske-Morton so. Mr. Bolton also had his hat in his hand. During the day Patricia had thought out very carefully the part she had set herself to p

but at the entrance of the lounge she saw Gust

"There goes another two shillings. Oh, bother Major Brown!

her off. Patricia thought their attitude more appropriate to a wedding than the fact that one of their fellow-boarders was going out to dinner

"winding-up" his machine, which took some little time, the other taxi got off in

tended doing. She had no appointment, she was in a taxi which would cost her tw

he Grill-room. She had no idea of what it cost to dine at the Quadrant; but remembered with a comfortable feeling that she had some two pounds upon her. With moderation, she decided, it might be possible to get a meal for that sum without attracting the adverse criticism of t

Brent, secretary to a rising politician, that stylish-looking girl in black, with a large bunch of carnations. That red-

in the vestibule, were Miss Wangle, Mrs. Mosscrop-Smythe, and Mr. Bolton. In a flash she saw it all. They had come to spy upon her. They would find her out, and the whole humiliating story would probably have to be t

mposed, in the direction of the Grill-room. She was conscious of being followed by Miss Wangle and her party. As Patricia rounded the glass screen a superintendent came up and enquired if she had a table. Sh

to do? Why was she there? What were her plans? She looked about her, hoping that she did not appear so frightened as she felt. She was conscio

oment's hesitation her sub-conscious self once more took possession of Patricia, and she marched straight

" Then as he rose she murmured under her breath, "Please pl

lied, "You're very late. I waited for you

ould have fallen to the floor, her legs refusing further to support her body. She was trembling all over. Miss Wangle had selected the next tabl

e waiter. She stole a glance at him. What must he be thinking? How had he classif

he others were watching and, l

aside in confusion; but with an effort she said, "You-you are supposed to be my fiancé, and you've j

e don't worry. Something has happened, and if I can do anything to help,

ed Patricia, to whom star

tenant-colonel," he re

aid Patricia, "I sai

u say I've b

hat it was Major Bowen. They are such awful cats, and if they found out I should have to leave. You see that's some of them at the next table there. Tha

," sai

most awfully glad to see me. You see we haven

erstand," wa

ia caught his eye an

like a schoolgirl. You see my name's Patricia, Patricia Brent," and then she plunged int

ncluded, "what do

r not tell you jus

d as that,"

ded from his face and he l

s Br

with a comical look, "in case they overhear. It seems ra

He had nice eyes

she made a da

upon him a stare through her lorgnettes, not an unfavourabl

and her "fiancé" chatted merrily together, g

l there was to tell about herself and he, in return, explained that he came of an army family, and had been sent out to France soon after Mons. He was then a cap

t is necessary to know about

my ring was, and I told them I didn't care about rings, as they were badges of servitude. You see it is quite possible that Miss Wangle w

ember," s

ore than a major. Miss Wangle and Mrs. Mosscrop-Smythe are most worldly-minded. Of course it would have been nicer had you been

not usual,"

s over Bowen loo

late for a show, it

icia. "How the time has flown.

tions for a move a

et's go upstairs and sit an

nquired Patricia critical

hat you might safely do so as we

rter to eleven before Patricia final

"I am afraid I have enjoyed this most

be tired?"

-and-you seem so nice, and you've been so awfully kind; but when I get alone, then I shall start wondering what was in your mind, what you have been thinking of me, and-and-oh! it will be awful. No; I'

fiancé,"

" she

ng westward in the taxi, neither

wen at length, as they

cia gravely. "You have understood everything and-and-you see I

ase

horribly se

ind," he

o know that you had done what you have done to-nigh

r di

ase," she emphas

ins

ge thing. She placed her hand

id, and he told her how much the din

he taxi?" he enq

and now here we are," as the taxi drew up, "and thank you very much indee

nquired. "Do you

" again she emphas

and Gustave appeared silhouetted against the light, "don't yo

e hand, Patricia ran up the steps and disappeared into the hall, the

sir?" enqui

" burst out B

ut wot about

e," Bowen laughed. "We

sure Galvin House would be gathered in full force, or should she go straight

Miss Brent; we thou

u to-night?" lisped Mrs. Mosscrop-S

. Mosscrop-Smythe wit

ime on the same evening, it would be strange if they d

isped Mrs. Mosscrop-Smythe, coming to

Brent!" It was Mrs. Cr

Gustave fluttered about from place to place, showing an unwonted desire to tidy up. Patricia was conscious that her advent h

é." It was Miss Sikkum who spoke. "Fancy your saying

. They always do that in the Army. You get engaged to a captain and you find you have to marr

red Mrs. Craske-Morton, at a lo

to a chameleon, or a quick-change artist. They've made him a 'R.S.O.' as well." Under

e Order," explained Mr. Bolton. "An R.S.

innocently, "I'm so stupid

f the Military Cross, too,"

overdoing the pose of innocence s

s surprised impatience

o remember. Now let me see." She proceeded to tick off each word upon her f

rieked Miss Wangle

wave of mischief took possession of her. "Do you know when I went up to

you call him then?" c

"Oh!" indifferently, "I generally call him 'Old Thing,'" and with that