Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-22
Falkenberg was
ingly. a gay love song.


the first to applaud her.
Tonight. dear he murmured. 'you
are wonderful You sing from the heart,
your voice has feeling, you bring to one
the exquisite moments. Behold. the sup
per arrives! Estermen has made friends
now with his little danseuse. Sit closer
to me. dear. These are the golden hours.
Give me your hand, look into my eyes,
drink with me. How the minutes pass!
There is magic in this place"
Toward o'clock Falkenberg and his
comma niors 6a'''e down the ~-~-"'-- 'tairs
out into the morning. fine rain was
failing. the psAse..c.,.S Wer. .~ire.-u, w..
Falkenberg was still gay, still laughing
the chef d'orchestre the chief maitre
d'hotel. the flower girl-wondering at his
generosity. stood at the head Of the stairs
to bid him godspeed. He gave a louis
to the commissionaire and called for a
special carriage. He had almost to lift
Marguerite inside.
Dear child" he said. holding her hands.
here we must part for a time-not for
so long. perhaps. Who can tell? 1t is a
comfortable carriage. this. Here is a
handful Of money for the fare. 1t is of
no use to me-"
He emptied his pockets into her lap as
she sat there. She made no effort to pick
up the shower Of gold and silver.
What do you mean-that it is OF no
use to you?"
I'VE drive for home,'' he answered.
1--WE shall need no money to take us
there. Listen
He drew her face very close to his.
When you arrive at your apartment
he said. you will find there a little
packet from me. Be wise. dear. If
change will have it that we do not meet
again very soon, may 1t help you to take
all out Of life that you can find. Only
sometimes. when the heart is joyous.
when the wine flows and your feet are
koQnin0 time
for q moment-of one who dwells. alas!
in a Quieter country. Dear Marguerite!'
He kissed her. first upon the lips and
then lightly on the forehead. Then gently
wound around his neck. He waved to
the coachman to drive off, With little
shrug OF the shoulders he took his own
place In the great touring car. Estermen,
too. clambered into the tonneau.
You have supped well, trust, Henri?'
he asked the chauffeur.
Without doubt, excellency," the man
replied.
"Then drive for the frontier" Falken-
berg ordered. I'VE will stop you when
We need a rest"
They left Paris in the semi-darkness.
They were away in the country before
the faintest CLEAN Of daylight broke
through the eastern clouds. Even then
the way was still obscured. 1t was a
stormy morning, and banks Of murky
clouds were piled up where the sun should
have risen. The rain still fell. Soon they
commenced to ascend q range Of hills.
At the summit Falkenberg pulled the
check string.
Henri" he said. come IN behind here
will drive for a time-it will amuse me-.
The man descended. Falkenberg took
his place at the wheel. Estermen, obey
ing his gesture. scrambled into THE seat
by his side.
Go TO the signpost." his master ordered
the chauffeur. Tell me exactly how
many miles to Rheims?"
The man clambered up the bank The
gray morning twilight was breaking now
through a sea of clouds. From where
they were the vineyards sloped down to
the bank. thin. curving line Of silver
marked the course of the river. Here
and there little CLEAN of sunlight fell
upon the country below them. Estermen
closed his eyes.
1T makes me giddy." he muttered Il
hope that you will drive slowly down the
hili!'
Falkenberg glanced to the left - the
chauffeur was still peering at the mile
stone. He slipped in the clutch and the
car glided of. gathering speed as though
by magic.
You have left Henri Estermen cried
He Is running after us. Stop the car.
Can't you stop it,"
Falkenberg turned his head only once
The stone walls now on either side seemed
flying past them. Estermen looked into
his face and quaked with fear.
friend!' Falkenberg replied "Sit tight
and say your prayers. II 1t pleases you.
This Is better. after all. than poison, or
the cold muzzie Of revolver at your
forehead. Close your eyes il YOU are
afraid; or open them, II you have the