Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-06-29
CHAPTER XIX.


rhe Strange Encounter That Took Place
in the Brasserie OF the Blue Rabbit.
Within the grand reception room at the
EIysee. in the midst OF the brilliant
throng gathered there. Quintance stood
swaying. with bent knees. like one on
shipboard. as II he would presently col
lnpse altogether.
''Hold up. old ehap!" said o'Ferral
anxiously.
His warning proved efficacious. Quaint
ance had all a quiet mans horror OF
what Is described as scene He threw
back his head. stood erect, gazing. half
blind. across a sea of color, to where he
could see dimly on its surface that fair
face for which he had staked everything
and lost.
For that was what IL had come to now.
He had yielded entirely to a fond infat-
uation which had whispered that he must
achieve success at all hazards. that he
could not fail He called to mind how
he had once told the girl on the sun
kissed sands at Stormport, that he never
failed. He had failed so abjectly In this
most essential instance. His dainty Ouch
ess had recrossed his path. as he had
prayed she might. but now there was q
real duke with herr She was no more the
biushing maid IN whom his fondest hopes
Of happiness were conferred, but a grave
bride with an unsmiling groom beside
heri II was time 10 write flnis on that
page and turn a fresh one. on which he
would pen rapidly the story Of wasted
life.
O'FerraI darted a swift side-long
rfance at him, and was relieved to see
that. but for an ashen gra--ness Of the
face which might pass presently, he had
rerafns,d his self-control. The Due des
Reeves and his young wife were coming
that way.
Congratulations were being showered
upon them at every hand And. even as
monsieur had foreseen, II was taken for
granted that he had brought the Ameri-
can beauty over from her own country
with him on his return 10 France
AS they came slowly nearer 10 where
ouaantance was standing stifiy against
his pillar, some forceful influence drew
the brides somber blue eyes past the men
and women crowding about her 10 his. She
started. A shiver shook her from head
70 foot and her pale cheeks flushed
BY what fatality had this man appear
ed a second time 20 see her do public
penance for fault that was none OF hersl
And she had been hoping so earnestly
that she might meet no known face when
abe first went forth with her husbandl
Cuaintance would fam have averted his
glance but he could not She bowed to
him since she must either do that or iE-
more HIN He bent his head in acknowl-
segment. while monsieur. who had no
ticed his wife's quick tremor. traced that
70 its apparent cause. regarded him under
down-drawn eyebrows
Quaintance made no move. The duchess
passed close TO him She looked up into
his haggard face, and her lips trembled
q little their corners dropped. at what
she saw therein. But she spoke. in that
warn. sweet voice OF hers. brave smile
in her own eyes that were dark blue now,
Ike the deeper sea which hides so many
sad secrets.
1T was very good OF you to pardon our
escapade EFs Esur car" she said swift
~. but ofrs<E@g no explanation thereof
chette's expeze. II am sorry you had so
much trouble about the bracelet. You
got ny meSsage2'
He bowed again. in assent. unable.
strive as he might 70 find words with
which TO reply fttingly. She moved away
with her husband. and no more was said.
She had not offered to introduce the one
10 the other. and monsieur, knowing no
English. was none too well pleased. He
judged all men by his own old standards,
and those had been low ones.
I'm going away now. O'Ferral," Quain-
tnnce repeated shalIily.
The very best thing you can do" COM
mented O'Ferral. who had observed mon
seur looking back at his friend. And.
say Steve. wouldn't do anything silly IL
i were you"
I'm a fool" said Quaintance drearily.
but not that sort. O'FerraL And my
names Newman. not Steve"
They separated with a nod Of under
standing. but Quaintance had not yet
made escape when Cornoyer appeared.
You don't look at all WELL" he said with
quick sympathy. Monsieur. come with
me 70 the drug store OF the Blue Rabbit"
ouaintance paid no heed to his chatter,
and followed him almost without Volt
ton.
The atmosphere OF the Blue Rabbit was
smoke-thick- From unshadowed aicoves
shone clear, bright eyes. and pearly
teeth flashed smiles as Quaintance looK-
ed duly about him The swish and the
frou-frou OF silk and satin were audible
over the ripping tumult OF voices, the
lace and the lingerie literally displayed
on all sides were OF the most luxurious
Most OF the men were also in evening
s dress. and as much at their ease as the
walters shutting about IN dirty shirt
sleeves with stems by the dozen
II was the correct thing to drink only
beer az the brasserie OF the Blue Rab-
bit And. that no least touch OF realism
might be lacking in their make-believe,
the prefer and acceptance Of a stein was
Introduction sufficient to any one OF its
freQuentsrs-
So much Quainta1Ce CLEANED from Cor
nOyer in answer TO his idle questions.
Suddenly there came 20 IFS ears a strange
yet familiar voice loudly raised in greet
ing. and he saw a hand fall heavily on
C0rnoyer's shoulder.
Hello, ]. u Still seeing life, chs
Quite Ike old times 10 run across you
here. Make room for me-Tm going 10
buy you boys drinks"
Cornoyer shook hands rather Imply.
and since he could not very well help
himself with this boisterOus newcomer.
IN whom Quaintance recognized his own
namesake. the man he had first seen In
Cornoyer's company at the CornucOpia
club in New York He was dressed for
motoring and looked more prosperous
aow than he had az that date.
who's your friend. ]. ]. >" he de-
nanded. but COrnoyer was conveniently
deaf and shook his head.
'Oh. come on: MI up the other in
risted. Just this one round. And may
he you won't have another chance, for
I'm going to get marFied. ]. J.. MY boyi
You never saw such peach OF a girl as
I've got on the string rusrafrs and we'll