South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-03-02

sat reading newspapers about a
gTeen-shaded lamp on the center
table. but Bobby didn't see Paroles
at first. Then from the obscurity Of a
corner a FORM. tall aid graceful,
emerged with a slow monotony OF
movement suggestive OF stealth. The
mans dark. sombre eyes revealed
nothing. His jet-black hair, parted
in the middle, and his carefully
trimmed Van Dyke beard gave him
an air OF distinction, an air. at the
same time, a trihe too reserved. For
a moment. as the green light stained
his face unhealthy. Bobby could
understand Graham's aversion. He
brushed the idea aside.
Glad you've come, Carlos"
The smile OF greeting vanished
abruptly from Paroles face. He
looked with steady eyes beyond
Bobby's shoulder. Bobby turned.
Graham stood on the threshold, his
face a little too frank But the
two men shook hands.
I'D an idea until / saw Bobby"
Graham said, that you'd gone back
TO Panama"
Paroles yawned.
Each year 1 spend more time in
/ New York. Business suggests it,
Pleasure demands it."
His voice was deep and pleasant.
but Bobby had often remarked that
it. like Paroles eyes, was too re-
served. It seemed never TO call on its
obvious powers of expression. It's
accent was noticeable only in a
pleasant. polished sense.
Hartley" Bobby explained. "is
dining with u.s."
Paroles let no disapproval slip,
but Graham FASTENED to explain.
Bobby and have an engagement
Immediately after dinner"
! "An engagement after dinner!
| didn't understand"
Let's think OF dinner first"
Bobby said. I'VE can talk about en-
have a cocktail here while we decide
, where we're going"
The aperitif l should like very
much" Paroles said. About din
ner there is nothing TO decide.
have arranged everything. There's
table waiting in the Fountain room
at the c. and there 1 have plan
ned a little surprise for you"
He wouldn't explain further
| While they drank their cocktails
| Bobby watched Graham's disap
prevail grow. The man glanced con
tinually at his watch. In the restau
rant. when Paroles left them tC
| produce, as he called ii, his surprise,
| Graham appraised with a frOwn the
voluble people who moved intricate
ly through the hall
I'm afraid Paroles has planned a
| thorough evening"" he said, for
which he'll want you to pay. Don't
! be angry, Bobby. The situation is
! serious enough to excuse facts. You
must go to the Cedars tonight. Do
you understand? You must go, in
spite of Paroles. in spite of every
thing"
Peace until train time" Bobby
demanded.
He caught his breath.
There they are. Carlos has kept
his word. See her, Hartley. She's
glorious"
A young woman accompanied the
Panamanian as he came back
, through the hall. She appeared more
foreign than her guide-the Span
ish of Spain rather than of South
America. Her clothing was as un-
usual and striking as her beauty, yet
one felt there was more than either
TO attract all the chances in this
room, TO set people whispering as
she passed. Clearly she knew her
notoriety was no little thing. Pride
| filed her eyes.
Paroles had first introduced her
TO Bobby a month or more ago. He
had seen her number Of times
since in her dressing-room at the
theater where she was featured, or
at crowded luncheons in her apart
ment At such moments she had
managed TO be exceptionally nice TO
him. Bobby. however, had answered
merely TO the glamour Of her fame,
TO the magnetic response her beauty
always brought in places like this.
Paroles" Graham muttered,
will have a powerful ally. You
won't fail me, Bobby? You will go?"
Bobby scarcely heard. He hurried
forward and welcomed the woman.
She tapped his arm with her fan.
"Leetle Bobbyl" she lisped. u
haven't seen very much of you lately
SO when Carlos proposed-you see
don't dance until late. Who is that
behind you? Mr.. Graham, is it not?
He would. maybe. not remember
me. l danced at a dinner where you
were one night, at Mr.. Wards.
Even lawyers, 1 find, take enjoy
ment in my dancing.
'I remember" Graham said. 1T
is very pleasant we are TO dine TO-
gether." He continued tactlessly:
But, as I've explained TO Mr.. Pare
des. we must hurry. Bobby and 1
have an early engagement"
Her head went up.
AN early engagement! I do not
often dine in public"
IAN unavoidable thing" Graham
explained. Bobby will tell you"
Bobby nodded.
Its n nuisance, particularly when
you're so condescending, Maria"
She shrugged her shoulders. With
Bobby she entered the dining room