The San Francisco call., 1909-11-07

to appreciate the charm OF the unexpected"
Dolly looked up, challenging him. "And you-are
you hardened against it,"
"Oh. no." his sharp eyes met hers; "only bit
accustomed to it, perhaps.
"Indeedp She laughed delightedly. Then you must
be that wickedest of modern productions-a lawyer
who handles divorce cases
Not precisely he answered, twinkle behind his
glasses. Il make speciality OF criminal ones"
In the gayety that followed forgot momentariy
Dollys vanishing companion-and apparently did
she. For she waited until we had finished luncheon,
joining US in a taste of rich Turkish coffee, then
pressed herself as quite ready to accompany Nella
and me to Gerauds studio.
May have look at the portrait when it's COM
peted?" inquired Robert Stead Dick helped the
others into cab and we stood apart for moment.
"If it's beautiful enough" l laughed Monsieur
Geraud is doing his best"
And glance at the picture as stood before 1t
half hour later proved conclusively that my first
suspicious were well founded. The Frenchman in
tended making beautiful enough to tempt the
most and Indifferent of parents. He had prob
ably even now anticipated the sale by informing the
press that she at work portrait, etc, My
maid met me at the studio with the white tule gown
delicate and cloudy-chosen by my mother and the
artist, I've doubt as IMPLYING extreme youth
When Geraud caught sight of my two companions
he intimated with many expressive gestures Of re-
sole chaperon. Nela sent for her motor, recalling
automatically some days she had intended grace
but promised to return with Dolly in time for tea.
Before then, however, Carley blew in had sent
him message earlier in the day, my first appeal to
him to live up to his end of compact Most mop
portunely, though he ran into the middle OF con-
versaton of which Dolly had been the absorbing
topic. | had changed my gown and was busily ad
miring the huge Sevres that had once graced
the apartments of an eighteenth century princess de
,x1ban nd hand me-
elusive form poised in the air, seemingly all hny
green and sparkling eyes.
From memory, mademoiselle," he had said in
French, as I gave little exclamation OF delight
what do you think might do if l could have but
one opportunity to study her as she dances-as you
have told she can dance! Do you think he paused
pleadngly "that you urge her to dance here-at
one OF my musicales | shall be giving several this
winter. And if you will permit shall submit to
DOLLY'S CAPTIVATING DANCES
"If you wish Mrs. Brooke to dance" l interrupted
'it is to her you must go" | could see that our
Frenchman a clever well as clever artist
Dollys dances had figured conspicuously in the
papers we'll the certain magazine of town talk
and Monsieur Gerard could have chosen no better
means to bring himself startingly within range of
the shifting public eye. Why, Mrs Hal Brakeman
would have ordered dozen portraits for the privilege
after that of being a guest of his functions
even though had it that her TALL blonde protege
Mrs Richard Stannard posing for a Belgian
painter the portrait be hers condition that she
procure certain number OF orders for h1n-and Mrs
Hal destined, of course, to be the hrst victim
"Do you know, mademoselle continued Monsieur
Geraud "it is astonishng-I still feel have seen this
wonderful Mrs Brooke met her in some strange
ner At time knew Stephen Brook, Amer
lean artist living in Paris-but no, he did not spell
And it was then Carley announced, blocking
the train Of the Frenchman's thoughts
My First aid" and | settled down side by side at
the table where had undertaken assist the artist
in serving and odd little foreign hqueurs hidden
away in sweets. That was how my mother and the
baron found us when they dropped in, as had
ticipated, few minutes later. astonished at
the ease with which Carley assumed the role | had
assigned to him. but then he the enjoy
game of chance, whatever its nature. BE careful.
whispered leaning close enough for my feathers to
brush his hair. Don't overdo it-that is, not when
there only few to see Save our grand coups
for the moment when an audience is about to appre-
ciate them.
Baron de Berenzig, who had been standing lost in
admiration before the portrait, but with eye TAX
ing cognizance of our toward us my
mother and the artist turned their attention
sketches and bent over my hand. holding IT hnger-
ingly in his. He did not Dolly and Nella
tered. and it until Carley roseto greet them
that he looked in their direction Then his eyes met
Dollys. AS their glances crossed he stood for
moment though petrihed his hand dropped Imply
from mine, his form was rigid and sharp breath
caught between his teeth. Yet save for the flash of
Dollys eyes-which flashed constantly-there
sign from her such that which trans6xed the
baron.
HAS she so soon accomplished my end7" was my
first jubilant thought. But the baron's eyes
slowly back to after had presented him could
read in them amazement incredullty, fear almost as
of thing supernatural; but of fascination sudden
fatuation, ardor there And | wondered
what could have passed between them. these who
but moment since had been strangers.
Conversation general after that but | could
see baron de Berenzigs gaze wandering every now
and then toward the sparkling Dolly, and devoted
nvse1f to CarIey, relieved that for time least
l was forgotten. My mother, however, would not
permit me to be forgotten for long Her observant
eye took in the she and Geraud joined and
caught hard look settling about her mouth She
and once more found the baron my attendant He
seemed by no .means 10th to resume his duties and
rather think my own lack of concern he did so
proved something of surprise to my mother. For
the first time since had been declared my move
ments puzzled her Subteties evidently not
altogether TO be scorned
That evening Dick astounded by dropping in