The Spectator., 1914-11-27

 latter. For moment the little man looked the boy over, and then his weird, expressive face broke into a smile.
 Were you looking for Milliganf" he asked.
 q was looking for party" said Pedro, smiling in return.
 Well, there's several inside" said the little man, waving hand toward the dimly lighted room behind him. Some friend of yours here?"
 T just wanted" began Pedro, when girls voice broke in:
 "He is friend of mine, Don," said the red-haired girl, emerging from the crowded studio She had noted his entrance and immediately made her way toward him. Aren't you going to let him in?" she concluded. One would have sworn that she had been expecting him, thought Pedro. Evidently she had not forgotten the roadside encounter.
 Pedro is the humble servant of you both," said he, with that sweeping bow of his.
 And this is Mir Milligan, our host," said she
 The two shook hands, and even while Milligan muttered something by way of acknowledging the introduc- tion, he was carried off by phalanx of men who came up, clamoring for more beer. With swift gesture the yir hncEnnod n pndrn and hQ fOl- | lowed up narrow, winding staircase, which brought them out upon little balcony The Madonna Lady seated herself upon divan and motioned Pe- dro to follow suit. | Madonna, I saw you through the window, and could not resist coming in, even though l was a stranger to the house."
 | She smiled at him.
 You saved me just in time," he con- tinued, "else l might have failed of entrance"
 And you really came because you saw me?"
 l For what other reason?" said he. Madonna, what is your name?" | HE, odfu buc, llIAu6 HUI 6AosSS eyes, that were like those selfsame blossoms. My fathers name is Van derpool. What other name have you, besides Pedro?"
 "T have no other," he replied after an almost imperceptible pause. She raised her head, as if in disbe- lief. An! that wonderful line from chin to breast! Surely some day he must contrive to paint it.
 T am speaking as I must," he told her. Will you not believe me when I say that the only name l can give you is that which you have heard?"
 This had a perfume of mystery, but while it added to her already keen in- terest in him, she maintained her pose of offense.
 If it was only to be unkind, why did you rescue me just now?" he asked.
 She laughed a little.
 You once saved me from real dan- ger," she replied "the least I could do was to spare you, in turn"
 Swiftly Pedro leaned toward her. In his eyes shone light that might have meant pure mischief but this she did not see, for she had turned away her head again. His voice was very sibi- lant, carrying a subtlety of meaning which was delicate in the extreme.
 Madonna Iris!" he said, when you turn your head so, it is lovely beyond words! Do you know that the line of your chin and throat is like the silver white edge of the young moon? An! Now you are angry. Forgive me; but I have dreamed of that line since first I saw you!"
 There was a tense pause between them.
 No, am not angry" she said at last in low voice, looking intently at the sticks of her fan as she spoke You see. had not forgot you, either"
 T shall not give you chance to for get!" he exclaimed to his companion. But before she could reply, a youth who had been watching her. rushed up and claimed her for the dance. With a smile she was gone; and in a few moments he saw her and her partner emerge upon the floor below.
 While he stood watching her, man | joined him, and after a nod and the proffer of cigarette, which was ac- cepted. stood beside him at the bal cony rail.
 This new acquaintance was thick set young man, blond and rugged of feature. He was not in evening clothes Indeed, only two or three of the men were-and he did not look over prosperous. But he fairly radiated energy and enthusiasm, and his face was strong and arresting. For several moments they stood looking down into the crowd.
 cro BE coNTINUED) | Rebuked.