Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1913-04-11

!
from heavy slumber. From Govain he
finally exacted promise that he would
be at the hotel at a quarter past IL
o'clock. By that time he expected to
| have finished with DeveauX and start
ed the train that would demolish the
fortune of his rival.
The drawing room was of splendid
size, with two large windows opening
out to a balcony that overhung the
Place Vendome. Adjoining the draw
| ing room and connected by double
doors was bedroom, which also open
| ed on the private corridor of the suit.
In the corridor Jean waited, so that
Brachard and his guests might be free
from interruption.
At a few minutes after 10 o'clock
Brachard Grace's card. Grace herself
was at the door, and Brachard stepped
past his servant to greet her cordially.
"Ah, good morning, good morning,
mademoiselle, he said formally. I'm
delighted to see you"
|
Grace said in her most formal manner
Then as Jean withdrew she caught
him by the hand.
well, Jacques, what is it? Has any
thing happened?'
Brachard stepped to the door to make
certain that no one was listening He
| did not answer at once, and Grace
went on:
Your telephone message got me out
! of bed. l dressed as quickly as l could
and what are you doing at this hotel,
for heavens sake?"
Brachard smiled as he took in her
close fitting street gown and her be-
coming hat, rejecting that she looked
we'll after a night spent in revelry.
After he had closed the doors leading
into the bedroom. with elaborate eau
ton. he said gayly:
Il am here because | must be some
where. | found this apartment empty,
/ and / took it. It is the one they re-
serve for royalty. my lady. and owe
it to you to see that you have Il similar
one of your own some day"
Il don't quite understand you,
| Jacques Grace said bewildered
She was q little bit afraid of him,
and her own knowledge of the events
Of the night before did not tend to
diminish her fears. Brachard main
| tanned his air of gayety. however
ITS perfectly plain" he said, lean
ing over the table at which Grace was
seated and watching her expressive
face. Surely you do not forget Last
| night YOU gave me 4 piece of advice.
and I followed it. | pretended to leave
Paris. but instead of doing so | drove
about the streets for an hour and at
| o'clock in the morning I went to my
house. I opened the door With my
key and rushed in-and Anne Marie
was asleep in her room.
"But she reused up and spoke to me.
| and so. of course. you can see / was in
rather. an awkward position. l pre-
! tended that had forgotten some pa
pers. but that | could reach Calais by
and came here with my valet. And
here we are"
Brachard finished with a light laugh.
as if he regarded the whole affair as 4
jest But all the while he never took
his eyes from Grace face. She looked
at him with growing wonder and
Amusement. and when he finished
cried:
What is all this stuff You are tell
ing me-"
Stuff" Brachard repeated, pretend
ing surprise.
Yes. You say you went home last
"Certainly"
And found your wife asleep?"
Sound asleep
ment.
"As plain as l see YOU"
"And talked with herr
For a quarter of an hour"
Grace realized that he was leading
her >tO~~an admission. Her very in
cfeuulouS surprise WAS eHouSH 10 ten
4 him what he wished to know first
that she was one of the party from
which Anne Marie had fled in disgust
Are you surprised that | found he1
asloep?" he asked.
NO: | am delighted. l was wrong
Jacques, and | am overioyed."
He leaned further toward her, and
his smile was real nova smile of tri
umph
You We're not wrong" he said quiet
ly. I'VE have both been lying. l know
what | wished to know. You were al
that supper last night
What Supper?" Grace cried, pre-
tending ignorance.