A BAD SEND-OFF


It was almost eight o'clock when the dinner party assembled in the
reception-room of the Waldorf. Leo was first to arrive, and Lucille was
there to receive him. At ten minutes of eight, solicitor Hugh Searles
came; then entered Colonel Harris and his daughters, Alfonso following
with his mother. Mrs. Harris wore a black satin dress with jet trimmings
and Van Dyke lace. Lucille's dress of light blue faille silk, garnished
with pearls and guipure lace, was very becoming. Leo so told Lucille, and
she thanked him but hid behind her lips the thought that Leo never before
seemed half so manly. Mr. Searles evidently admired Leo, and he talked to
him of Italy's greatness in literature and art. He sat at Colonel
Harris's right, opposite Mrs. Harris. Leo and Lucille occupied seats at
the end of the table, and at their right and left sat Alfonso and
Gertrude.

Guests of the hotel and their friends chatted in low conversation at the
many tables of the model dining-room. Electric lights shone soft in the
ceiling, and under pretty shades at each table, which added much to the
general effect.

Long before the sweets and fruits were reached, the conversation had
drifted from one conventional topic to another, until Mrs. Harris asked
Hugh Searles what he thought of higher education for women.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Searles," said Gertrude, "please tell us all about the
English girl."

"Does she go to college, and does she ride a bicycle!" queried Lucille.