The Glenwood post., 1924-09-25

Quarante Or roulette tonight, GefaIdf'
she said. "Or shall I 60 and play
baccaratf II only the people there
weten't 20 alarmingl"
Gerald looked across at Christie
pher. He seemed as though he had
bcSfcely heard his sisters words.
ibid you see thatr' ne asked, In q
low tone. 10
Christopher nodded.
~The girl is extraordinarily attrsc-
tive" Mary observed. "Shall 1 really
be brave and call, Geraldl One
doesn't do that sort Of thing abroad,
but she must be lonely. II they aren't
what they should be, 1t won't hurt
me-"
mo good. old dear" Gerald groaned.
I've susgested something Of the sort
already, but she only threw cold VA.
ter on the idea"
Lady Mary laughed softly.
After ALL" she decided, "there is
something humorous In the situation.
always look upon Gerald as being
the most woman-spoilt man 1 know.
Quite new experience for you, dear,
isn't it, can't think how you ever
progressed 20 far as you have done.s
II should cheer up, old fellow"
Christopher advised. "They won't
hold out forever. You will probably
nnd that tomorrow afternoon the
young lady will shyly invite you In to
meet her aunt"
"You don't know what you're talk
ing about" Gerald growled. "There |!
Did you see that?"
Through the open doorway, Madame
de Poniere and her younger compan-
ion were plainly visible, making their
way toward one Of the roulette tables.
They had come face to face for mo-
ment with a little FrenchmAn, who
stopped and bowed with every mark
Of respect. Both Of the women ac-
knowledged his salutation graciouay
Gerald sprang to his feet.
That's Henri Dubois, Monsieur
Blanc's representative herel" he e1-
claimed He knows theml Thank
heavens, I've come across some one
at last who does"
He crossed the room in half dozen
strides, and accosted Monsieur Dus
bois in the private way leading to the
Hotel de Paris. The usual civilities
were exchanged.
'Monsieur Dubois, you can do me
favor" Gerald confided. AZ he drew
him towards the bar and ordered two
liqusur brandies.
''If It Is possible. 1t II DONE" Dubois
declared. "If It u impossible, Il sAall
b done"
T want you to tell me-" Gerald con-
dnued. "who the two ladies In black
were. to whom you just bowed
Madame and Mademoiselle de Poniere.
they call themselves. What on earth
Is the mystery about themr
The Frenchman looked at him In
bland surprise.
Mystery. milordr he repeated. '1s
there oner' N..
Look here, old fellow" Gerald said.
II will ask you one question, and one
question only. What are their real
namesr
Monsieur Dubois sailed. His dim
eulties were at an END.
Milford" he declared. "you wrong
those very respectable ladies in imag-
lining that they woulo present them
selves here under names to which they
had no right. Both ladies', who are, a.
you have doubtless surmised. related.
are entitled to the name Of De Poniere.
The first Christian name Of the older
lady Is Anastasie, Of the younger
Pauline. ! am happy TO be able to
satisfy MILFORD. A thousand excuses.
They call me from the baccarat ROOM"
Gerald returned deJectedly to the
room where his sister and Christopher
were waiting expectantly.
"It appears that there il no mys-
terry at ALL" he announced. 'Dubois
assures me that they are related and
that their names are indeed De
Poniere."