The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1914-08-07
CHAPTER IiI-Continued.

CHAPTER iil-Continued.
Oh, stubborn Dutchman that he had
been Blind fool, To have run away
instead of fighting to the last ditch for
his happiness! The Desimone woman
was right; 1t had taken him long
time to come to the conclusion that
che done him an Ill turn. His Jaw set.
and the pressure OF his lips broke the
sweep Of his mustache converting 1t
into bristling tufts, warlike and reso-
Lutte.
What of the pretty woman IN the
Taverne Royaie? What about her? At
whose bidding had she followed him
One or the other of them had not told
the truth, and he WAS inclined to be
heve that the prevarication had its
source in the pomegranate lips Of the
Calabrian. To give the old barb one
more twist, to learn II It's venomous
point still held and hurt: nothing
would have afforded the diva more de
light
When the taxicab Joined the long
line OF carriages and automobiles OPP
posite the Austrian ambassadors,
Courtlandt awoke to the dismal and
disquieting fact that he had formu-
lated no plan of action He had done
no more than to give the driver his
directions; and now that he had ar
rived. he had the choice of two alter
natives. He could wait to see her
come out or return at once to his hotel.
which. as subsequent events affirmed.
would have been the more sensible
course. He would have been confront
ed with small difficulty in gaining ad-
mission to the house He knew enough
OF these general receptions: the an
nouncing OF his name would have con.
yeyed nothing to the host who knew
perhaps third OF his guests, and
many OF these but slightly. But such
an adventure was distasteful to Court
landt. He could not everstep certain
recognized boundaries OF convention.
and to enter "A mans house masked
was colossal impudence. Beyond this.
he realized that ne could have accom-
plished nothing: the advantage would
have been hers. Nor could he meet
her as she came out. for again the
odds would have been largely In her
f"vor. No. the encounter must be
When they two were alone She must
be surprised. She must have no time
to use her ready wit. An idea pre-
scented itself, 1t appealed to him at
that moment as quite clever and
feasible.
Watt he called to the driver.
He dived among the carriages and
cars. and presently he found what he
sought-her limousine. He had taken
the number into his mind too keeniy
to be mistaken. He saw the end of his
difficulties; and went about the af.
fair with his usual directness. 1t was
only at rare times that he ran his head
into cul-de-sac. II her chauffeur was
regularly employed in her service. he
would have to return to the hotel; but
II he came from the garage. there was
hope. Every man is said 10 have his
price, and French chauffeur might
prove no notable exception TO the rule.
Are YOU driver for Madame da Tos.
cana% Courtlandt asked OF the man
lounging in the forward seat.
The chauffeur looked hard at his
auestioner. and on finding that he sat
fsfied the requirements OF a gentle
man, grumbled an affirmative The
limousine was well known in Paris.
and he was growing weary OF these
endless inquiries.
Are you in her employ directly, or
do you come from the garage"
fro ha
mademoiseile's car most OF the time,
especially at night 1t is not madame
but mademoiselle. monsieur"
MY mistake" A slight pause. II
was rather a difficult moment for
Courtlandt The chauffeur waited
wonderingly. Would you like to make
Ave hundred francs?"
"Iiow. monsieur"
Courtlandt should have been warned
by the tone. which contained no I'm
usual interest or eagerness.
Permit me to remain In mademoi-
selle's car till she comes. | wish to
ride with h"r to her apartment
The chauffeur laughed. He stretched
his legs Thanks. monsieur II is
very dull waiting. Monsieur knows
good Joke"
AID 10 Courtlandt's dismay he real.
feed that his proposal had truly been
acce It'd as test.
Il am not joking. l am In earnest.