Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-07-31

their slender means by " ~
of rich Americans English society," and the thing
itself wholly indefensble; but he felt that
Cynthia Vanrenen needed no such social sponsor, while
the mere bracketng of Count Edouard Marigny with
Jimmy Devar caused him to regard this unknown
Frenchman with a suspicion that was already active
enough SO far as Mrs Devar was concerned And the
Marchioness of Belfort tool decrep old cadger with
infallible system for roulette!
Perhaps his mood communicated itself to the accel
orator At any rate the Mercury seemed to sympathize
and it lucky hazard that kept the glorious stretch
of road between Reigate and Crawley free of police
traps that memorable Wednesday. The car simply
eaped out of Surrey into Sussex the undulatng park
lands both sides OF the smooth highway appearing to
float past stately procession, and there fine
CLEAN in Cynthia blue eyes when the first check
splendid run came in the outskirts OF Crawley.
She leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder.
Tea here, please she said. Then she added If it
was aferthought, IF you promise to let her rip in
that style after reach the open country again. shall
sit the front seat.
The words almost whispered into his Ger
tanly they not meant to enlighten Mrs. Devar,
and Medenham, turning found his face near the girls
I'm bribed," he answered, and not until both
settled back their seats did they realize that either
had said anything unusual.
Medenha, however, took his cup of Ia chauffeur,
helping himself to bread and butter from plate de-
posted on the bonnet by waiting maid.
When the women reappeared from the interior OF
a roadside restaurant he was in his place, ready to
start He did not offer to put them into the adjust
their wraps and close the door. 1t Miss Vanrenen
liked to keep her promise, that her affair." but
action his part should hint OF prior knowledge that
she intended to ride in front.
Nevertheless, he could not repress smile when he
heard Mrs Devars distinctly chilly "Oh, not at all,
in response Cynthia polite apology for deserving
her until they neared Brighton.
SOMEHOW, the car underwent subtle change when
~ the girl took her seat by his side From machine
quvering with life and power it became trlumphal
chariot By sheer perfection of mechanical energy
had bridged the gulf that lay between the mionalres
daughter and the hired man, since there could be no
question that Cynthia Vanrenen placed Viscount Meden
ham in other category. Indeed, his occasional
lapses from the demeanor of lower social grade might
we'll have earned him her marked disfavor and there
shred of personal vanity in his character he gave
all the credit to the sentient creature of steel and
that ready to respond to his touch.
Swayed by unconscious telepathy, the girl almost
interpreted his unspoken thoughts. She watched his
def manipulation of levers and brakes and ancied that
his hands dwelt the steering wheel with caress.
You have real lovely automobile, Fitzroy,' she
said, and have sort of notion that you are devoted
to it. May ask is it your carp"
Eyes. bought it six months ago. learned to drive
in France, and, heard of the American
engine, I-er-couldnt rest until had tried it,
He was on the point OF saying something wholly dit
ferent but managed to twist the second half of the
in time. What would Miss Vanrenen have thought
had he continued, sent my chauffeur to England and,
receipt of his report had this shipped in week"
There problems too deep for speculation when
guiding ton of palpitatlng metal along hedge
lined road at forty miles an hour. This was one.
Cynthia, knowing nothing of any new American en-
CINE" would die rather than confess her ignorance.
Moreover, she bordering problem of her own: If
it not his master he might be open to bar
gain. Simmonds is old friend, SUPPOSED? she said.
Yes, | have known him some years. We were in
South Africa together.
In the war, do you mean?
Eyes"
"How dreadful! Have you ever killed anybody"
Not with petrol, am happy to state
There was an eloquent pause. Cynthia examined his