River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-03-28

&
SO enforced that it sounded unnatu-
raj. He strobe away hastily, search
ing the throng in the lobby for her
with whom his mind was occupied to
the exclusion of all else.
The system-gambler followed him
with a stare of incredulous amaze
ment. What mani" said he
to himself, if half aloud. A second
later he added: What admirable act
| ing!"
But he was mistaken. There was
nothing assumed in O'Rcurke's air of
apathy. He was actually quite 1nd1f-
ferent and already preoccapied with
his new interest-the pursuit OF the
woman whose unexpected appearance
in Monte Carlo seemed likely 10 upset
all his calculations. The sails of the
barque of his fortunes had all his
life long been trimmed to the winds
of Chance; he was accustomed to see
ing them fall fiat and Tapping, empty,
| just when a venture seemed most
propitious. The loss of the money
was nothing; the initial amount had
been little enough in all conscience,
though the major part of all that he
| possessed; but to him the woman was
everything-the world and all.
And now she was gone, had disap-
peared with her companions! In that
| instant in which he had turned from
her to the table, she had made her es-
I cape.
He cursed roundly the weakness
that had lost her to him, and passing
rapidly through the lobby, left the
Casino, pausing before the entrance
to look right and left.
There was no sign of what he
sought; the party had vanished. And
who should say whittier?
"Damnation!" he grumbled
Monsieur" voice intruded at his
side.
"He turned with start, annoyed.
| ing De Trebes.
The Frenchman bowed. II have the
honor to address Monsieur lie Colonel
ORourke?"
Rejecting that the man might af-
ford him the information he sought,
O'Rourke unbent. Il am he Monsieur
des Trebes."
Surprised, the latter lifted his eye
brows, showing even white teeth in a
deprecatory smile. you know me,
monsieur"
"By sight and reputation only, mon
sieur."
Il am honored."
mo more than meself, if it comes to
that"
The vlcomte laughed Then I may
| presume to ask the favor of a word
with your"
Are We not having it. monsieur"
True But in private?"
zone moment. We can do me a
favor, If We will. Afterwards"
II am charmed
"'Tis not much I'll be asking We
merely question or two. Now that
gentleman We were talking with awhile
back: isn't he the Honorable BERTHE
Glynn?"
THE same, monsieur"
And the lady who spoke to
him."
Madame Smyth-Herriott, believe;
| know her only slightly"
Then We are not of their party?"
"Party?" Des Trebes appeared per-
picked. What party?"
why, Lady Plinlimmon's. of
course
Il have not the honor of that lady's
acquaintance, monsieur"
"Oh, We have not? But Mr.. Glynn ?"
rs here with me, monsieur-a f1y-
| ing trip. We ran down from Paris but
yesterday. Our meeting with Madame
Smyth-Herriott was quite accidental"
ooh, the divvle!" said O'Rourke be-
meath his breath. Plainly he might
expect nothing more helpful from this
man; he had jumped prematurely at
baseless conclusion, it seemed And
by now it was much too late to think
of further pursuit THAT is all
wished to know, monsieur" he admit
ted lamely. There was a lady in the
group whom l thought l recognized.
l wished to find her, and fancied We
might perhaps direct me. Ye didn't
by any chance happen to hear Mrs.
Smyth-Herriot say where she was go
ing with Mr.. Glynn?"
''Unhappily, no, monsieur"
Very well then. What can have
the happiness to serve We in?"
The Frenchman hesitated briefly.
This is a trif1e public" he suggest
ed. ''Will you not be kind enough to
walk with me a little distance, while
we converse?''
Gladly. monsieur
Des Trebes produced cigarette case.
and together. smoking, the two turned
their backs upon the casino and wan
dered off along the paths of the ter
raced gardens. Ever descending. they
came at length to the secluded, little
lighted and less frequented portions of
the grounds which border the water
front, and presently sat side by side
upon a bench. looking out over the
harbor. Then and then only did Des
Trebes approach his subject-some-
thing which he had until now studious-
ly avoided. distracting the not over
patient Irishman by falling fire of
banalities.
Il dare say. Colonel O'Rourke." he
suggested abandoning his mother
tongue for excellent English dare
say you are wondering"
Il am that"
Il feared so. But 1t was essential
that we should speak in privacy"
"Yes-?"