The Washington herald., 1914-11-08
icnDrr,rht lNa.l

appCulG- -,
was furiousiy and unreason
ably angry. Charles hung around hin
continually, aware that all was not vel
with his fsvorite patron.
at is not one of Ronsieur's regular
days for luncheon here" he yentured.
Brooke was scoGling across the room
toward the small table against the wall
at which Constance and a companion
were seated.
at isn't" he admitted. THAT ac'
counts for it
Accounts for it, monsieur? But for
what"
Charles glanced wondering across the
room-and understood. The perpleSity
upon his face disappeared
Monsieur perceives that the young
lady in whom he was interested has
found a companion" he remarked con-
fidentially. They sit together today
for the third time. On Tuesday even
ing he dined with mademoiselle."
Brooke muttered something between
ais teeth and poured himself out glass
of wine.
The young lady would probably OBJ
ject to our discussing her." he remark
cd grimly. "You can fetch me my cof-
fee. And this afternoon will take .
Iiqueur-the old brandy"
Monsieur shall be served" Charles
murmured, and hastened away. 1t was
not until he had served the coffee and
generously filled the liqueur glass above
the line with the deep-brown brandy
that he spoke again. He leaned for
ward conhdentially.
at is for monsieur's private ear,
this" he whispered. I'VE do not as
a rule, speak of such things. The gen
tleman who is with her now-he wrote
a little note to mademoiselle here in the
restaurant at luncheon one day. Made
moiseIle replied, and he took his coffee
at her table"
Brooke waved the man away impa-
tiently.
THAT will do. Charles" he said.
There is probably some explanation.
1t certainly is not our business"
Brooke Lit his cigarette, and while
he smoked he looked across the room.
The man was apparently a little less
than middle-aged, dark, with small,
black mustache, well groomed, well
dressed. He would, without doubt,
rank as good looking. His manner in
dicated an interest in his companion
which to some extent at any rate, she
seemed inclined to return.
Constance was certainly more ami
mated than usual. The pallor of her
cheeks was undisturbed, but her eyes
were exceptionally. bright, and she was
listening with obvious interest to all
that her companion had to say. Be-
yond the faint uplifting of her eye
brows and the grave nod with which
she had acknowledged his greeting upon
his entrance, she had taken no further
notice of Brooke.
Presently he paid his bill and went.
Constance, although without doubt she
saw his preparations for departure, took
not the slightest further notice of him.
She was talking all the time, and her
manner, for her, toward this new ac-
quaintance, was positively friendly.
Brooke jammed his hat upon his head
and walked round to the club.
About S o'clock. just after he had
sent his tea away for the second time, a
page came in search of him.
Wanted on the telephone, sir" he
announced.
Brooke rose promptly.
ANY name?" he asked.
There was no name, sir" the boy
replied. The gentleman is waiting on
the line now"
Brooke hurried down stairs, passed
into the telephone box, and took up the
receiver.
This is Brooke" he said. "Who are
you?" -
'I am Inspector Simmons" the voice
answered. Al am speaking from Miss
Robinson's rooms"
rs Miss Robinson there?" Brooke
asked.
''She is not here at present" the man
replied. Il rang up to ask whether
it would be quite convenient for you
to step round here"
"Of course I'll come" Brooke assent
ed. There's nothing wrong, is there?"
The voice hesitated moment
Not that / know of. Perhaps It
would be as well if you came round." I"
Brooke rang off, put on his hat and
coat, caught a taxicab, and in a few
minutes time presented himself at Con-
stances rooms. To his surprise the
inspector, who admitted him, was still
alone there
Where is Miss Robinson?" Brooke
dmanded.
That's exactly what I'm not sure
about" the inspector explained. Il had
an appointment with her here this aft
ernoon at 8 o'clock / arrived quite
punctually rang the bell, and as there
was no answer, ] went away. / came
again half an hour ago, and as there
was still no one here, took the lib
erty of entering. Miss Robinson, as
a rule, is very particular about her ap-
pointments."
"She was lunching with friend to-
day. Brooke remarked gloomily.