The Springfield herald., 1913-03-07

speak OF money. Of disease. Of scan
dal, or Of too intimate personalities;
in Madame Reynier's case 1t also re-
strained her from every sort of exas-
gerated speech. She spoke English
with some difficulty and preferred
French.
Van Camp seated himself on spin
dle-legged. gilt chair by Madame Rey-
nier's side. and begged to know how
they were enduring the New York eli
mate, which had formerly proved In
tolerable to Madame Reynier. As he
seated himself she stretched out saw
ing hands.
Il can endure the climate. thank
you; but l can't endure to see your
life endangered on that silly chair. my
dear Mr.. Van Camp There-thank
you" And when he was seated in a
solid mahogany. he was rewarded with
Madame Reynier's confidential chat
They had returned to their New York
apartment In the midst of the summer
season. she said, "for professional ad-
vice." She and her niece liked the
city and never minded the heat Me-
lanie. her aunt explained. had been
enabled to see several old friends. and.
for her own part. she liked home at
any time OF the year better than the
most comfortable of hotels.
This is quite like home" she add
ed. even though we are really ex-
Hes" Aleck ventured to hope that
the professional advince" had not
meant serious trouble Of any sort.
"A slight indisposition only"
And are you much better now?"
Aleck inquired solicitously.
"Oh. 1t wasn't I; 1t was Melanie."
Madame smiled. 81 became my own
physician many years ago. and now
never SEQ a doctor except when We
ask one to dine. But youth has no
such advantage" Madame fairly
beamed with benevolence while ex-
planning one Of her pet idiosyncrasies.
Before Aleck could make any headway
In cleaning Information concerning
her own and Melanie's movements. as
he was shamefully trying to do. Lloyd
Jones had persuaded Miss Reynier to
sing
Some of those quaint old things.
please" he was saying; and Aleck
wondered II he never would hang him
self with his own rope. But Lloyd
Jones' cheerful voice went on:
Some of those Hungarian things
are jolly and funny. even though you
can't understand the words. Makes
you want to dance or sing yourself"
Aleck groaned. but Melanie began to
sing. with Jones lowering around the
piano. BY the time Melanie had sung
everybody's favorites. excluding
Alexis, Mr. Chamberlain rose to de-
part He was an Englishman. Be-
rious, heavy gentleman. very loyal to
old friends and very slow In making
new ones. He made an engagement
to dine with Aleck on the following
evening, and. as he went out. threw
back to the remaining gentlemen an
offer OF seats In his machine.
~ ought to CO." said Jones; but II
Van Camp will stay. ! will. That is"
he added with belated punctiliousness.
'if the ladies will permit?'
Thank you, Chamberlain, I'm walk
Ing" drawled Aleck; then turning TO
the company with his cheeful grin he
stated quite impersonally: Il was
thinking of staying long enough to
put one question-er, a matter OF some
| little importance-to Miss Reynier.
When she gives me the desired infor-
nation. l shall 60"
ME, too" chirped Mr.. Loyd-Jones.
II came expressly to talk over that
plan OF building up friendly adjoining
estates out In Idaho; sort Of private
shooting and hunting park, you know.
And haven't had a minute to say
word" Jones suddenly began to feel
himself aggrieved. AS the door closed
after Chamberlain, Melanie motioned
them back to their seats.
Its not SO very late" she said cas-
lily. Come back and make your
selves comfortable, and I'll listen to
both of you," she said with demure
little devil In her eye. Il haven't
seen you for ages, and l don't know
when the good moment Will come
| again" She included the two men in
| friendly smile, waved hand toward
the waiting chairs. and adjusted
light shawl over the shoulders Of Ma
dame Reynier
But Aleck by this time had the bit
In his teeth and would not be coaxed.
His ordinarily cool eye rested wrath
fully on the broad shoulders OF Mr..
Lloyd-Jones, who was lighting ci-
garette, and he turned abruptly to
Miss Reynier. His voice was as Sc
rious as If parliament, at least. had
been hanging on his words.
May 1 call tomorrow. Miss Reynier.
at about twelve?'
"Oh, say" put in Jones, all OF you
ot ha ~
tie Gray Fox-will you? Capital place
and all sorts Of nice people. Do come.
About one"
Van Camp could have slain him.
(TO BE CONTINUED)