The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-01-20
CHAPTER Xxx.
A Memorable Luncheon.

Brachard was killing time and he
sat down TO the luncheon table DELHI
erately 10 play with his enemy much
AS a cat plays with helpless mouse.
II was not a pleasurable task; he got
little enjoyment out of it, because
every word he said only emphasized
his own suffering But he controlled
himself admirably, and chatted with
Govain as easily and lightly as II
their meeting and having lunch to-
gether was perfectly casual affair.
He pressed food upon Goyain. while
helping himself literally and eating
with every indication OF splendid
appel itc.
My dear boy. little solid food
once in a while is good for YOU" he
assured Jerome. II have even heard
! doctors recommend 1t very highly"
Il can't eat, but this whisky and
soda will brace me up" Govain said.
Il hate the sight food
Sorry. Have an egg. And some
cold lamb"
NO. not under any circumstances.
Govain replied slipping his drink.
This is delightful luncheon. Co
vain" Brachard said. eating with the
gusto of school boy.
My dear Brachard." said Govain,
eyeing his host whimsically. cit is a
very remarkable luncheon. Think OF
YOU here dawdling away your time.
! for. OF course. you are dawdling II
away. aren't you? or course. you
smile but perhaps you'll be sorry you
wasted so many precious hours"
NO. | won't be sorry" Brachard
said, cycling Govain through half
! closed eyes You see, Jerome, I'm
trying to distract my mind. am un-
! happy. Last night. while you drank
and amused yourself. | was torn with
grief"
Brachard munched vigorously on
mouthful OF lamb. Govain looked at
him rather startled
II don't understand YOU" he said.
II wouldn't confess this weakness
To any one but You. Jerome"
why, old fellow. what's up? Ex-
plain yourself You told me you had
! arranged To give out the impression
you had gone TO London. so you could
have this rendezvous here"
Exactly" Brachard admitted cool.
ly. Have another egg"
NO But what about this? Did
the lady disappoint YOU?
"Oh, no."
She cameo"
Yes. she came
Well. then. how are things going?
II seems to be all right"
oh yes"
1T would be hard luck to deceive
ta-ifa 81 10. 10
whom you did it deceive you Govain
said laughing
The humor OF the supposed situa-
ton struck him again, and he arose
land walked around the table to slap
Brachard on the back
Cheer up old man. he said
Laugh, old fellow laugh Our stock
Isold yesterday at S44 In month II
will be selling at a thousand. Paris
will kneel at your feet And here you
are, east down over some little thing
in skirts. Or perhaps it is a society
woman"
He looked inquiringly, but Brachard
said nothing. The copper king ate
steadily. with tremendous appetite,
and gulped his whisky and soda.
Something in his manner made Govaln
uneasy.
jacques, you seem to have thrown
all convention TO the Winds" he said
You always cautioned prudence Per-
haps something has happened. My po
sstion in copper is really dangerous. Is
anything wrong"
Anything that menaced his fortune
touched Govain in his most sensitive
spot. He was absolutely, thoroughly
selfish. He had lived for years in
comparative poverty, and now that for
tune had come TO him the thought OF
it's possible loss terrified him
You are trying 20 carry more than
YOU should" Brachard admonshed
him.
My dear boy. you don't know how
deep | am in. If you knew, IL would
stagger you"
Very likely. Have some lamb"
NO. | don't want food. Tell me
about the stock"
oh it's all right III get you some
coffee and cigars"
He rang, and Jean came in 10 take
the order for coffee and cigars. Go.
vain walked nervously up and down
the floor
(Continued Tomorrow.)
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SINGULAR Human Nature