New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-08
CHAPTER XII. Exit Lady Lauehinely


descended into the hotel gardens for "a
stroll. Farther and farther ne strayed down
the shadowy gravel paths, until only the
faint. far suggestion OF music At his back
recalled the hotels lights and gaiety. II
was a deserted land he penetrated. Just one
figure did he encounter in fifteen minutes
walk, "a little man clad al in white, sour
rying like a wrath in the black shade Of the
royal palms.
At a distant corner Of the grounds near
the tennis courts was "a Summerhouse IN
which tea was served Of IN afternoon. Into
this Nlinot Strollcd. TO finish his cigar and
ponder the DAYS developments in the drama
he was playing. As he drew "a comfortable
chair from moonlight into shadow he heard
"a little gasp at his elbow, and turning beheld
u beautiful vision
Gabrielle Rose was made for the spotlight,
and that being absent moonlight served as
well. Under its soft, mcrciful rays She stood
revealed the beauty thousands OF playgOers
knew and worshipcd. Dick Alinot gazed at
her in awe. He was surprised that She held
out her hand to him, a smile OF the utmost
fricndlincss on her face.
How fortunate" she said. as though
speaking the cue for a lovely song. IL stand
here. the wonder Of this old Spanish night
getting into my very blood and the only
thing lacking in the picture is-a man. And
then YOU come.
I'm glad to be OF service, said Minot,
tossing away his cigar
What an unromantiC way to put It.
Really. this chance meeting it was a
chance meeting. suppose:
"A lucky chance, he agreed
She poutcd. Then YOU did not follow,
Unromantic TO the last! But, as ! was say
ing, this chance meeting IS splendid My
train goes in IN hour and wanted 50 very
much to see yOu-Once again.
you flatter me.
"Ah-you don't understand" She
dropped into a char. Il wanted to see you,
to put your conscience at rest You were
50 sorry when YOU had to be-cruel to me
today You Will be 50 glad to know that II
has all turned out happily, after al.
What 90 YOU mean" asked Almot, new
apprehensions rising in his mind
Alas if | could only tell YOU. She was
laughing at him nOw-an experience he did
not relish. "But-my lips are sealed, as We
say on the stage. | can only give YOU the
hint You thought YOU left me a broken,
vanQuishcd woman. How the thought did
pain YOU! Well. your victory was not abso-
lutte. Let that thought console YOU.
you are too kind, Nlinot answered.
"And-you are glad am not leaving San
Marco quite beaten"
ooh. yes-I'm wild with pleasure"
"Really-that IS sweet Of YOU. | am 50
sorry we must part. The moonlight, the
palms. the distant music, all 50 rOmautici
But-we shall meet again;
81 don't know.
Don't know How unkind-when it all
depends on youl You will look me up in
New York. won't YOU; New York IS not so
romantic; but | shall try TO make it up to
YOU. ! shall sing for you-just "a little.
She stood up. and held out a slim white
hand. "Goodby, Mr.. Alinot. Still She
laughed. at has been so good to know
YOU.
~Er-goodby, said AIinot. He took the
hand He heard her humming beneath her
breath, humming lust % Little. I've
cnioved your singing immensely.
She laughed outright now, a silycry
JOYOUS laugh And refusing the bafilci
Nlinot's offer TO take her back 90 the hotel.
She fled away from him down The dark path.
He fell back into his chair, and lighted
another cigar Ext The Gaic,y lady, laugh
ing mcrrilv. What w.- The meaning Of that.
What new complication must be meet and
solve,
r,p t: ..,.,,... 81. 1,.f ,,,l,. 90 return q,