Evening star., 1913-10-12

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this road, much harder one, that the mo-
torists went if southwark bound. 1t was
therefore with some surprise that they heard
behind them the sound of motor horn.
Markham caught the donkey's bride and
drew to one side, the car came even with
them, running slowly, and stopped, its en-
CINE humming.
"This is the way to Verneuil?" asked the
man at the wheel in French.
"Ihope so, said Markham, returning their
salutation; "for that S the way we're going.
Something in Markham's manner and
speech arrested the drivers eye, which
passed rapidly to Hernia, who stood silently
at the side of the road, suddenly aware of
unusual interest in her appearance. The
man at the wheel turned to his companion
and said something IN low tone. Markham
l'felt warm color surge upward to his brows.
"Will you precede US, Monsieur" he said
coolly. ave are already late upon the way"
But the Frenchman showed no intention
of moving at once, and ignoring Markham
questioned Hernia gaily.
Mademoiselle was a t0hemienne. Perhaps
she would condescend to read their fortunes.
Hernia made pretty curtsy and laughed.
Unfortunately, Monsieurds mistaken, she
said easily. II am not teller of fortunes.
But what does it matter, since Monsleurs
fortune IS SO PLAINLY WIlIteu upOl LIS ietSC.
"And what is that?"
"The fortune of the fortunate The bon
Dieu cares well for those who ride in automo
biles"
The Frenchman smiled and glanced at
Markham, who was busying himself with
the donkey's pack.
"Mademoiselle is very blond" he ven
tured again.
al come from the North Country" said
Hernia promptly.
The Frenchman's eyes, which had never
left her face, wore curious expression. ut
is strange he said, "but somewhere have
seen your face before.
"That is where am accustomed to wear
it, Monsieur, she said quickly.
He laughed. "I can only say that it be-
comes your costume admirably
Markham Strengthened, frowning. al
Ions, Yponnel" he muttered.
But Hernia only stood smiling and curt
Sled again.
"Merci, Monsieur! You pay high trib-
ute to the skill of my hands. | did the best
cou1d-and as for the matter of that
pertly, $50 did the bon Dien.'
He laughed gaily. Her ready tongue de-
lighted him; but his face sobered as he
glanced at Markham, who stood with mar
rowed gaze fixed on the road ahead of them.
"You pass through Verneu1l, Mademol-
selle?" the motorist went on. perhaps
Monsieur your companion would not object
if we carried you there
"You are very kind, Monsieur, but riding
in such state is not for me-"
3AHonsi You will be doing us the favor
of your company"
a should be frightened at the great speed
@Oh, l will run very slowly, | promise you.
She seemed to hesitate, and Markham's
head slowly turned toward her, wonder
growing in his eyes. Could she, did she,
really think of going? She looked at the ma
chine, and then at Markham and Clarissa.
Il will COUPON one condition" she an
nounced.
"Mademoiselle has but to name it."
@And that is, Monsieur, that you will also
carry in your automobile Monsieur Philidor
and the donkey"
| He looked at her for moment as if he
hadn't believed his own ears, while his COM
panion burst into wild laughter.
"Tonchs, mon amir he cried clapping the
chauffeur on the back. @My faith, but she
has a pretty wit! The donkey and Monsieur
Philidor-bar example" And he roared
with laughter again.
The man at the wheel hecked his cigarette
into the bushes, smiling with as good grace
as he could command. 1You have many