The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1914-06-30


had the Dampiers gone to an
hotel9
The Senator was telling himself
ruefully that though trere was
now ample evidence of the exist
ence OF John Dampier. there was
no evidence at all as yet that the
artist had ever been at the Hotel
Saint Ange: still less that the
young Englishwoman who had
Just now refused to accompany
him into the studio was John
Dampier's wife. However that fact
could very soon be put TO the
proof.
Senator Barton left the studio
and made his way TO where
Nancy was waiting for him.
THE only thing l can suggest
your doing" the American spoke
kindly. IL a little coldly, lis to
come back with me to the Hotel
Saint Ange. IL is probable that
we shall find Mr.. Dampier there.
waiting for you" He pulled out
his watch. Hum! las close to
twelve"
But. Mr.. Barton. suppose
Jack Is not ther?"
IF he doesn't return within the
next two or three hours, | will
consult with my son, who has
a very good head on his shoul-
ders."
Il should SO much have pre-
ferred not to go back to that ho-l
TEL" she said. I'm a low voice.
And with the remembrance of
what she had considered to be the
gross insult put upon her by Ma
dame Poulain, Nancy Dampier
Redeemed deeply, while he new
friend felt more and more be-
wildered and puzzled.
AS they were driving back, each
silent, each full of painful mis-
givings, the kindly American be-
1 gan to wonder whether he had
not met with that, IL rare yet
undoubtedly, condition known as
entire loss of memory.
Was il not conceivable that by
some kind of kink In Mrs. Dam
piers brain-the kind of kink
which brings men and women to
entertain, when otherwise sane,
certain strange delusions-she
had imagined the story she now
told with so much circumstantial
detail and clearness?
| When they were nearing the
hotel, Nancy put her hand ner-
vously on her companion arm.
"Mr. Barton" she whispered.
f"I'm horribly afraid of the Pou-
lains! l keep thinking of such
dreadful things"
Now look here, Mrs. Dam
pier" Senator Barton spoke
kindly-''though / admit to you
these peoples conduct must seem
inexplicable, l feel sure you are
wronging the Poulains."
And yet even Senator Barton
felt taken aback when he saw the
undisguised annoyance with which
their return to the Hotel Saint
Ange was greeted by Madame
Poulain.
An angry, vindictive, even a
cruel expression swept her face,
and instead of waiting to greet
| them as the carriage drew up at
the door where she was Standing,
she turned abruptly away, and
shuffled out of sight.
wait a moment" Barton said,
don't get out of the carriage yet,
Mrs. Dampier-
And meekly Nancy obeyed him.
The Senator hurried through
into the courtyard and followed
Madame Poulain into her kitchen.
1--WE did not find the gentleman
at his studio" he said shortly,
land presume, Madame Poulain,
that he has not yet been here?"
She shook her head sullenly,
and then, with none of her usual
suavity, exclaimed, Il do not
think, Monsieur lie Senateur. that
youshould have brought that de-
moiselle back here!"
Monsieur Poulain came stroll
ing into his wife's kitchen.
1--WE been telling Monsieur lie
Senateur," exclaimed Madame
Poulain, that we do not wish to
have anything more to do with
that young person who asserts
that she arrived here with man
last night. Monsieur lie Senateur
has too good a heart; he is being
deceived"
The hotel-keeper looked depre-
catingly at his valued American
client. paris is so full of queer
people Just now" he muttered,
during an Exhibition Year."
There is nothing at all queer
about this poor Young lady"
Maid Parton sharDly-sOmehOw