The Washington herald., 1912-07-07

II must Oc dIIdHScu!
But it is impossible-this
Monsieur Ruff amuses himself with
usw
Gentlemen" Peter Ruff said, II car
assure you that do nothing of the sort
The affair was arranged some months
ago, and the young lady : even now
in Paris, purchasing her rousseau"
Monsieur de Founceiiea, with a wave
OF the hand, commanded silence.
Monsieur Rpff," he said, putting
aside, for one moment, your sense OF
honor, which. of course, forbids you to
even consider the possibility of break
ing your word-supposing that the young
lady herself should withdraw
You don't know Miss Brown" Peter
Ruff interrupted.
1T is a pleasure to which I hope to
attain" Monsieur de Founcelles de-
clared, smoothly. Let US consider once
more my proposition. take it for
granted that, apart from this threatened
complication, you find it agreeable1"
7 am deeply honored by it." Peter
Ruff declared.
well, that being So" Monsieur de
Founcelles said, I'VE must see whether
we cannot help you. Tell me, who is
this fortunate young lady-this Miss
Brown"
"She is a young person of good birth
and some means" Peter Ruff declared.
She has been my secretary from the
first'
Monsieur de Founcelles nodded his
head thoughtfully.
"Ahp he said. "She knows your Sc
crets. then. A young person to be
conciliated by all means. Well, we
must see When, Monsieur Ruff. may
l have the opportunity of making the
acquaintance of this young lady?"
This morning. if you will" Peter
Ruff answered. I'VE are taking break
fast together at the Cafe de Paris. 1t
will give me great pleasure if you will
join u.s."
"On the contrary" Monsieur de
Founcelles declared, Il must beg of you
slightly to alter your plans. l will ask
you and Mademoiselle to do me the
honor of breakfasting at the Ritz with
the Marquis de Sogrange and myself,
at the same hour"
Il am entirely at your service" Peter
Ruff answered.
I'VE must all regret. dear Monsieur
Ruff Monsieud de Founcelles said. as
he made his adieus, this temporary
obstruction to the consummation of our
hopes. Let US pray that Mademoiselle
will not be unreasonable"
You are very kind" Peter Ruff MUIR
INJURED.
1t was 4 o'clock when Peter Ruff ac-
eepted his key from a sleepy-looking
=. Il - IL
case. The hotel was wrapped in semi
gloom One person only. save himself
and the untidy-loking servants, was
sstir From a distant corner which
commanded the entrance, he saw Violet
stealing away to the corridor which led
to her part of the hotel. She had sat
there all through the night to see him
come into be assured OF his safety!
Peter Ruff stared after her disappear
ing figure as one might have watched
ghost.
The luncheon party was great sue
cess. Peter Ruff was human enough to
be proud of his companion-proud of
her snartness, proud of her accent, OF
the admiration which she obviously ex-
cited in the two Frenchmen. He watch
ed Monsieur de Founcelles bending over
Violet. and he was suddenly conscious
of wholly new sensation He did not
recognize-could not even classify it
He only knew that it was not altogether
pleasant, and that it sent the warm blood
tingling through his veins
1t was not until they were sitting out
in the winter garden. taking their coffee
and liqueurs, that the object of their
meeting was referred to. Then Mon
sieur de Founceles drew Violet little
away from the others. and the Marquis
took Peter Ruff's arm and led him on
one side. Monsieur de Founceles vast
ed no words at all
'Madamoiselle." he said. Monsieur
Ruff has doubtless told you that last
night l made him the offer of a great
position among us"
She looked at him with twinkling
eyes.
Go on. please" she said
q offered him position OF great dig
nity-of great responsibility" Monsieur
de Founceles continued. Il cannot ex-
plain to you its exact nature, but il is
in connection with the most wonderful
organization OF its sort which the world
has ever known"
The Double Four" she murmured.
Attached to the post is a princely
salary and but one condition" Mon
sieur de Founceles said. watching the
girls face. The condition is that Mr..
Ruff remains a bachelor"
Violet nodded.
Peters told me all this" she re-
marked He wants me to give him up"
Monsieur de Founcelles drew a little
closer to his companion. There was
peculiar smile upon his lips.
my dear young lady" he said softly.
forgive me if point out to you that