The Dolores star., 1924-12-19
CHAPTER X-Continued

IN acquaintance OF Madsm0isclle de
Ponicre. from whom you must have OBJ
tnined this necklace. ! last saw Ma
dame and Mademoisele de ronicre
under very rrHgical circumstances. and
I understand that they have now left
Monte Carlo. | am most anxious To
obtain word as to their whereabouts
Il regret deeply that | am entirely
powerless in the matter. Milford. the
man replied.
Gerald held up the pearls md let
them slip through his fingers. He re-
nembered something which Pauline
had once said to him-"Pearls are the
maldens' children. They love and care
for them as such"
Il have reason to surmise" Gerald
went on. that misfortune has be
fallen these ladies'. II they had coniid
ed in me. II would have given me the
greatest pleasure to have offered them
assistance"
The Ieweler smiled inScrutably.
81 fear that II would have been use
less. Milford" he said. IL have had the
privilege of knowing the elder of these
hdies for some thirty years. and sup
Piled the first string Of pearls which
the younger lady ever wore. AT the
time Of her confirmation. | would will
ingly have undertaken the payment Of
such debts Ms were owing in Monte
Carlo. without security. but should
never have had the courage to suggest
IT, You will see an announcement in
the evening paper. MILFORD. that all
claims against the ladies will be set
tied by me on demand"
III buy the necklace" Gerald pro
posed hluntly. will you tell me how
and where to find Mademoiselle de Po-
niere?"
The jewelers. bow was almost frigid.
My word is passed to these two
ladies', MILFORD. ! have no information
to give you"
You cannot even tell me what rela-
ton they were to Monsieur Zubin?"
There is no question of relationship.
Milford. Monsieur Zubin was, under
stand, the steward entrusted with the
realization of certain properties he
longing to mademoiselle do not
know whether ! have right even to
say so much" he continued. after
moments hesitation, "but it suggests
Itself that II was owing tC Monsieur
ZubiRs embezzlements-he is reported
to have lost several millions nj the
tables here-that the ladies whom we
have been discussing found themselves
temporarily embarrassed"
Gerald laid down the pearls.
IF you care to keep these for m
for week" he proposed, until get
the money from London, will have
them"
The man bowed.
Milford can take them with him."
he said, or permit me TO send them
to the hotel. Payment can be as de-
sired"
Il have committed an extrava-
gance," Gerald confessed, as the two
young men continued their stroll. "I
have given seven thousand pounds for
Z pearl necklace"
Great Scott! Why?"
Because | was right in nv sur
mise. II was rauline's necklace, left
there so that they could pay their
bills. Madame's rings are there. too.
Pretty iort of adventuresses, Christie
pher -
But what are you going to do with
the necklace?" Christopher always
Intensely practical, demanded
~ am going to keep 1t until meet
Mademoiselle de Poniere again" Ger
aid replied. Then shall beg to be
allowed to present 1t to her"
Christopher looked up toward the
hills.
IT'S too misty for golf" he said.
"Shall We go and see Myrtlle?"
81 suppose So" teraId agreed with
out marked Interest. ANY news from
your nursery govcrness frlends?"
They cant take her for month
or So" Christopher replied. 81 don't
quite know what to do about II. I
Gerald laughed.
"And you daren't trust her here
with me. old chap, is that It?"
Something like it. I'm afraid" the
other admitted frankly.
Geral - sighed.
"Whst q Lothario you must think
me-" he declared. "As Il matter of
fact, Chris, ! don't think that the in
genue does attract me very much. |
am tUo young and unsophisticated my
self. 1t Is hardened sinners like you
who nre bowled over by rusticity and
morals. prefer something little
more advanced in the worlds ways"
"Then. for heavens sake. leave the
others alone" Christopher enjoined
curtly. I'VE have difficult task be-
fore us with MYRTLE. especially as,
for once in her life, Mary doesn't seem
Inclined to help u.s. Treat the child
sensibly. for heavens sake"
What do you mean by .sensibly.
Id chap?"
"Fell. remember .:,at she has TO
70 nursery governess and not n
PsrAian demi-mondaine. It's idiotlc
i 70 take her to these smart restaurants