The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-05-11
By AGATHA CHRISTIE

To herself she said: "Of course. II
father heard that he would have fit
But somehow | don't see Mr.. Whit
tington In the role of the gay de-
ceiver."
YES" continued Wilmington.
what could be more delightful? To
put the clock back a few years-a
very few, | am sure-and re-enter one
of those charming pensIonnats de
jeunes files with which Paris
abounds-"
Tuppence interrupted him.
"A pensionnatT
Exactly. Madame Colombier's in
the Avenue de Neuilly."
Tuppence knew the name WELL
Nothing could have been more select.
She had had several American friends
there. She was more than ever
puzzled
"You want me to go to Madame Co
lombier's? For how long?"
THAT depends. Possibly three
months"
"And that is all? There are no
other conditioner
"None whatever. BY the way, you
are English, are you notY'
YES"
yet you speak with slight Ameri-
can accentT
MY great pal in hospital was a
little American girl. l dare say I
picked it up from her. can soon get
out of 1t again."
"On the contrary, 1t might be sim
pier for you to pass as an American.
Details about your past life In Eng
land might be more difficult to sustain.
Yes. think that would be decidedly
better. Then"
zone moment, Mr. Wilmington
You seem to be taking my consent for
granted"
Wilmington looked surprised.
Surely you are not thinking of re-
fusing7 can assure you that Ma
dame Colombier's is a most high-class
and orthodox establishment. And the
terms are most liberal"
Exactly" said Tuppence. THAT'S
just 1t. The terms are almost too
liberal, Mr.. Wilmington. l cannot see
any way in which can be worth that
amount Of money to you
MOP said Wilmington softly.
"Well will tell you. l could doubt
less obtain someone else for very
much less. What lam willing to pay
for is young lady with sufficient in
telligence and presence of mind to
sustain her part well, and also one
who VIII have sufficient discretion not
to ask too many questions"
Tuppence smiled little. She felt
that Wilmington had scored.
There's another thing. So far there
has been no mention of Mr. Beres-
ford. Where does he come in?"
"Mr. Beresford?"
My partner" said Tuppence with |
dignity. you saw us together yester-
lay"
"Ah, yes. But I'm afraid we shan't
require his services"
"Then it's orr Tuppence rose.
It's both or neither. Sorry-but that's
low it is. Good morning, Mr.. Whit
ington."
wait minute. Let US see If some
hing can't be managed. Sit down
gain, Miss" He paused interroga-
lively.
Tuppence's conscience gave her a
'assing twinge as she remembered the
rchdeacon. She seized hurriedly on
he first name that came into her head
Jane Finn" she said hastily and
hen paused open-mouthed at the
feet Of those two simple words.
All the geniality had faded out of
Vhittingtons face. 1t was purple
18th rage, and the veins stood out on
is forehead. And behind 1t all there
lrked a sort of incredulous dismay.
lie leaned forward and Kissed saw
gely:
$50 that's your little game, Is it?'
Tuppence, though utterly taken
back, nevertheless kept her head.
he had not the faintest comprehen-
ON Of his meaning, but she was natu-
lily quick-witted, and felt 1t impera-
We to keep her end up" as she
lrased il.
Wilmington went on:
Been playing with me, have you, e
the time, like a cat and mouse7 I
new all the time what wanted you t
r, but kept up the comedy Is that S
eh?" He was cooling down. The n
d color was ebblng out of his face.
2 eyed here keenly. who's been l
abiding? RitaY D
Tuppence shook her head. She was
ubtful as to how long she could
stain this Illusion, but she realized
e Importance of not dragging an
known Rita into it.
mo" she replied with perfect u
18th. Rita knows nothing about me-" b
How much do you known" he shot p
t. IL
Very little indeed" answered Tup-
nee, and was pleased to note that lie
uneasiness was aug ~
nted instead Of allayed. ia
Anyway" he snarled you knew
)ugh to come In here and plump k
/ that name" ~
1T might be my own name" Tup- h;