Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-10-19
CHAPTER XIII.
! Masauerade unwIIIInalx.

Masquerade UnwiIIingly.
II must have been after midnight
when the carriage drew up under the
porte-cochere OF the hotel. Dr. Starva
alightsd and met the concierge at the
vestibule. I heard little OF that was
said at first, but the surprise of the
concierge was evident. He tossed his
arms about. and burst into excited pro-
tests. Presently (and could see that
Starva was annoyed at the action) he
came to the door Of the carriage and
peered within. I sat huddled up in
the corner. apparently asleep.
He is very ill-his Excellencyi"
cried the concierge in French
Listen to me-" sternly replied
Starva in the same language That
is not his Excellency. imbecile. That
is only a tourist. a Mr.. Haddon. You
understand" he repeatedly slowly.
shaking the concierge by the lapel OF
HIS gorgeous coat, that is only a
tourist"
The fellow looked at Dr. starva. be-
wildered.
MATS. maIs. mails" he stsmmered
In expostulstion. pointing AZ me.
Appearances are sometimes treach-
erous" said starva grimly. and added
with marked carelessness. rs Madame
do WARMER arrived?"
AN hour ago" muttered the man.
his round eyes stiu staring at me.
Then do you think. fool, that his
Excellency would come TO this hotel
at midnight. and at the hour that she
arrives? Are there no tongues 70
talk2 Are there no eyes 20 pry? II
Mr. Haddon"-he emphasized tho
name-"prefers to be nursed by a
beautiful woman. shall I. his physician.
refuse? But for his Excellency 70 DO
nursed by beautiful woman-at
least" he added meaningly. for the
world 90 know it-now do you I'M
deTstand?"
He lowered over the little concierge
staring down at him fiercely vindic-
tive. AT the same time he slipped
into the servants unresIsting hand a
number OF crisp notes. The hand Of
the concierge closed over them loving
"; his broad. good-humored face slow
ly expanded into a smile OF perfect
comprehension.
But yes. I see Il all as clearly as
the nose on my face" The little
wretch placed his forehnger on that
organ and winked.
Then you will see that there are
no inquisitive servants 70 spy imperti-
ncntly. Take Us up on the lift your
self. The porter may leave the bag
gage below. since Mr.. Haddon goes
early tomorrow morning with his
nurse and HIS physician. He must
not be disturbed In his rest. Tonight
he Is very 81. as you see. There is a
long journey before US tomorrow.
shall arrange with you later concern
ing the diligence. Lastly. you will dis
creetly keep your eyes away. You
win certainly not see his Excellency.~
Or. Starva now placed one foot on
the carriage step. and leaning toward
me. gently aroused me. I opened my
eyes slowly and muttered something
TO the effect that we had arrived.
Alighung, l grasped his arm mechan-
. ically. and we proceeded slowly into
the hotel. across the hall. to the eleva-
! tor. The little concierge trotted sol
emnly In front OF US.
The elevator. as we'll as the hall ana
corridors, was deserted at this late
/ hour. We met no one.
Arriving at the suite Of rooms al
loted TO US the concierge was sum-
marily dismissed. But before he left
us the servant insisted on whispering
. 70 DR.. Starva these words, which no
/ doubted startled him as much as they
did me:
The sister of his Excellency is In
/ the hotel. Shall tell her that"
DR.. Starva clutched the shoulder Of
/ his informant. and held him in a fierce,
! vise-like grip.
Thrice times stubborn fooli"N he
I growled, what concern is il to Mr..
/ Haddon that the sister OF Sir Morti-
mer Brett is at this hotel? Certainly
you will not tell her"
+, He thrust his specialized, pallid face
close to that OF the trembling servant
/ Then releasing him suddenly, he.
! pushed him without, the little con
cIsrge rubbing his shoulder ruefulIy.
Immediately he regretted this I'M
! necessary violence. He stepped out
! into the corridor, and guessed that
he had smoothed the injured vanity OF
| the gold-laced official with more OF the
| crisp notes.
He had scarcely entered the room
again before he admitted Madame de
Narnier, and again the key was turned.
They lost no time In vain talk or
| congratulations on the success of their
trick, whatever its meaning might be-
DIR. Starva half led, half carried me,
into bedroom adjoining. There i
was put to bed with as little cere-
mony as a helpless infant is disposed
OF for the night For moment Starva
| looked down on me grimly. Then he
disappeared. closing the door care
fully behind HIM.
Now. indeed. I understood why
Helena Brett and her mother had been
so startled when first they had seen
Newly Madame de WARMER had
shown herself no less concerned--why
had caught DIR. Starva spying or me
why Il was plotted that I should be-
drugged and brought hither in this