The Glenwood post., 1924-11-27

most profound admiration for made.
moiselle." Gerald declared stoutly,
"and because. in my own country,
there is the possibility that l. may be
Of service to you.'
Madame dc Ponisrs opened q plsir
pair Of iorgnettes and looked for b
moment at Gerald.
For an Engllshman," she remarked
coolly. "you seem to have some man
ners. Who is this, Paullnef"
There was the faintest possible in
dication of smile on Pauline's lips,
His name Is Lord Dombey," she
answered demurely. HE, II the son
OF the earl Of Hinterleys."
Dear mel" Madame de Poniere
murmured.
"The earl of Hlnterleys," Pauline
continued. els one of the lesser Eng
lish noblemen."
Notwithstanding his anxiety, Ger
aids sense of humor was touched
II only his father could have been
standing at his side to assist in the
conversation with these two shabbily
dressed ladiesi
Our titles are, at any rate, not un-
duly MODERN" he pleaded deprecat.
ingly. Besides. is this of any real
consequenceY
What precisely do you want of
.us?" the older lady asked, after 2
slight hesitation.
"The privilege Of renewing my ac-
quaintance with you BOTH" Gerald re-
Piled
you have done so." Madame de
Poniere reminded him.
with permission to pay my re-
spects at your London residence" he
urged.
1--WE do not receive in London" was
the curt reply.
II trust" Gerald persisted, that you
will make an exception in my favor"
Pauline suddenly interviewed. There
was shade of hauteur in her manner
but some frankness
"My dear aunt" she said, "there are
certain things which 1t is Impossible
to conceal. my aunt and l." SHE went
on, addressing Gerald, "are living in
some impossible rooms in an impos
sible hotel in South Kensington. see
no reason. however, why we should
not receive you there, If you are in
earnest In your desire to call. We are
without acquaintance in this city"
Madame de Poniere closed her lorg
nettes with little snap.
1--WE are staying at Number %, Err
In el
said. II believe they call the place the
Erriston Gardens hotel"
"If you will permit me-" Gerald sug-
gested, II will bring my sister to call
upon you when she Is in town. In the
meantime, may venture upon daring
suggestion? You are without acquain.
tances in town; so, for these few days.
am I. VIII you do me the great honor
Of dining at Ranelagh tonight with me- Z
We shall escape this insufferable heat
and be able to listen to music out Of
DOORS"
81 regret that 1t is impossible. SIR"
Madame de Ponlere replied. ~
Gerald was naturally quick-witted.
There were many little things he had
already noted.
"Mademoiselle," he said. turning to
Pauline. Il beg you to intercede with
your aunt. do not invite you to one
of the established restaurants. The
great charm of Ranelagh is its infor-
mality. The people who have been
playing tennis and golf stay on to
dine, with some trilng change in their
attire. / myself should have to ask
you to excuse my remaining in morn
ing dress. 1t is convention of the
place."
Milford Dombey doubts our ward
robe" Pauline remarked. with faint
smile. NO" she went on hastily,
please do not think we are offended.
think your discretion is admirable
And, aunt, beg of you. let us accept
Lord Dombey's invitation. Think how
much we are suffering from the heat
Think Of our stuffy room, our unspeak-
able dinner! In short, I insist"
III you will allow me, will call for
you at quarter to eight" Gerald pro-
posed turning to Madame de Poniere.
Madame de Poniere hesitated for an
other moment. Perhaps It was some
thing in the almost hoyish quality of