New-York tribune., 1910-01-30
CHAPTER III.
The Savage Club Dinner

l. Cecil. and, as l entered the salon and made
my way toward the table where seats were. |
that my fears realized. Anne was angry
and would not lightly forgive me for what she ev
IDENTIFY considered all but objectionable breach of
good manners.
knew Mary had arranged that Anne and should
sit together; but now the chair reserved for me
on Mary's left Her husband sat on her right and
next him Anne, deep in conversation with her
farther nelghbOr, who. as | recognized with queer
vetti himself.
Mary greeted me with comical expression of dis
may on her pretty little face Il I'm sorry, Maurice
she whispered. Anne would sit there She's very
angry, Where have YOU been, and why didn't You
telephone: We gave YOU ten minutes grace and
then on all together 1t WASH what You might
call lively; for Jim had to sit bodkn between US and
Anne never spoke a word the whole way"
Jim said nothing, but looked up from his soup and
imagined the situation to be funny. l did not
-, III explain later; Mary" l said, and moved to
the back of AnneS chair.
Will You forgive me, Miss Pendennis:" | said
humbly. L was detained at the last moment by an
accident L rang You up; but failed to get
Swer.
She turned her head and looked up at me with
charming smile, in which thought detected trace
of contrition for her hasty condemnation OF An
accident! You are hurt: she asked impulsivelv.
No. it happened to some one else and it concerns
You, CasSavettl, continued, addressing him: for
as | confessed that was unhurt AnneS momentary
flash OF CompunctiOn passed and her perverse mood
reaSSerted itself With a slight Shrug of her white
shoulders she resumed her dinner and though She
no sign of interest.
| y as few words possible | related the cireun-
- stances, SuppreSSing only mention of the dis
CoNery OF Anne portrait III the alien possession and
our subsequent interview in rooms. / remen-
bered the mans terror of CaSSaVetti-Or SelnSki as
he had called him-and his evident conviction that
ne was IN some way connected with the danger that
threatened the gracious lady" who, alas seemed
determined TO be anything but gracious TO me this
unluCkV evening.
CaSSavetti listened impaSSivelv. | watched his
dark face lntently; but could learn nothing from il
not cen whether he had expected the man or recog-
hlzed nm from NY description. Without doubt
one OF my old pensioners. he said unCOnCerledIv
strange that should have missed him: for was in
my rooms before seven and left them only to come
on mere Accept my regrets friend for the trouble
ne occaSoned YOU, and my thanks for Your Kindness
to HIM
he words and the tone were courteous enough
ana Vet they reused in sudden fierce feeling of
dhtaSoniSn against this man. whom had hitherto
regarded as an interesting and pleasant acquaintance
FOR one thing, saw that Anne had been listening To
the bret colloquy and had graSped the full signf
canoe ot ms remark To the time when he returned
10 MS rooms. The small head. with its cleaning
crown OF chestnut hair was elevated with a r,ro,d
niue movement. papable enough To my Jealous and
troubled eyes. | could not see her face: hut knew
wei tlat her eyes flashed stormy lightnings az that
moment w ondertul hazel ewes they were Chanoinr
with every mood. dark and sornher aS a ~rarl,S
nlght, now hight and limpd as a Highland burr,
laughing in the sunshine
one imagined that the excuse had made was in
Ndllu' Tor H. as CaSSaVetti inferred hiS-and NY
mysterious visitor had been OF the ,re,niSs before
seven clock ought still have been able 10 Les,
my appointment with her. Well | should b,vr ~
undeCeve her later. ~
"Dont look so solemn Maurice N,r,- s.;i . 7
seated myself beside her Tell me all ,L,,,t -.
thing, right now WY
/ Tepeated What had already told Cassavetti
If ven eau mat real Interestingly she declared
Thlr Il