The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-11

MI porch Of the Paradise Hotel at
/ v fIyeres. with his gray shawl
arranged as usual about his
shoulders, volume Of philosophy upon
his knee, a pencil in his hand and a
notebook on the small round table by
his side. His attention appeared to he
entirely absorbed by the volume which
lay open upon his knee.
Radiant in her white linen gown and
white tam % shanter, the American girl
came out Of the hotel on her way to
the golf links. Directly she saw Mr..
Laxworthy she made her way to his
side.
Good morning, Mr. Laxworthy." she
said amiably.
Mr.. Iaxworthy slowly turned his
head. His reply was perfectly polite,
but his tone certainly did not invite
overturcs The young lady, however.
remained absolutely unconscious Of his
lack Of cordially.
Il was Looping that I should see you
this morning" she remarked. drawing
up chair to his side. There is some
thing I wanted to ask YOU"
Mr.. I.axworthy gave no evidence of
any curiosity.
1T is about Mr.. Leniield." she went
on confidcntially. you admitted the
other night in those few wonderful
words of yours that the poor man who
was killed had probably come down
here on business connected with Mr..
Leniield. Have you any idea as to the
nature of the business which the muir
dcred man might have had with Mr.
I.eniield?"
Mr.. Laxworthy kept his place with
Ia. l,ts, l.n
toward the girl.
What is your interest in MIR. Len
fcld?" he asked.
Not what you think" she replied
IL was sorry for Mr.. Lenfield. I found
him very agreeable to talk to. and we
are very good friends"
Then why not ask him himself?"
Mr.. Laxworthy broke in ruthlessly.
II had intended TO-" she admitted
but as matter Of fact l have to play
golf this morning at 10 O'Clock, and
believe that Mr.. Lenfield is leaving for
n few days this morning"
Mr.. LaXworthy sat quite still for
several moments.
Did he tell you that he was going
away?" he asked.
She shook her head.
IL happened to find out quite by acci-
dent" she said confidentially, land To tell
you the truth ] thought 1t IA little
strange he had said nothing to me about
1t. You know, | have seen a great deal
OF him since he has been here and when
he was quite i'll ] used to go and sit
with him. You can't tell me anything
about him, them" she asked bluntly.
Mr.. LaXworthy considered for mo-
ment.
mo" he said slowly. Il can tell you
nothing about him. At the same time.
II you had come to me and told me that
your friendship with him was likely To
increase rather than diminish, I might
have said"
"Said what?" the girl interrupted
eagerly.
THAT 1t was a pity" Mr. LaXworthy
replied. turning back to his book.
"Then you do know something" she
persisted. "And what is that you have
there underneath that ugly volume Of
yours? A time table. I declare! You
don't mean to say that you are going
OF. too?"
"By no means" Mr. LaXworthy as
sured her. This time table was glanc-
ing at merely as a matter OF curiosity.
I thought il would be interesting to
know how long ii took to get to Monte
Carlo"
"Mr. Lenfeld is going to Monte Carlo"
she remarked.
Mr.. Laxworthy nodded. The AFFAIR
seemed to be devoid Of interest to him.
She moved away. and Mr.. Laxworthy
returned with a little sigh OF relief to
his labOrs. Presently the concierge
crossed the threshold Of the hotel and
came out into the sunshine. Mr. Lax
worthy, without appearing to glance up
or to interrupt his labors. beckoned him
to approach.