The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-06-18
CHAPTER xv.-Continued.


minutes to find Cornoyer, and
when he at length discovered him
1t was too late to trace the un-
known. He described that individ-
ual as well as he could, but the
bread detNxs, which were all he
co1ld-weskS4ply were insufficient
for any Identification. Cornoyer
cudgelled his brains to fit the right
name to them, but, after he had
suggested a dozen whose owners
distinctly resembled the person
pictured, Quaintance gave that
chance up as lost. He felt dull
and disappointed as he returned
to-, the city with a pay party IN
the tonneau, since to have found
out who the man was might have
been OF assistance incalculable in
locating the girl. And fortunately
O'Ferral was at home, ready to
condole with him over such mis-
hap.
II wish could have lodged this
reception tonight" said Quain-
lance, as they sat smoking togeth-
er in the correspondents rooms al
ter dinner. ! don't feel In tune
for festivity.''
"Brace up!" urged his friend
"You can never tell when or
where your luck may be going to
change. You might easily meet
Miss Lorraine-or that man-at
the Elysee. Brace up! Don't lose
your grip on the camel"
"Oh, I'm not standing out for a
moment" Quaintauce declared.
'IIl play my hand to a finish be-
fore l quit. What time do we
start?"
"In about half an hour. ! want
to be on the spot early, II you
don't mind"
In half an hour therefore they
drove along to the Palace, there to
attend the function for which Nine.
Cornoyer, at her sons instigation,
had got Quaintance card, while
O'Ferral had received his from an
official source. The correspondent
was persona grata, on his own mer-
its as much as owing to his profess
sional standing, with many of those
in high places, but they were not
unaware that the unobtrusivc
young man who now and then pass
ed through Paris without attracting
other attention than theirs, was the
trusted representative Of power
beyond that Yielded by any ruler.
Quaintance had revived outward
~ by the way, and, having been
duly presented to his official host,
who also GREETED O'Ferral with a
grave cordiality, passed on into the
grand reception room, looking abou
him with lively interest.
The scene there was very bril-
liant one, and he felt well repaid
for the effort Of will power which 1t
had cost him to come. He drew the
correspondent to one side and they
took up an inconspicuous position
beside ONE of the four great pillars
which formed a quadrangle be-
tween the anteroom and the long
salon whittier most Of the guests
were repairing. Thence they COM
manded a clear view of the lofty,
curtained entrance where two re-
splendent huissiers were admitting
each new arrival after resonant an
nouncement of his or her title or
style.
The chandeliers overhead lent
added glory to the magnificently
frescoed ceiling and lit up a blaze
Of color below. Soldiers, sailors,
and diplomats outvied each other in
blue and scarlet and gold, while the
CLEAN of bare shoulders, the varied
hues Of the womeh's ravishing toll
cites, set off by the sombre black
coats of those men who did not
wear uniform. blended with them
in rainbow like harmony.
1t was not yet late, and the spac-
ious chambers would be still more
crowded presently. Quaintance
looked In vain for any known face
among those within his range of
vision, and then turned to where
the ushers were introducing a
steady stream Of equally radiant
humanity. The Cornoyers had not
so far put in an appearance, and
he must pay his respects to ma
dame as soon as she should have
passed the president. Thereafter he
might leave when opportunity Of
fered, and he did not mean to re-
main very long.
He aw the British ambassador
enter and then there was lull in
the inflow. Ferral's eyes had been
busy, but the correspondent. beyond
pointing out one or two notabilities,
had had little to say, and Quain-
lance, against his pillar, able, be-
cause of his height to overlook the
spectacle at his ease. had fallen
into reverie. His glance was still
idly fixed on the curtains which
had chen let fall behind the Eng.
lishman, when the huissier's voice
once more resounded. slow but dis
tinctly. above the incessant buzz OF