The Dolores star., 1924-12-12
E. Phillips 0ppenheim
Copyright BY Little, Brown Z Co.
CHAPTER IX-Continued
Copyrish, by Little. Brown Co.

Gerald made his way back through
lounge of the hotel. Within the time
promised, transformed Monsieur
Zubin made his appearance. Gerald
found 1t difficult to restrain his sur
prise. His dinner suit was faultless-
ly cut, his black pearl studs were
marvellous. He had been carefully
shaved and his hair had been trimmed.
He carried white kid gloves in his
hand, glossy silk hat. and malac-
ca cnne crowned with malachite He
came over at once to Gerald and
signed to a waiter who was lowering
about with bottle upon a tray.
You will give me three minutes"
he begged. "T was interested in
series of numbers, and | forgot to
dine. l have ordered bottle of
wine. You will perhaps join me-"
VERY good of you" Gerald replied.
"It is rather between times for me-
I'll have a fine champagne II may"
Monsieur Zubin bowed gravely and
the brandy was brought. Without
turning a hair, he drank two tum-
blerfuls of the wine. Then he turned
courteously TO his companion.
.If you have no objection" he pro-
posed. 1--WE will walk outside to the
Sporting club. The distance is the
same and the air IS fresher."
Gerald assented readily, and they
started Off side by side The Russian
wss walking with his shoulders back,
like a man on parade. and Gerald sud
denly felt that his own stature had
become insignificant. All the way his
companion seemed to be reciting to
himself in some foreign tongue, recit-
ing something which now and tten
Eeemed 10 have the swing of blank
verse. AS they reached the steps
which led up TO the Sporting Cub, he
came to full stop and glanced
around.
young man. he said facing Ger
aid, you are probably little curious
about me. This is the truth. Let
those know 1t who may be interested.
i am the steward of Madame de
Poniere and the trustee of as much
as Is left of her revenues. / came
here ashamed of their scantiness and
the wild idea of enlarging them at
the tables occurred to me. hsve
failed. There is a'voiture here, you
see, by my side, and the commission
aire is there to help you. l apologize
for the trouble l am giving. l charge
you to deliver the expression of my
undying devotion to Madame and
Mademoiselle."
His right hand, which had been
fumbling in the pocket of his dinner
coat, shot out like lightning small
revolver, flashing in the electric llgnt,
was pressed to his temple There
were two almost simultaneous reports.
Rumors were already floating about
the club when Gerald hurried in, five
minutes later. Both women looked
at him in half-fearful inquiry. Ger
aid was very grave
Madame" he announced. bring
bad news"
Madame unfurled her black lace fan
and famed herself slowly.
zone hears that man has shot
himself outside" she said. at is,
perhaps, the man whom l sent you to
seekf"
ut is he" Gerald acknowledged.
Madame de POniere rose to her feet.
She was an ugly woman whom, up to
that moment, Gerald had detested. He
found himself now admiring her pro-
foundly. She leaned a little upon the
stick which she carried in her left
hand. Her right she extended to-
wards Gerald.
If you will give me the support of
your arm downstairs, Lord DOmbey.
I shall be glad" she continued 'I
am an old woman, and these shocks
become more poignant with the years.
Zubin was a faithful servant of my
house. I am affected"
They made their slow progress
from the room. Madame held her
head high. MademoiselIe was little
paler than usual, but her good night
to the commissiOnaire was as clear
and gracious as ever No signs of
any disturbance remained outside
Monte Carlo knew how to deal with
these things. Their automobile was
already in attendance. and the two
1--WE are much obliged for your as
sistance, Lord Dombey," madame de-
clared. 81 regret that we should have
given you so tragical an errand."
"You will permit me to call. perhaps,
at the villa?" Gerald begged.
81 shall not be receiving for several
days" madame replied. "If you are
so gracious as to leave card, my
servants will tell you when / am dis
posed to see friends"
The car glided off. Madame leaned
back with closed eyes. Gerald caught
Just faint glimpse of Pauline's pro-
file, ivory pale, CLEAN of terror in
her eyes, as though she knew mat
they were passing over the spot where
Zubin had died.
Chapter X
II was oftpr Jippar tba VIII