Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-20
CHAPTER w.
"a Useful Communion"

1t was a wild. clustering morning; the
turbulent Biarritz waves were breaking
over the rocky outposts Of La Grande
PLACE, and sweeping up to the very door
of the Casino Municipal itself; cold At
lantic gale had driven the sardine boats
from the sea and scattered singing sand
in the faces of people ashore.
In one of the windows of a large re-
ception room in a popular hotel three
people were sitting, abusing the weather
and discussing their neighbors. These
were the Hon. Mrs. Mac James, fashion
able and exclusive. with high profile.
double eyeglass and an extravagant en-
dowment for curiosity. Clothed in for
midable reserve, she. nevertheless. con-
trived to be acquainted with all that was
going on around her. the names of other
guests-who they were. why they were in
Biarritz and for how long
Outside the hotel her information was
immense; she collected news as others
collect foreign postage stamps and auto
graphs-and this without trouble or out
lay beyond a few civil speeches and an
occasional cup Of tea. Beside her sat
little Mrs. Britten, an attractive widow
of forty, endowed with a pair of crafty
black eyes. a remarkably gay smile and
indomitable social ambition. The lady
wore tailor-made gown of purple cloth.
which displayed to advantage her we'll
nodded figure; her FURNISHED brown locks
were deliberately waved, and pulled out in
fashionable style around a plump. we'll
featured face. Fine turquoise earrings, a
studded chain and brilliant rings were the
artistic trifes which completed her toilet.
Everything about Mrs Britten gave the
impression of finish and outlay, and from
her we'll arranged couture, and her pol
ished finger nails to her smart shoes, she
altogether presented an attractive APP
pearance. If there was q fault to be
found, the hypercritical might say that
both face and air were a little artificial;
and there was no question of the fact
that she was striving to capture the good
opinion of her two companions and,
far as the man was concerned, her ef-
forts were crowned with unmistakabe
success.
This gentleman. Admiral Sir Peter
Potts. K.C.B., was a short, square old
bachelor. clean shaver and precisely
dressed; he had shock of white hair.
the largest nose in the hotel and was
formidable bridge player.
1t was the private opinion of Mrs. Brit
ten that Sir Peter would make her a suit
able husband. and at the moment she
was listening with an enchanted express
sion to his description of a rubber at the
club the previous afternoon.
1--WE only wanted four to get out, dye
see" he explained. and l made Il clubs
Il always like to be on the safe side
Mrs Britten nodded emphatically; it
was also her own standpoint.
well. when my partner put down his
hand" Sir Peter went on. ''he had eight
hearts-ace. king. queen, knave, ten and
three others, He gavn me a furious lock.
got up and walked straigh; out of the
cardroom. Whit do you say to that?''
Il say that it was unpardonably rude.
replied Mrs. Britten. with an air of :ndig-
nation. Il should never play with him
again: in fact. 1 should feel inclined to
cut him dead"
For my part don't agree with either
of you" interposed Mrs Mac James. II
certainly would have left It, Think of it:
five honors in hearts. You ought to give
your partner the credit Of having some
thing
And supposing he had a spade hand?'
demanded the admiral, and his tone was
fierce.
''Oh. yesr' cried Mrs. Britten. anxious
to please both parties; but even so, you
would have brought 1t off. Sir Peter;
play does tell in the long rum
Go be continued next Sunday