Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-13

avoid that air of tragedy. Some Of these
good people might be curious
Felix leaned across the table. He pointed
to the menu card.
What does that mean?" he muttered.
Mr.. sabin contemplated it himself
thoughtfully.
We'll" he said. II rather Thought that
you might be able to explain that to me-
Europe-sort of aristocratic odd-fellows,
you know-who had adopted it for their
crest Am 1 not right?"
Felix looked at him steadfastly.
Tell me two things" he said. First
why you sent for me. and secondly, what
do you mean-by that?"
Lucille Mr.. Sabin said, has been taken
away from me-
"She has been taken away from me-" Mr..
Sabin said. without single word of warm
ing"
Felix pointed to the menu card.
by them?' he asked
by them. 1t was a month ago. Two
days before my cable
Felix was silent for several moments. He
had not the self-command Of his compan-
ion, and he feared to trust himself to
speech.
"She has been taken to Europe Mr.. Sa-
bin continued Il do not know, l cannot
even guess at the reason. She left no word.
l have been warned not to follow her.
you obey?"
II said tomorrow.
And II" Feiix asked.
Mr.. Sabin looked for moment at the
drawing on the back of the menu card, and
up at Felix. Felix shook his head.
"You must know" he said, that l am
powerless."
You may be able to help me-" Mr.. Sabn
said. without compromising yourself"
"Impossiblei' Felix declared But what
did they want with Lucilie?''
That" Mr.. Sabin said. lis what am de.
sirous Of knowing. 1t is what trust that
M dear Felix. assist me TO QlS-
cover"
You are determined. then. to follow
her?''
Mr.. Sabin helped himself to Iiqueur
from the bottle by his side.
My dear Felix" he said reproachfu!ly
you should know me better than TO ASK
me such question.
Felix moved uneasily in his chair.
"Of course" he said, 1T depends upon
how much they want to keep you apart
But you know that you are running great
risksT'
: why, no." Mr. Sabin said. II scarcely
thought that. 1 have understood that the
society was by no means in its former
fiourishing condition.
Felix laughed scornfully.
They have never been, he answered,
richer or more powerful. During the last
twelve months they have been active IN
every part of Europe
Mr.. Sabin's face hardened.
VERY well!'' he said. we will try their
strength
"We!" Felix laughed shortly. You for
get that my hands are tied. l cannot help
YOU or Lucille. You must know that
You cannot interfere directly" Mr.. Sa-
bin admitted. Yet you are Lucille 8
brother, and 1 am forced to appeal to you
II you will be my companion for a little
while l think l can show you how you
can help Lucille at any rate and yet run
no risk.
The little party at the next table were
breaking up at last Lady Carey, pale and
always a little prominent-rose languidly
and began to gather together her belong
ings. AS she did she looked over the
back of her chair and met Mr.. Sabin's
eyes He rose at once and bowed. She
cast quick sidelong glance at her COM
panons, which he at once understood.
II have the honor. Lady Carey" he said
"of recalling myself to your recollection
We met in Paris and London not SO very
many years ago. You perhaps remember
the cardinals dinner"
A slight smile fickered upon her lips
The mans adroitness always excited her
admiration.
Il remember it perfectly. and you, Duke"
she answered Have you made your home
on this side of the water?"
Mr. Sabin shook his head slowly.
Homer he repeated. ''Ah, / was al
ways bird Of passage, you remember.
Yet have spent three very delightful years
in this country.
And l." she said, lowering her tone and
leaning toward him, "one very stupid,
idiotic day."
Mr.. Sabin assumed the look of man
who denies any personal responsibility In
an unfortunate happening.
1T was regrettable," he murmured, but
1 assure you that it was unavoidable. Lu-
Giles brother must have certain claim
upon me- and it was his first day in Amer
lea
She was silent for moment. Then she
turned abruptly toward the door. Her
friends were already on the way.
Come with me- she said. Il want to
speak to you"
He followed her out into the lobby Felix
came few PAGES behind. The res -aurant
was still full of people. the hum of con-
versation almost drowning the music.