El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-01-25
Loves Labor Lost
A Short Story.

other visitors in Germaine Beau
- fresne's salon today Michel
Kalatsch might now see her alone and
have a long and friendly chat with
her, perhaps the last for g. long time
for she was going to Rome.
Germaine entered ind held out her
hand, which Michel reverently touched
with his lips.
Germaine looked at him with her
bright, mischievous eyes. She loved
to hear Michel tell her of his love.
which she never thought Of returning.
She was married to a man far older
than herself, but she loved him sin
cerely, though she was not above mild
flirtauons with young men whom her
| beauty attracted.
Are you sad because I must go TO
Rome?" she asked pityingly.
1t has come to this, that I cannot
be without you single day, because
your presence is as necessary to me
as my daily breda-"
Germaine laid her little hand on
Michel Kalatsch's arm
GU must not say such a thing.
You should think of me as a friend.
I shall think a little of you. too. I
shall even permit you to write to me. "
Write. What is the use of writ
ing When did you get the sad news?''
This morning"
And Feaufresne is quite ready. I
suppose, to set aside all business to
go with you"
Ny husband is not going with ne.
am going alone"
Alone! Impossible! You can't take
such a trip alone"
What do you intend to do?"
81 will go with you" roared Michel
Never You must be out of your
mind to think of such a thing"
Michel was not out of his mind He
saw here an excellent chance which
he must not miss. so he did his utmost
to persuade her.
What would you think of me-" he
asked, IF I let a woman I love and
honor expose herself to scandal. I
don't even need to ask your permis-
sion. I will do what I consider my
duty and nothing in the world can
prevent me. will only tell you this;
! In the compartment of the sleeping
car next to your own a man who loves
you will guard you against any dan
ger 1 shall not try to address you CT
let anyone in the train see that know
you"
But you must not do it rorbid
you to come"
It was too late. Michel had left al
ready
She sent him a telegram, once more
forbidding him to do anything that
might set evil tongues Wagging, but
when she arrived at Care de Lyons she
FOUND him waiting on the platform She
looked at him colby and said:
I thought you had understood that
1 was in earnest"
His only answer was a smile. Then
he relieved her of her rug and Satchel
and walked towards the sleeping car.
Germalne was worried and angry.
suppose some Of the other passengers
should know them. 1t must be pre-
vented Michel must remain in Paris.
ic -1,- 4
You don't realize the risk. Give me
your ticket and go home again"
Michel shook his head
Look at that big man running down
look like n regular criminal? I will
not let you travel alone in a train
when know there are suspicious per-
sons on board"
The poor fellow I think he looks
as harmless as anybody"
and what about that one2 Does
he perhaps look like a criminal, toO2 /
am sure ne is an Italian"
Most likely, since this is the Rome
He is an Italian. And don't YOU
know that all Italians are dangerous,
ready to attack anybody with the
stllettos they always carry?"
Please take your seat now. Madame
Yes if you viii promise me to stay
mere. shall never forgive you, If
you don't"
-Germaine entered the train and
looked at him angrily. Malatsch was
about to follow her when he stopped
mOlonless. At the other end of The
platform he had caught sight of a man
running towards him, carrying his
OVercoat and a satchel 1t was Mon
sleur Beaufresne, who was trying to
mo his wife. He did not see her, but
spled Kalatsch and rushed up to him.
why, my dear friend" he gasped,
now Kind Of you to see Germaine off.
She IS IN her compartment, 1 suppose2
/ MADE up my mind to come along at
the last moment"
de climbed into the car and a sec
ono lalsr his goOd-natured face ap-
peared at the open window
GU see, 1 got scared. / dared not
let Germaine travel alone. There have
D1een so many crimes in trains lately.
GU remember the two soldiers who
murdered an old lady and threw her
pooy on the track the other day? Then
gave up all, thought of business. L
was almost sure I would be late. I
nave not even a ticket. but fortunate
~ there are two berths in my wife's
compartment"
me train pulled out slowly. leaving
Alchel behind. He stood on the plat
form trembling with rage
And his suitcase Travelled to Rome,
sue occupant Of compartment No. ..