The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-01-05
(Continued.)

She turned toward me at last,
deliberately, her fan against her
lips, studying me. And 1 did as
much, taking such advantage as l
could of the passing street lamps.
Then, all at once, without warning
or apology, she smiled, showing
very even and white teeth.
She smiled. There came to me
from the purple-colored shadows
some sort of deep perfume strange
to me. | frown at the description
of such things and such emotions,
but | swear that as l sat there,
stranger, not four minutes In COM
partnership with this other stranger,
felt swim up around me some sort
of amber shadow, edged with pur-
ple--the shadow, as figured it
then, being this perfume, curious
and alluring!
1t was wet, there in the street.
Why should | rebel at this stealing
charm of color and fragrance-let
those name it better who can. At
least l sat, smiling to myself in
my purple-amber shadow, now In
no very special hurry.
At last | could not, in politeness,
keep this up further.
"How may serve the Baron
ess?" said |.
She started back on the seat as
far as she could go.
How did you know?" she asked.
"And who are your"
laughed II did not know. and
did not guess until almost as | be-
gan to speak; but If it comes to
that, | might say l am simply an
humble gentleman of Washington
here. might be privileged to peep
in at ambassadors balls-through
the windows, at least"
But you were not there-yOu
did not see me? | never saw you in
my life until this very moment
how, then, do you know me!
Speak. At once!" Her satins rust
led knew she was tapping a
foot on the carriage floor
Madam" | answered. laughing
at her; by this purple shadow,
with flecks of scarlet and pink;
by this perfume which weaves
webs for me here in this carriage,
| know you. The light is poor, but
it is good enough to show one VINO
can be no one else but the Baron
ess Won Ritz"
| was in the mood to spice an
adventure which had gone thus far.
OF course she thought me crazed,
and drew back again in the shad-
ow; but when | turned and smiled
she smiled in answer-herself
somewhat puzzled.
THE Baroness Won Ritz can not
be disguised" | said; mot even II
she wore her domino
She looked down at the little
mask which hung from the silken
cord. and flung it from her.
"Ch, then, very WE'LL" she said.
"If you know who | am, who are
you, and why do you talk in this
absurd way with me, a stranger"
And why, madam, do you take
me up. stranger. in this absurd
way, at midnight, on the streets OF
Washington? I, who am engaged
on business for my chief?'
She tapped again with her foot
on the carriage floor Tell me who
you are." she said.
"Once a young planter from
Maryland yonder; sometime would
be lawyer here in Washington. 1t
is my misfortune not to be so dis
tinguished in fame or beauty that
my name is known by all; so ! need
not tell you my name perhaps, only
assuring you that am at your serv-
ice If may be useful"
"Your name" she again de-
mand.
told her the first one that came
to my lips-I do not remember
what 1t did not deceive her for
moment.
"Of course that is not your
name" she said; because it does
disadvantage"
"And me, madame? You are
taking me miles out of my way.
How can | help you? Do you per-
haps wish to hunt mushrooms in
the Georgetown woods when morn
ing comes? wish that | might
join you, but | fear"
"You mock me-" she retorted.
"Very good. Let me tell you it was
not your personal charm which at
tracted me when saw you on the
pavement. Twas because you were
the only man in sight"
bowed my thanks. :. For a mo-
ment nothing was heard save the
steady patter of hoofs on the
ragged pavement. At length she
went on.
Il am alone. have been follow
ed. was followed when | called
to you--by another carriage. | ask
ed help of the first gentleman saw,
having heard that Americans all
are gentlemen"
True" said |; 81 do not blame
you. Neither do blame the occu-
pant of the other carriage for fol-
lowing you"
Il pray you. leave aside such clat-