Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-08

CHAPTER XII. Exit Lady Lauehinely
AFTER dinner Minot lighted cigar and
a descended into the hotel gardens for a
stroll Farther and farther he strayed down
the shadowy gravel paths, until only the
faint, far suggestion of music at his back
recalled the hotels lights and gaiety. 1t
was deserted land he penetrated. Just one
figure did he encounter in fifteen minutes
walk,-a little man clad all in white, sour
rying like a wrath in the black shade of the
royal palms.
At distant corner of the grounds near
the tennis courts was summerhouse In
which tea was served of an afternoon. Into
this NIinot strolled, 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
a beautiful vision.
Gabrielle Rose was made for the spotlight,
and that being absent moonlight served as
we'll Under its soft, merciful rays she stood
revealed the beauty thousands of playgoers
knew and worshiped. Dick Minot gazed at
her in awe. He was surprised that she held
out her hand to him, smile of the utmost
friendliness on her face.
speaking the cue for lovely song. Il stand
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
chance meeting, SUPPOSE
"a lucky chance he agreed.
She pouted. 4Then you did not follow?
Unromantic to the last! But, as l was say
ing, this chance meeting is splendid. My
train goes in an hour-and wanted so very
much to see you-once again.
"You fatter me-
aAh-you don't understand" She
dropped into chair. Il wanted to see you,
to put your conscience at rest. You were
so sorry when you had to be-cruel-to me
today. You will be so glad to know that it
has all turned out happily, after all
What do you mean" asked Minot, 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. l can only give you the
hint. You thought you left me broken,
vanquished woman. How the thought did
lutte Let that thought console you."
GYou are too kind" Minot answered.
3And-you are glad am not leaving San
Marco quite beatenl'
ooh, yes-I'm wild with pleasure"
@Really-that is sweet of you. am so
sorry we must part. The moonlight, the
palms, the distant nusic,-all so romantici
But-we shall meet AGAIN."
u don't know"
aDon't know? How unkind-when it all
depends on you! You will look me up in
New York, won't your New York is not so
romantic; but shall try to make it up to
you l shall sing for you-just little"
She stood up, and held out a slim white
hand. "Goodby, Mr.. Minot." Still she
laughed. at has been so good to know
you
@Er-goodby," said Minot. He took the
hand He heard her humming beneath her
breath, humming 3Just Little" 1--WE
enjoyed your singing immensely"
She laughed outright now, silvery,
joyous laugh. And, refusing the baffled
M;not's offer to take her back to the hotel,
she fed away from him down the dark path.
He fell back into his chair, and lighted
another cigar. Exit the Gaiety lady, laugh
ing merrily. What was the meaning Of that?
What new complication must he meet and
solve?