The Washington herald., 1907-09-22

straw hat but he looked trim and neat
in spite Of these easy clothes. and ST.
Quintin was very fsvorably impressed
by his courtly manners and relieved 10
dnd that there was no need for him 10
try his own indifferent French.
They passed delightful hour eating
Strawberries under the big cedar, and
St Quintin forgot 20 notice that Nine.
Leblanc and the other visitor delayed
their coming. The young man received
and promptly accepted an invitation to
stay 20 dinner. and they were all con-
veTsing very pleasantly when the two
others Joined them. 10 the surprise OF
Monsieur Leblanc and the evident an
uoyance Of Miss Densley. who fr0wned
and replied very coldly 20 the stout
Erenchman's courtesies.
And then s.. Quintin vaguely felt that
something was wrong. When his host
mentioned that he bad asked ST. Quin-
tin 20 stay 20 dinner. madame looked
troubled and Monsieur Marbeau angry.
ana the young man came quickly 20 the
conclusion that the middle-aged French
man was a suitor whom the elders er-
couTaged, but who was distastefal 70
the girl herself
Thereafter there was an uneasy feel
ing IN the minds of ALL and this was in
tensihed when Monsieur MaTbeau men
toned that he had that day met IN town
a certain Mr.. Burdock. who he said,
had intimated his intention Of coming
down 70 Briar House that day.
Al this news there came change in
the expression Of the host and hostess.
who received the news with silent un-
easiness. and in that Of Miss Densley.
who looked her horror and annoyance.
I hate him." she murmured 20 her
aunt just loud enough for 81. Quin-
tin 10 hear.
And then he began TO understand that
the rich Miss Densley was overwhelmed
by the number of her suitoTs. and that
the portiy Monsieur Marbeau was one
of the unfavored ones.
He and she had. however. no time or
opportunity 10 exchange condolences on
this subject, for her uncle and aunt
with great cleverness. avoided any sort
Of collision occasioned by jealousy be-
tween the TWO visitors. whose glances
betrayed that their chief interest was
in the wealthy beauty
The greatest skill was needed and was
used by the Leblancs in tiding over the
difficulties caused Dy Monsieur Mar
beaUs evident dislike of what he con-
sidered the intrusion Of the young Eng
Iishman. and it seemed to ST Quintin
that under madame's frank good humor
there lay some deep anxiety.
Dinner was served in handsome
room at the front of the house. with the
windows wide open and the blinds drawn
! up, to allow every possible breath Of air
10 enter.
st. Quintin thought the table the most
beautifully arranged he had ever seen.
with its banks Of ferns and flowers. its
/ brilliant cut glass and costly silver gilt
/ dishes Everything added To tfa intoxi-
/ cation produced by the 'y and
charm OF Miss Densley. ry-.l whose
pretty throat there hung three rows of
/ exquisite pearls. her only jewel
! Before dinner was over however, there
was an unpleasant diversion. There
were steps on the gravel. and Monsieur
/ Leblanc, turning very pale. rose has
tily. and. looking out Of the window
/ into the darkness. made some excuse and
/ left the room.
/ He cid not return. and madame. who
/ appeared but little disturbed though she
threw an intelligent glance at her hus-
band as he went out. carried the burden
of entertainment on her own plump
/ shoulders for the rest of the meal. al
/ the conclusion OF which they all left
the room together in the French fash
ion. and assembled in the drawing-room
now Illuminated by electric light, that
glowed from little crystal globes on the
walls and ceiling.
It was not until the gentleman had
risen 10 take leave that Monsieur Le-
blanc reappeared, smiling, neat, charm.
ing as ever.
And then St. Quintin, interested and
almost unconsciously on the watch, saw
a strange. long look exchanged between
host and hostess.
The young man, more In love thar
ever. was not allowed much opportunity
Tor a tender farewell of Miss Densley
but he received from her aunt forma
Invitation to come 10 dinner again or
! Wednesday in the following week
That invitation he joyfully accepted
noting that Monsieur Marbeau received
at the same time an invitation to din,
on the Tuesday.
St. Quintin expected to leave the house
with his fellow-guest. and was Iookins
forward 10 a little conversation with hin
TO enlighten him on various perplexnl
points. But madame detained Monsieur