The Washington herald., 1912-08-25

"A great deal, Peter admitted
quickly you stand very high upon
the list of my agents whom may
trust"
Then stay here no longer" she
begged, "for my maid waits. outside
and | need her services Go back and
make your excuses to your wife. In
forty minutes l shall expect you al
the stage door"
Peter made his way thoughtfully
back to his seat He explained the sit
lation to his wife SO far as he could
and sent her home. Principally at the
time stated he was outside the stage
door of the music hall, and few min
utes later Mademoiselle Celaire ap-
peared, a dazzling vision of fur and
smiles and jewelry imperfectly. con-
cealed. A small crowd pressed around
to see the famous French woman. Peter
handed her gravely across the pave
ment into his waiting car. One or two
of the loungers gave vent to a groan
of envy at the sight of the diamonds
which blazed from her neck and bosom.
Peter smiled as he gave the address to
his servant and took his place by the
side of his companion.
They see only the externals, this
mob" he remarked. They pictures to
themselves. perhaps, little supper for
two Alasp
You may not trouble to assume that
most disccnsolate of expressions. my
dear Baron" she assured him. Your
reputation as a man of gallantry IS be-
yond question; but remember that !
know you also for the most devoted
and loyal of husbands. We waste no
time in folly, you and |. 1t is the bust
ness of the Double-Four."
Peter was relieved, but his innate
politeness forbade his showing i.
Proceed" he said.
The Brothers Korust." she went on,
leaning toward him, have a weeks en-
gagement at the Alhambra. Their sal
airy is six hundred pounds. They play
very beautifully, of course, but | think
that it is as much as they are worth.
Peter agreed with her fervently. He
had no soul for music.
They have taken the furnished
house belonging to one of your dukes,
in Hamilton Place, for which we are
now bound; taken it, too, at fabulous
rent" MademoiSelle Celaire continued.
They have installed there chef and
whole rtinue of servants. They are
here for seven nights; they have issued
invitations for seven supper parties.
Listen. They call themselves Hunga-
rians Bah! know that they are in
touch with a great European court.
both of them, the court of the country
to which they belong. They have plans,
plans and schemes connected with their
visit here. which | do not understand.
| have done my best with Andrea ko-
h.-. H. 20 he 4rtrE ed
| know that there is something more
hospitality. / and others like me, art
istes and musicians, are invited, to give
the assembly a properly Bohemian tone,
but there are to be other guests, at
tracted there, no doubt, because the
papers have spoken of these gather
ings."
The car drew up before the doors Of
a handsome house in Hamilton Place.
A footman received Peter and relieved
him of his hat and overcoat. A trim
maid performed the same Office for
Mademoiselle Celaire They met, a.
moment or two later, and were ushered
into a large drawing-room, in which a
dozen or two of men, and women were
already assembled, and from which
laughter The apartment was hung
with pale green satin; the furniture
was mostly Chippendale, upholstered in
the same shade. A magnificent grand
piano stood open in a smaller room,
Just visible beyond Only one thing
seemed strange to the two newly ar
rived guests. The room was entirely
lit with shaded candles. giving GER
htrt fYT1nlnaS9nf
of obscurity to the whole suite of apart
mentS.
Andrea Korust advanced from a lit
tie group to meet his guests. Off the
stage he seemed at first sight frazier
and slighter than ever His dress coat
had been exchanged for velvet dipper
jacket. and his white tie for dropping
black bow. He had habit of blinking
nearly all the time. as though his large
brown eyes, which he seldom wholly
opened, were weaker than they ap-
peared to be. Nevertheless, when he
came to within few PAGES of his new
ly arrived visitors, they shone with
plenty of expression Without any
change of counteuance, however, he
held out his hand.
Dear Andrea" Mademoiselle Celaire
exclaimed, you permit me that l pre-
sent to you my dear friend. we'll known
in Paris-alas many years ago-Mon- !
sieur lie Baron de Grost. Monsieur lie
Baron was kind enough to pay his re-
spects to me this evening, and / have
induced him to become my escort
here"
1T was nv good fortune" Peter re-
marked. smiling, that | saw Made |
moiselie Celaire's name upon the bills !
this evening-my good fortune, since it |
has procured for me the honor of an
acquaintance with a musician so dis
"You are very kind, Monsieur lie
Baron" Korust replied. |
You stay here, / regret to hear, a
very short timer"
Alas Andrea Korust admitted, 1t
is so. For myself I would that it were
longer. l find your London so attrac.
tive. the people so friendly. They tall
in, with my whims so charmingly:: =
have a hatred, you know, of solitude"
Peter smiled gravely and sympathet-
ically.
And your brother? Does he. too,
share your gregarious instincts!
Korust paused for moment before
replying. His eyes were quite wide
open now. If one could judge from his
expression, one would certainly have
said that the Baron de Grost's attempts
to ingratiate himself with his host were