The Washington herald., 1914-07-05


ner that he was looking at her from new
angle, one which frankly surprised him, that
Lucie had become gorgeously wonderful wom-
an an 70 nim and not merely the pretty daughter
OF the woman he had loved in the Long Ago.
She was playing part she had never dreamed
OF playing until she caught sight of her beauti-
IuI renection mirrored back at her from the long
gas IN ner apartment; was playing a part which
sne would not characterize even to herself, was
playing 1t as though born to Just such a role
And great shame was upon her. even "a her
growing self-disgust divided itself between shame
at seeing the great Loubeque falling into the net
she was deftly weaving for him The creanin0
champagne had no effect upon her. She was
astonished to how IL worked upon the anv
not realizing his mood was one of self-relaxation
while hers was grounding upon one all-obsessfnR
idea. She watched him narrowly, marking the
constantly growing boldness of his frank admira-
ton
A rather pretty girl whirled into the center
OF the big dining-room and w. -hout waiting for
the faint murmur of applause that greeted her
appearance to subside, began TO dance. Lucille
noticed that Loubeque had so far given himself
over to the spirit of revery that his dishes went
untouched as he watched the Indifferent dancing
Inspiration came TO Lucille, a daring thought
that fired her eyes, that made her cheeks flush
so hotly she lifted her glass TO conceal it from
her escort. Before this she had acted on a vague
impulse without seeing any definite result that
could come from her endeavors. She saw the
weak spot in Hugo Loubeques well-nigh perfect
armor, thought she saw a method of reaching it
graceful apparently unconscious of the undis-
gu1sed admiration bestowed upon her.
Once at the end of the room her manner
changed. Swiftly she turned, taking the direc-
tlon she had seen the dancer leave and coming
into small room where the entertainers sat
For just second she paused, not knowing ex.
actly how to do what she had started now that
she actually confronted the situation. Taking her.
self firmly in hand she approached the girl draw
ing her to one side.
IF pay you WELL" she whispered eagerly,
would you let me dance in your place the next
time-Pay you one hundred-fve hundred dol
lars, she added as the girl regarded her suspi-
ciously.
Five hundred dollars ," wonderment glinted
in the eyes upon her. What do you want-to
get chance at cabaret worl?"
Mono. 1 can dance. but l merely wish to
do it once. There is a reason cannot explain
now. But it means everything to me- Please
please" Tears glistened in eyes filled to over.
flowing with such honest pleading that the girl
quickly nodded.
Let's see you work." she demanded what
line, Miss?"
Lucille slowly recalled an old Spanish dance
she had learned years before, one she had danced
in private theatricals. The cabaret dancer whis-
Pered to a young man in the corner who took
his guitar from its and thrummed lightly
until Lucille nodded Five minutes later Bit
flushed but perfectly confident she has aquitted
herself well, she halted at sharp word from the
woman she sought to suPplant.
You'll do" the girl said quickly, then, with
q
you amt after job?"
Lucille pressed the money upon her warmly
assuring her over and over again that such was
not her intention.
"An right then. You're due in half an hour.
I'll fix it with the manager and put the orchestra
leader wise to the game. That dress amt quite
the stuff fer"
Lucille nodded gayly. Half an hour could be
ample time for her to make a change Hur-
riedly she scribbled note to Loubeque, reassur-
ing him as to her delay and begging him to
wait short time until she came. Then she
darted to her suite fairly tearing her gown from
whimsy had induced her to purchase the little
fluff of dancing gown that fitted the
part she intended playing SO perfectly.
bit breathess she returned to the cabaret
room barely in time to make her entrance She
turned bit cold she waited, frightened of her
own temerity. The girl gave her a shove forward
and she found herself standing in the big room.
heard. as from long ways off, the stringed or
chestra brilliantly playing La Paloma, playing
so irresistibly that even with all her fear, her
toes tapped in time to the music.
"G'wan! Beat it!' 1t was the voice of the
cabaret dancer.
Lucille knew then that she must go through
with what she had started. Taking long breath
her body swRyed to the strains. Slowly. grace
fully she glided into the room, her face par
tally concealed by the mantilla. gasp of SUR
prise followed her appearance, men and women,
leaned forward forgetful of their dinner lured by
her infectious grace and charm. But she had eyesI
NJ, -
surprised, puzzled expression on his face, leaned
far forward in his chair, watching this woman
who danced so wonderfully, with such innocent
abandon and charm, who had eyes for no one.
thought of nothing her work.
Then suddenly the music changed. Lucille
flashed glance at Loubeque and from that
moment danced to him and him alone. It was per,
fectly obvious to everyone in the room The spy-
sank back in his chair a bit embarrassed but
quite aglow with delight. The music was growing
slower, slower, and with a tricklng laugh of imp
sh merriment, Lucille flung wide her mantiIia
md bowed mockingly vet with the pleading ex-
preston of child seeking applause, to the arch
spy.
For just second his splendid mouth gaped,
then, with eyes that shot strange fires at her.
MS palms cracked vigorously together as he led
of the whirlwind of applause that set the glasses
and cutlery dancing. The orchestra leader waved
his baton toward Lucille for an encore and, from
her chair opposite Loubeque into which she had
sunk. she half rose to respond with a bow.
my Godw
"My Godr'
The voice was hoarse, terrifying in its bitter.
ness, its Lucille turned, startled then in
voluntarily, her hands reached out toward the
nan who was standing, tense, a Mortified express
zion of disgust and unbelief upon his countenance
"Dick!' she quavered.
Lieutenant Gibson moved away as her slender
figure swayed toward him. Her hands were upon
his wrists He looked at them second then slow
" detached them and turned away leaving the
great room leaving behind the woman who dared