The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-05-12
CHAPTER II.
Made moiselle Creates a Sensation
at Martins,

WtoOCfuOtoCuC AICdtCS 0CUSdtlOU
at Martins.
1t was not yet seven o'clock, but
Martins was full, full to overflow
ing. The vestibule was crowded
and every interior corner seemed to
be occupied. There were even peo-
pie waiting without, apparently in
the hope that some early departure
might make accommodation for
them.
Quaintance threaded his way
through the outer throng. disposed
OF his coat and hat to busy boy,
and was looking casually round the
brilliantly lighted rooms in search
of seat when a brisk attendant
hustled up to suggest that there
might still perhaps be room for one
more upstairs.
II don't want to dine upstairs"
he returned affably, drawing the
man out Of earshot of his near
neighbors. II want you to set me
a place down here---a small, round
table for two and no more. up
against the wall. And you'll see
, that no ope takes the second seat
except by my invitation"
The man looked at him little
doubtfully. since he could not recog-
nize as one entitled to any such ex-
ira consideration this masterful
stranger who issued orders on the
apparent assumption that they
would at once be complied with. But
certain coins were already clinking
pleasantly In his palm. The strang-
er's eyes had grown ominous over
his hesitation. He became imbued
with an earnest desire to carry
these orders out, with the crafty
ing result that his unknown patron
almost Immediately found himself
settled as he had desired. while a
hungry gathering in the doorway re-
garded him with wrathful astonish-
ment.
Quaintance once more babe him
safeguard the spare chair from
thoughtless intruders, and. having
escaped the tedium Of picking and
choosing from the bill of fare by
the simple expedient of giving him
carte blanche for the best dinner
Martins could provide, unfolded his
paper.
Tell the chef It's quality want,
not quantity" he requested. and
glanced idly through the headlines
while the now obsequious waiter
went of in haste to execute his
commission. But he found in the
pink sheet no news of particular in.
terest to him, and laid 1t aside
again In favor Of an unobtrusive
survey of the assemblage about
him.
II seemed that Martins clientele
consisted chiefly of such as find
SAVIOR in life and do not disdain TO
express their enjoyment thereof.
There was no restrain or stiffness
about their actions. no rigid ETH
Quette save that of everyday use
and acceptance. Thed had come
thither to dine at their ease and
make merry. They did so.
There were actors and artists,
musicians and authors among them,
idlers and business men, represen-
tatives of the professions, fortunate
race track followers; mixed and
cosmopolitan gathering, all out
wardly gay dogs and good fellows.
The womenfolk they had with them
were almost without exception
young, and, to be trite, good look
Ing.
The hum OF their cheerful inter
course. punctuated by the popping
OF corks. the clink Of Ice In fragile
glassware. the subdued clatter of
crockery, the obligato OF knives and
forks. filled every corner OF the
cool rooms. The echoes of mems
mirth and women's light laughter
blended with these In harmonious
whole, the keynote to which all
moods were attuned.
Quaintance was well satisfied
with his surroundings. He saw that
he had ocme out on the seashore Of
Upper Bohemia. that fashionable re.