Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-13
CHAPTER XXI.

Monsieur Jacques Leblun was comfort
ably ensconced in large easy chair
drawn up before the fire in the small
smoking room adjoining the bar Of the
Altoona Hotel. He held in his hand sew
eral half sheets of paper. the contents of
which he had been carefully reading, not,
apparently, for the first time. One by
one, as he had finished with them. he laid
them on his knee, until at last the little
pile was complete. Then, with a faint
sigh, which might have meant either sat
isfaction or despair, he tore them into
small pieces and threw them into the fire.
From a case of curiously chased silver
he selected a cigarette. lit it. and began
to smoke very slowly and very Thought
fully His eyes as usual. seemed half
closed certainly his head was turned
away from both of the doors to the room.
and yet, curiously enough. without turn
ing his head or even looking away from
the fire, he addressed the man who had
entered from the hotel side and was max
ing his way toward the door which COM
municated with the private suites of
apartments.
How do you do, Mr. Hannaway?" he
said.
Gilbert Hannaway stopped short. He
came slowly toward the fireplace, and
for the first time recognized the little
|
he exclaimed.
JACQUES Leblun nodded his head
thoughtfully. "Come and sit down for a
few minutes" he said. You Will take
drink with me, perhaps
Gilbert Hannaway hesitated. Lebiun
turned toward him. His forehead was a
little wrinkled. Even as ne spoke he
stifIed a yawn.
II am tired of your sad country. Mr.
Hannaway." he said Il have no friends
here and ! am lonely. In Paris. at this
hour. / would be sitting in the Cafe de Ia
Paix. and friends would come and go all
the time friends with whom l speak Tor
q moment. or only grasp their hands. per-
mans or give them a cheerful salutatlon.
But here I am alone, and l am a man
who loves company. Remember Tentente
cordiale. Be kind to the foreigner forced
10 sojourn for few days among your
togs. Take chair here ana tax with
me-"
Gilbert Hannaway Invested himself OF
his overcoat and drew an easy chair up
70 Leblun's side. II was on my way to
my rooms he said Ito indulge In the
luxury. unknown in your cafes, of cup
of afternoon tea. If you will allow me
will take it with you. You have been
destroying letters. / see. 1t Is always
rather sad task.
Leblun smiled family. There are things
which are sadder," he answered, land
one Of them is to have to admit failure
In anything one undertakes Personality
ne continued. assuming a somewhat re-
Prospective air, Il have not often had to
confess myself beaten. This afternoon 1
am in that sad position. ! think that be-
fore / go to bed tonight l shall ask that
exceedingly assiduous walter who min
listers SO cheerfully to our wants to bring
me the continental time table. In short.
I fear that there remains for me nothing
but to look for train back to my be-
loved Paris
You surprise me, Monsieur I.eblun."
Hannaway admitted, with impressive face.
'Failure Is a thing which one has not
learned to associate with your name.
Nevertheless, If what you say is really
the truth, Il do not doubt but that you
have run up against problem impossible
of solution
Once more Leblun sighed His eyes
were still fixed upon those smoldering
pieces of paper. Frankly, my dear Mon
sieur Hannaway," he said, II believe that