The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-01-26
sobbs-MerriII comPany.I

Hildegardp laughed Sooner or later this must happen. 1 worked too hard perhaps At any rate. the opera will know n1e no more.
 There was the hard blue of flint in Cathewe's eyes as they met and held Breitmann's. There was a duel. and the latter was routed. But hate burn ed fiercely in the breast against the man who could compel him to lower his eyes. Some day he would pay back that glance.
 Now. M Ferraud had missed noth- ing. He twisted the talk into other channels with his usual adroitness. but all the while there was bubbIing in his mind the news that these two men had met before. The history of HiIdegarde vOn MittPr waS known tO him. But how much did she know or this man CathPweE The woman was a thoroughbred. He. AnntOle Ferraud. knew 1t was his business to know. and that she should happen upon the scene he considered as one of thexe rare good pieces of luck that fall to the lot of few.
 Did Laura note any of the porten- touS glances. those excha nRed bet ween the singer and Cathewe and Brett mann: Perhaps. At all events she felt a curiosity to know how long HIldegarde von Mitter had known her fathers secretary There was no envy in her heart as again she acknowledged the beauty of the other woman. More over. she liked her and was going to like her more. Impressions were made upon her almost instantly for nrh hs,6 nd r0 0Ff,Ir Hh,tF1 rpnh
 She turned oftenest to Fitzgerald. for he made particular effort to entertain. and he succeeded better than he dream ed. It kept turning over in her mind what a whimsical. caprIcious. whirligig was at work. It was droIl. this mar at her side. chatting to her as if he h.d known her for years. when. seven or eight days ago. he had stood. man all unknown to her. on a city corner selling plaster of paris statuettes on a wager. and but for Mrs. Coldteld she had passed him for ever. Out upon the prude who would look askance at her for harmless daring.
 Drop into my room before you turn in." urged Fitzgerald to Cathewe.
 That I shall. my boy. I've some questions to ask of Sou.''
 
 tion. and this was for him. Cathewe. to pay RreItmann a visit on the way to Fitzgeraid's room. Not one man In thousand would have dared put this idea into q plan of action. But neither externals nor conventions deterrs Ca they've when he sought thing. He rapped lightly on the door of the secre- tary's room.
 Come in!''
 Cathewe did so. gently closing the door behind him. Breitmann was In his shirt sleeves. He rose from his chair and laid down his cigarette. faint smile broke the thin line of his mouth. He waited for his guest. or. rather. this intruder. to break the silence. And as Cnthewe did not speak at once there was a tableau. during which each was specularively busy with the eyes.
 ''I pever expected to see you in this house." said Cathewe.
 "A compliment which I readily re- turn.'
 "A private secretary! I never thought of you in that capacity
 ''One must take what one can," tran quilly.
 "A good precept." Cathewe rolled the ends of his mustache. a trif1e perplexed how to put it. But there should be exceptions. What" and his voice be- came crisp and cOld-"what was Hide garde von Mitter to you?'
 And what is that to you?" My question drst''
 ''I choose not to answer it."
 Again they eyed each other like fencers.
 Were you married?"
 Breitmann laughed. Here was his opportunity to wiring this mans heart. for he knew that Cathewe loved the woman. You seem to be in her con fidence. Ask her" "A poltroon would say as much. There Is phase in your makeup I have never fully understood. Physic- ally you are q brave man. but morally you are a cad and poltroOn.''
 Take carer' Breitmann stepped forward menacingly.
 There will be no f1sticuffs,'' con- temptuousy. -----
 Not if you are careful. I have an swered your questions. You had bet ter leave at once"
 "She is loyal to you. It was not her UFOke DlRnI- IT WdS UeT heart You have some hold over her."
 None that she cannot throw off at any time" Breitmann's mind was working strangely.
 If she would have me would marry her tomorrow" went on Ca thewe. playing openly. ''I would mar " her tomorrow. priest or protestant for her religion would be mine."
 There was a spark of admiration il Breitmann's eyes. This man Cathew' was out of the ordinary. Well. as fo' that. so was he himself. He walked silently to the door and opened it standing aside for the other to pass She Is perfectly free. Marry her She is all and more than you wish her to be Will you go nowT
 Cathewe bowed and turned on his heel. Breitmann had really got the better of him..