Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-05-10
The Mischief Maker
Bv E. PHILLIPS OPPENEEELM

tinct impressions-on was that she
knew perfectly well who he was; the
other that at any cost, however gauche
lit might seem, il was better for him
10 ignore the faint CLEAN of recognition
which already lent the dawn OF gra-
cious smile to her lips.
The woman was certainly expecting
him to speak. Julien, however, with an
effort which was almost savage, set his
! teeth and walked on. She looked after
him for a moment and began to laugh
softly to herself. Julien walked steadily
on till he had reached the corner of the
street Then he turned away abruptly
and without glancing around. He was
angry with himself, angry at the sound
of that faint, musical laugh. He had
quite made UP his mind not to call upon
Madamae Christopher. 1t would, in fact.
now be impossible He would never
be able to explain his avoidance of her.
He was in a part of Paris of which
he knew nothing, but he walked on aim
lessly, anxious only to escape the vicin-
ity of the clubs and of the fashionable
thoroughfares. Suddenly he was con-
scious that an automobile had drawn up
close to the curbstone by his side.
The footman sprang lightly down and
accosted him.
Monster" he announced, Madame
CHRISTOPHER has sent her automobile.
Ouc MOuA0 DC AdPPs ~ ANNNAHN -
once" O.
Julien glanced inside the automobile.
It was dainty upholstered in white.
pile of cushions lay on the seat, there
was a glove upon the floor, the faint
fragrance Of roses seemed to steal out.
Almost he fancied that the woman's
face was there, leaning a little toward
him, with the curious smile about the
lips, the wonderful eyes glowing into
his. Then he set his teeth.
You had better inform your mis-
tress," he said that there is some mis-
take I have not the honor of the ac-
quaintance of Madame Christopher You
have followed the wrong person"
The man hesitated. He seemed pr
picked.
but, monsieur" he persisted, mad
anne pointed you out herself 1t was
only because of block in the roadwa.
that we were not able to catch you al
before. We have, indeed, never lost sight
of you"
Julien shook his head.
pray assure madame he said, "ot
my, most respectful regrets. I have not
the honor, of her acquaintance"
He. walked on. The two men sat for
moment on the box of the car, watch
ing him. Then they turned around and
the car disappeared. Julien jumped into
II
hotel. AS ne passed through into the
Office. the clerk leaned for ward.
Monsieur is desired upon the tele-
phone" he announced.
Julien frowned.
who is it?'
The man shrugged his shoulders and
pointed to the booth. Julien hesitated.
Then he stepped inside and held the re-
ceiver to his ear.
srNWho &c % Ia as
A very slow. musical voice answered
him. He never for moment had
doubt as to whose 1t might be.
SIS this Sir Julien POrtel?'
This is Julien Portel," he answered.
Who is it speaking?"
81 am Henriette Christopher" the
voice replied. 1 had word from Eng
land, Sir Julien Portel, that you were
coming to see me-"
II shall do myself that honor" Julien
assured her, "beroe I leave Paris"
"You were not polite" the voice con-
tinued, that you did not come this aft
ernoon."
Madame" Julien said, 81 am not here
to make acquaintance 1t is true that
promised to call upon you: 1 do not
know why: do do not know whom
promised: do not know for what rea-
son / was asked to come. Since have
promised, however, and you are kind
enough to desire IL, / will come"
And why not now?" the voice per-
sisted you are alone in Paris, are you
not? I have something to say to you,
something which is best said quickly"
Julien hesitated.
You will Gomez" the voice begged.
"My automobile will be at your hotel in
10 minutes. You shall come, and if you
dislike. after. all, to make that call. you
shall drive with me. if you prefer 1t.
Monsieur. if you please.
Il will be ready" Julien answered.
He hung UP the receiver and walked
out into the hall. He was angry with
himself because only an hour ago he
had told himself that, he would not
make that call. He was angry too, be-
cause the fact of his making it or not
making it had assumed a ridiculous inn
portance in his eyes.
He walked to the bar and filled his
case with cigarettes. Then he took up
a. monthly magazine and read. His own
official resignation was dealt with in
POLITICAL article of some significance. 1t
interested him curiously. One sentence
in particular he read several times.
at is not our desire to play the
alarmist but we would point out to
Great Britain that she may at any time
within the next few weeks be called
upon to face situation of great graV-
| ity, and we cannot help expressing our
regret that when that time comes the
country should be deprived OF the ad-
vice, sound judgment and experience of
a man who, Notwithstanding his youth,
has already made his mark in European
politics.
Julien flung the paper down. What
that situation might be he knew, per-
haps, better than any man.
The porter hurried up to him.
There is a lady outside who inquiries
for monsieur" he announced.
&c.,. (Continued in Next Issue.)