Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-16
The Mischief Maker
By E PHILLIPS OPPENF1ELM

I train. Take a days holiday. If you will.
You viii be back in time.
The young mans expression was cloud
/ ed. He was obviously disappointed.
But. excellency." he pleaded, there is
| trouble in Berlin. 1t is best, indeed, that
should be by your sic"
| Falkenberg held out his hand.
MY dear Fritz" he replied, you will
obey my orders. as you always have done.
1t is my wish that you return by the or
binary train tomorrow night"
There is nothing I can do?-no mes
sage
.sNothingr' FaIkenberg interrupted.
Look after yourself. Leave me now, If
you please.
The young man moved reluctantly to-
ward the door.
''ExceIlency," he protested, "I do not
desire a days holiday. Things in Berlin
are bad. Let us talk together on our way
north You have never yet known de-
I feat We can plan our way through, or
i fight II. Don't tell me to leave you, dear
master!'' he wound up, with sudden
change OF tone There are still ways.
Falkenberg laid his hand upon the
young mans shoulder.
Fritz" he said, my orders, If you
| please! Remember that 1 never suffer
them TO be disputed. Good-byF
The young man left the room AS
he passed down the stairs he shivered.
Falkenberg passed into an inner apart
ment Already he had guessed who 1t
was waiting for him. Mademoiselle
rose to her feet with a little cry.
at last!" she exclaimed. Dear
maker Of toys. how long you have
been! How weary il has been to waltz!
i She came into his arms. He patted
her head gently.
Dear little Onei'
You are taking me to SUPPER" she
begged.
He shook his head. Her face fell, the
big tears were already in her eyes.
but you are troubled" she cried
''Oh, come and forget IL all for time!
Isn't that what you told me once was
/ nv use in the world-that / could chat
/ ter 70 you. or sing. or lead you through
the light paths, so that your brain
could rest? Let me take you there,
/ dear one Tonight, If ever, you have
the look in your face. You need rest
/ Come to mel"
He looked at her steadfastly, looked
at her feeling as one far away gazing
/ down upon some strange element in
life. Then a thought came TO him.
! Little one" he whispered, you are
/ Irresistible. Wait, then. 1t may be as
you desire. Only, after supper I pass
on"
"And with your" she implored.
He shook his head.
Wait here"
once more he returned to Estermen's
apartments. Estermen was still there,
smoking furiously. The room was blue
with tobacco smoke. Falkenberg re-
garded him with distaste.
Make yourself presentable. man." he
ordered. I'VE sup in the Montmartre'
and we leave in a few minutes"
what To- Estermen exclaimed
springing up.
You and I and mademoiselle." Falk-
enberg told him. Il have made plans.
You may perhaps escape-who can
ten?"
Estermen, with a little sob Of relief,
hurried into his sleeping apartment,
Soon they were all three in the big
car. gliding through the busy streets.
1t was getting towards midnight and
they took their place among the crowd
OF vehicles climbing the hill, only
wherever the street was broad enough
I they passed always ahead. At the Rat
Mort they came to a standstill. Falken-
berg led the way up the narrow stairs,
greeted Albert with both hands, nodded
amiably to the chef dorchestre, the
flower girl and the head waiter, who
crowded around him.
For as many as choose to GOMEZ
he declared 1.-The round table! The
best supper in France! 1t is gala
night, Albert Serve US Of your best
dademoiselle will sing We are here to
taste the joys of life"
Albert led the way.
"Ah. monsieur" he said, ut is good.
indeed, to hear your voice. There is no
one who comes here who enters more
splendidly into the spirit of the place.
When you are here know that it will
be a joyful evening for all They
catch il, too, those Others" he ex-
planned Sometimes they come here
stolid, British. They look around them,
they eat, they. drink. they sit like
stuffed animals Then comes mon
sieur-deaf monsieurl He talks gayly,
he laughs. he waves salutes, he drinks
wine. he makes friends. The thing
spreads. 1t is the spirit-the real
spirit Behold Even the dull, once
they catch it. they enjoy"
Falkenberg took the cushioned seat
in the corner. Close to his side was
mademoiselle. her hand already clasp
ing his. Estermen, gaunt red-eyed,
still haggard with fear, sat a few feet
away.
'WineF" FalkenberE ordered. Pom
mery-bottles of it, Never mind if we
cannot drink It. Let US look at it. Let
US imagine the joys that come, added
to those We feel"
Already the wine was rushing into
their glasses. Falkenberg raised his
glass.
ITO our last supper. dear Marguer-
iteI" he whispered.
She shivered all over. She looked at
him: her face was suddenly strained.
You jest"
"Jest2 But is IL not a night for
jests?' he answered why not? All.
Marguerite. 1 take IL back. To our first
support Let us say to ourselves that
tonight We stand upon the threshold
OF life. Let US say to ourselves that
never before have / seen how blue
your eyes shine. how sweet your
mouth, how soft your fingers, how dear
the thrill which passes from you to me.
Close TO me, Marguerite-close to me,
little onel Our first EVENING""
Dearest" she whispered, first or
last, there could never be another. 1t
is you who make my life. 1t is you
who, when you go. leave it desolate."
He held her hand more tightly.
"Ah, little friend" he murmured,
you spoil me with your sweet phrases.
You set the music playing in my heart
the witch music, think Come, we
must speak to Estermen." he continued,
looking resOlutely away from her. I'VE
hava him sitting thara vIura q