Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-29
CHAPTER XII.
The Clue.

The expedition to Chicago proved futile
When the Marquis de Sarazin called on
Mrs. Van Booss he was informed that
she had gone to Washington to attend a
wedding. He now began to fear that this
woman was an ignis fatuus and returned
Immediately to New York From New
York ne journeyed to Washington-at
least he was spared hotel life-he lived
in the cars! His mind was a prey to
anxiety and impotence, and the chill OF
delay had begun to settle on his spirits
AS he was borne along he noted indif-
ferentiy the log houses. the great woods
the wide stretches of water, especially
where the shining susquehanna winds In
land like an arm of the sea, and the train
crosses the water on a low embankmen,
of bridge of trestles. which conveys the
impression Of being aboard ship In a rail-
way carriage.
Arriving at Washington the traveller
drove direct to Wizards Hotel and in
quired for Mrs Van Booss. He was in.
formed that Mrs. Van Booss was spend
ing the day at Mount Vernon, but would
be back to dinner. Her pursuer pro-
ceeded to establish himself at the hotel;
at any rate. he and the purchaser Of the
necklace would be under the same roof!
After lunch he set out to visit the Capt.
toll truly noble building: next he WIS.,
tied the splendid Library Of Congress;
then he walked leisurely back down
Pennsylvania avenue In order to pass the
tagging hours: but it was only O'clock,
turn Of Mrs. Van Booss; 30 he went
and found a seat in the pretty green
square opposite the White House. There
he smoked many cigarettes, and he made
up his mind that once he had secured
the Sprize he would cable home and re-
turn by the first steamer. On the present
occasion he had come to fetch the neck
lace-and not to visit the states. The
lofty dining room at the Willard, with
its green marble pillars. green hangings
and palms. was crowded when the Mar
quis de Sarazin was ushered to place.
During the course OF an elaborate menu
his eyes roved from table to table in
eager search Of Aunt Dossie,'' stout
lady with hair like scrambled eggs -
There were various convivial parties, but
he could not identify her. though he had
been assured that she was now In the
hotel. Later on. as he sat in the long
corridor. watching people pass to and fro.
he requested a waiter to take his card
to Mrs Van Booss. After considerable
delay the man returned and said:
please to come this way and he
found himself conducted toward large
and animated circle. who were drinking
among them as hostess sat a graceful
woman no longer young, with large dark
blue ewes. a sensitive mouth and guam
titles of black hair. slightly powdered
witt, silver. She wore a clnging black
gown. richly embroidered and a chain
round her neck. from which depended
several immense f1awless turquoises-a
striking and barbaric ornament. once the
property of some squat Tibetan beauty.
AS Paul de Sarazin approached there
was a momentary pause in the buzz Of
conversation and ever gaze was conferred
on the stranger Mrs. Van Booss glanced
at the card and then at its owner, "El
MARQUES de Sarazin
You are the Marquis de Sarazin?' she
inquired. in full. rich voice. The words
seemed to part reluctantly from her we'll
cut lps-she spoke with delicious drawl.
He bowed with an air OF knightly
courtesy
And YOU wish to see me--is that a
fac1?'
Yes. II YOU will honor me with a few
moments conversation
certainly, with pleasure. Won't you
be seated?"
You are very good, madam; but my