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

CHAPTER x.
Dsquetine News
T STARED at the man ncredulously. Herr Pen
dennis has departed, and the fraulein has not
been here at all!' l repeated. You must be mis-
taken, man! The fraulen to arrive here Mon
day, at about this time
He protested that he had spoken the truth and
summoned the manager, who confirmed the informa-
ton.
Yes Herr Pendennis had been unfortunately in
disposed; but the sickness had not been
to require that the charming and dutiful frau
1ein should hasten to him. He had telegram
received doubtless from the fraulein herself and
thereupon with much haste departed He drove to
the Fredrichstrasse station; but that all that
was known of his movements. Two letters had
arrived for Miss Pendennis, which her father had
taken, and there also telegram, delivered since
he left. Both father and daughter, it seemed were
well known at the hotel where they always stayed
during their frequent visits to the German capital.
l was keenly disappointed. Surely some mag
nant Fate was intervening between Anne and myself.
determined to keep US apart; Why had she discon-
tnued her journey and had she returned to England
to the Cayleys? If not, where was she now? IMAM
swerable questions, of course. All could do to
possess my soul patience and hope for tdings when
Preached my destination. And meanwhile, by br ak
ing my journey here for the sole purpose of seeing
her, ! had incurred delay of twelve hours. One
thing at least certain her father could not have
left Berlin for the purpose of meeting her route
or he would not have started from the Friedrich
strasse station.
With rush all the doubts and perplexties that
had kept at bay since / received Annes post
card reinvaded my mind; but l beat them back
resoutely. l would not allow myself to think, to
conjecture.
moped around aimlessly for an hour or two tell
ing myself that Berlin the beastliest hole the
face Of the earth. Never had time dragged it did
that morning! l seemed to have been wandering
for a century or more by noon, when found myself
opposite the entrance of the Astoria Restaurant.
When in difficulties feed" lin Cayley had coun-
seed, and long lunch would kill hour or so, any
how.
T HAD scarcely settled myself at table when man
came along and capped on the shoulder
Wynn, by all that's wonderful! What you
doing here, old fellow?"
1t was Percy Medhurst a somewhat irresponsible
but very decent youngster, whom had seen good
deal of in London, one way and another. He
clerk in the British Foreign Office but hadn't the
least idea that he had been sent to Berlin He had
dned at the Cayleys only week or two back
Pm feeding, or going to feed. What you do
ing here? | responded as we shook hands. was
glad to him. Even his usually frivolous converse
ton preferable to my medtations at the
moment
lust transferred; regular stroke of luck. Got
here only last night haven't reported myself for
duty yet say, old chap, you look rather hipped.
What's up?'
Hunger" answered 1aconically And guess
that's easily rernedied: Come and join me-
We talked of Indifferent matters for time
rather he did most Of the talking.
Staying long?" he asked at last. as we reached
the coffee and iqueur stage. We had eaten very
we'll and l. at least felt in much more pho-
sophie frame of mind than had for some hours
No only few hours. I'm en- route for Peters
burg"
course, but bit stodgy; and they're having jolly
lot of rows at Petersburg with more to come say,
though, what awful shame about that poor chap
Carson! Have you heard of it,"
Yes; I'm going to take his place. What do you
know about him, anyhow"
You are! l didn't know him at all; but know
fellow who was awfully thick with him. Met him