The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1914-07-22

'Mademoiselle, You Are Charming"
Said the Scoundrel.
lay hidden. And in three weeks my
enemies could work incredible harm.
Magniff had threatened me with ruin
unless | accepted his advances But
how could he fulfil his threat? only
IN one way. clearly; by utilizing the
key which he had stolen from my
purse to open my safe and 10 abstract
the bonds. Would he dare? Had the
afe already been rihed? But even SO
should at least be no worse of than
when had arrived in Paris As the
days wore away, and the memory Of
lhe man grew fainter | came to de
spise and disregard his powers for
mischief
1t did seem unnecessary that
should have to wait three weeks while
Magniff ST.. was fashioning a new key
tor my safe. But | inferred that he
vas in reality utilizing his period to
make inquiries in Canada concerning
me: consequently became more tran
luil in mind. ! sent my friend Estelie
Christie the ten pounds which she
had lent me and settled down to live
frugally at the Pension Anglaise with:
nv remaining $3.50 A the worst /
should have enough with which to re
turn to Winnipeg.
A little more than a week of my pro
batonary period had elapsed, when
one morning our landlady announced
that two gentlemen were awaiting me
in the reception room Instantly |
thought OF Magniff and the Greek
Tell them that will not see them, u
! answered
The landlady appeared shocked.
But, Mees Ives, they are OF the
quality, assuredly," she protested An
old gentleman and a young one. And
the latter-what build, what figure!
thought to have the pleasure TO con-
gratulate mademoiselle,' she continued
teasingly
The comte and the cheyalier! 1t
could not be! And yet, whom else
did ! know? But, if it were they,
how could they have discovered my
abode2
They sent up no cards" asked
my hostess.
No, mademoiselle But see, only
see them and certainly you will not
refuse them an interview Yer inn
portant business those were their
words
Tell them ! Will be down in few
moments answered, and began to
arrange my hair for the interview. IN
the midst of brushing it I halted an
grily. My heart was pounding in my
throat in the most discomfting way.
Why. ! asked myself sternly, why did
! 60 to this trouble about my person
al appearance for the sake Of such
mortal enemies? And why was I so
agtated2 / could not solve the prob
lem and twisting up my hair hastily,
descended the stairs trying to re-
gain control over my nerves
It was as lad surmised. The
comte and the chevalier were waiting
for me in the reception room. both
faultlessly attired in morning clothes.
They rose. each with a low bow, upon
my entrance. Both looked extremely
grave, and neither evinced the slight
est sign OF having previously seen me
motoned each to d chair, but they
remained standing
Now though | had determined to
greet them with the barest courtesy.
this turning of the tables upon myself
affected me almost TO tears OF rage
II is a woman's privilege to control
the temperature OF acQuaiutanceship,
and this immaculate young man, play
ing whatever part he might be, wheth-
or of aviator diplomat or anything
else. seemed always TO have the adyan
fage over me iu the maneuvering
What can do for YOU. gentlemen?
I asked in my most disdainful voice
They did not know how wildly my
heart beat
First mademoiselle. let me say in
case you suspect us OF espionage. that
we obtained your address through
your friend Mrs Christie" said the
Chevalier
/ nodded coidly Il am not ia the
habit of accusing persons Of espion
age answered
Then tie old saving is false. he
answered Evidently. in this case.
like does nof turn to like
What do YOU mean sir" demand
ed Indignantly
II mean. said the chevaler. logged
lv. how much do you want for those
papers?"
/ looked from one 20 the other. in
qulringly. The old comte now came
forward and motioned TO his grandson
TO withdraw.
You ale too impetuous a diplomat
M dear Charles" he said. suavely
Now Miss Ives. he continued. let
us come to the point as persons Of af-
fairs. How much money do YOU de-
mand TO restore 10 us those papers
hich you pilfered from my grandson's
coat pocket while he was entertaining
You as his guest within the abbey