The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-06-26

As they came slowly nearer to
where Quaintance was standing
Istiffly against his pillar, some
forceful influence drew the men
and women crowding about her to
his. She started. A SILVER shook
her from head to foot and her pale
cheeks flushed.
BY what fatality had this man
appeared a second time to see her
do public penance for fault that
was none of hers! And she had
been hoping so earnestly that she
might meet no known face when
she first went forth with her hus-
bandit
Quaintanee would fain have
averted his glance, but he could
not. She bowed to him, since she
must either do that or ignore him.
He bent his head In acknowledge
ment, while monsieur, who had
noticed his wife's quick tremor.
traced that to its apparent cause,
Regarded him under down-drawn
Eyebrows.
duchess passed close to him. She
looked up into his haggard face,
and her lips trembled little,
their corners dropped, at what she
saw therein. But she spoke. in
that warm, sweet voice of hers, a
brave smile in her own eyes that
were dark blue now, like the
deeper sea which hides so many
sad secrets.
ut was very good of you to
pardon our escapade with your
car" she said swiftly, but offering
no explanation thereof since any
such must have been at Fan
chette's expense. 81 am sorry you
had so much trouble about the
bracelet. You got my messenger"
He bowed again, in assent, I'M
able, strive as he might, to find
words with which to reply fitting
lily. She moved away with her
husband, and no more was said.
She had not offered to introduce
the one to the other, and mon
sieur, 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'Far-
REL" Quaintance repeated shakily.
1.-THE very best thing you can
do" commented O'Farrel, who
had observed monsieur looking
back at his friend. "And, say,
Steve, l wouldn't do anything silly
If l were YOU"
'I'm a fool" said Quaintance
Idrearily, 'but not that sort,
O'Ferral. And my names New
man, not Steve"
They separated with nod of
understanding, but Quaintance
had not yet made his escape when
Cornoyer appeared. You don't
look at all WE'LL" he said with
quick sympathy. Monsieur, come
with me to the drug store of the
Blue Rabbit"
Quaintance paid no heed to his
chatter. and followed him almost
without volition.
The atmosphere of the Blue
Rabbit was smoke-thick. From
enshadowed alcoves shone clear,
bright eyes, and pearly teeth
flashed smiles as Quaintance look
led DULY about him. The swish
and the froufrou of silk and satin
were audible over the ripping tu-
multi of voices, the lace and the
ligerie literally displayed on all
sides were of the most luxurious.
Most of the men were also in
evening dress, and as much at
their ease as the walters shuffling
about in dirty shirt-sleeves with
|steins by the dozen.
1t was the correct thing to
drink only beer at the Brasserie of
the Blue Rabbit. And, that no
least touch of realism might be
lacking in their make-believe, the
proffer and acceptance of stein
was introduction sufficient to any
one of its frequenters.
So much Quaintance Cleaned
from Cornoyer in answer to his
idle questions. Suddenly there
came to his ears a strange yet
familiar voice loudly raised in
greeting, and he saw a hand fall
heavily on Cornoyer's shoulder.
Hello. j. j.! Still seeing life,
eh7 Quite like old times to run
across you here. Make room for
me-Pm going to buy you boys
drinks"
CONTINUED Tomorrow