Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1912-03-06
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
The Villa d'Orleans proved to be q
handsome house of white stone, stu
ated in extensive and well-groomed
grounds, on a height outside the town,
overlooking the Mediterranean. So
complete and elegant seemed the es-
tablishment, indeed, viewed from with
out or within, that O'Rourke's suspic-
Ions were stimulated and his certainty
that he was being played with resolv-
ed into a pretty definite conviction,
as he waited in the broad hallway.
1t was inconceivable that man like
Des Trebes, so reduced as to be un-
der the necessity Of stealing-eyen Of
stealing SO considerable sum as
hundred thousand pounds-could main
tain so imposing an establishment.
His uneasy conjectures were inter-
rupted when the vicomte appeared to
welcome his guest. Suave, dressed
properly for the occasion, showing
traces neither of fatigue nor of his
antipathy for o'Rourke, blandly ignor-
Ing the peculiarities Of the situation
which his own inexplicable invitation
had created, he presented himself in
the guise Of gracious host. -.
Monsieur" he declared, bowling to
o,Rourke (but with a care not to
offer his hand), "overpowers me with
his condescension and punctuality.
can only regret" a significant
glance at the bulge Of the adventur-
er's coat-"that he thought it wise to
come armed"
"'Tis habit I find 1t hard to break
meself Of" ORourke offered the in
adequate explanation in dry and
coolish tone.
at was unnecessary, 1 assure mon
sieur."
Faith, I'm convinced twill prove
3d."
Tactfully the vicomte digressed
from the unpleasant topic. Il have
asked you here, monsieur" he said
with an air of depreciation, "to confer
with me on business after we have
dined. 1 trust the arrangement suits
your convenience"
I'm content, monsieur"
T regret that circumstances pre-
vent me from receiving you under
my own roof-tree. The Villa d'Orleans
is the property of dear friend,
merely loaned me during my stay in
Algiers."
"Ye're fortunate in your choice Of
friends"
Over his next remark Des Trebes
faltered a trife, with curious smile
that O'Rourke failed to fathom. Mon
sieur Glynn," he said, "is-ah-a trifle
indisposed-the sun. Nevertheless, I
believe he will join US during dinner,
If you will be so kind as to excuse
him."
II could do very we'll without him"
The vicomte caught the eye of a
servant, and, Dinner is announced"
he said. "Do me the honor to ac-
company me to the table,"
In the course of time, as the vicomte
had predicted, the Honorable Bertie
Joined them; and on sight O'Rourke
, diagnosed the "indisposition" as plain
: intoxication. The Englishman was
deep in his cups, far too deep to ape
/. the urbanity of his host. He favored
, O'Rourke with a curt nod and a surly
!, look, then slumped Imply into chair
, and called for champagne, which he
,drank greedily and with sullen air,
, avoiding the yicomte's eye. Before
{ dessert was served he passed into q
black humor, and sat mutely glover
ling at his glass (what time he was
not unsteadily filling it, without re-
rgard for either of his companions.
Z When the cloth was cleared and
, the servants had withdrawn, Des Tre-
,bes definitely cast aside pretence. A
? cigarette between his lips, he lounged
in his chair, eyelids dropping over
eyes that never left his guests while
either spoke. A cynical smile pre-
faced his first words.
: So" he said, "the farce Is over.
Some regard for the conventions was
necessary before the servants of my
friend, the owner Of this villa. Now,
, we can be natural, Monsieur le Colo
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