The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-08-22


CHAPTER X.
Copyright, 1914, by the Star Company.
All Foreign Rights Reserved.
a FLUTTER Of polite alarm attended
~ Signor Baskinellfs invitation.
4 From the sheltered glitter Of a
Fifth avenue drawing room to Chinatown
was a plunge a little too deep for many Of
those present
But Baskine11i was insistent, and Pauline
was his ardent and efficient recruiting
officer. Quite a little troop train of limou-
sines carried the invaders from the camps
Of the fashionable to the uncelestial haunts
of the Celestials.
Baskinelli rode in the car with Pauline
and Owen. He had cast on the dignity of
the master musician and assumed an air of
whimsical recklessness that suited him
better.
Harry and Lucille were in the following
"Oh, please stop hdgeting" exclaimed
Lucille. I'm as nervous as you are"
Il know" said Harry, but l hate to have
her alone with that little black snake for
i've minutes"
"Owen Is with them"
"Owen Is worse"
Tho machines drew up in Chatham
Square. and the little scintil1ant procession
that moved across to Doyers street-dainty
slippers on blackened cobblestones. light
laughter tinkling under the thunder OF the
"L," human brightness brushing past the
human shadows from the midnight dens-
made contrasts picturesque as pageant IN
q catacomb.
Pauline, on the arm OF the chattering
Baskinelli. led the way.
isn't this splendid?" she exclaimed. Il
am sure you won't disappoint me. Signor
Baskinelli. hope you aren't going to show
rs a happy Chinese family at supper. Only
the most dreadful sights amuse me-
"Ah, but we must not take risks" replied
Baskinelli. There are some beings In the
world, Miss Marvin. SO exquisitely precious
that a man would commit sin II he placed
them in peril"
Pauline stopped in the middle of the
street
"But only the worst and wickedest places"
she admonished Baskinelli.
He leaned suddenly very near to her:
do you really mean that. Miss Marvin?"
he asked.
Every well. But first we shall go to the
new restaurant It is yet toe early for the
worst and wickedest to be abroad-or:
rather. to seek their lairs.
They climbed brightly lighted staircase
Into one Of the ordinary Chinese restaurants
Of the better sort which are conducted al
most entirely for Americans. and where
Boston baked beans are as likely as not to
nudge almond cakes ON the bill Of fare and
champagne flow as commonly as tea.
They gathered around one of the larger
Of the cheaply inlaid tables. and Baskinelli
took command of the feast
Harry sat In grim silence. watching Pau.
line like q protecting dragon. Lucille was
sick at heart and repentant of coming. The
others chatted merrily among Themselves
But by common consent Pauline seemed to
have been surrendered to the attentions OF
the evening guest, who had become q mid
night host.
He leaned toward her with an ardor that
he did not even attempt to disguise from
the others "Yon are the most wonderful
woman IN
.Please make It the universe" pleaded
Pauline. There are so many most won
derful women in the world"
mo- let US say chaos" he whispered
The universe is governed by laws. Even
me stars ride their rings to the lash Of
eternal order. The chaos OF mans heart
can be ruled only by the charming uncer.
ainty Of woman
The intensity Of his words brought t.
pauline again the same little twinge ol
1srm that she had felt Just before she Ned
xom him IN the conservatory. unconscious