The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-08

This man spoke of Lolette, and drew | parallel with herself Elise felt that her senses were reeling.
 She strove to be calm, and smiled quickly and nervously. Her fingers were plucking at the vanity bag on her knees. If all this were true it meant wealth. Her imagination was nearing structure of fanciful intention which reached to the skies. Marthe would be safe forever. She might evsss be cured, for the best of medical advice could be obtained for her. There would at least be sunshine and rest for the re- mainder of her life, attention and lux ury and all the comforts money could purchase. Old Doctor Lapierre would be paid in full and over for the service he had rendered. All this Elise thought swiftly, tumultoously, while yet she tried to grssp the tremendous impor- tance of Bruneis proposition. She heard Brunei speaking again.
 You like the idea? It appeals to youY
 | 'Monsieur---I don't know how to thank you" Despite her efforts at self-control, her agitation was plainly visible. Ut is 6 thing of which never dreamed. You see-when danced-it was only fun. I never thought that there could ever be anything in it."
 Brunei nodded. 'It is just the little thought--and the opportunity" Some how, she felt he was measuring her with his eyes, but she hardly needed it.
 She was aquiver with vast excite ments, her heart filled with happiness. She felt as though the gates of fortune had been flung wide for her, and in she was blind to any possibility of fail ure, realizing that in her heart of hearts the dance had always lured her and beckoned to her, so that now she went gladly in answer to its call.
 ''The opportunity" repeated Brunei softly.
 Tt is you who are providing that, monsieur, land cannot express my gratitude" She could only reiterate her thanks. She felt she wanted time to think, to get hold of the miracle of 1 it all, to look about her and find her footing. She had, in those moments, no definite vision of the future, not the faintest idea that she would ever rival Lolette but only a hazy per spective of the riches Brunei had men, toned, and as a song in her heart, the assurance that the drabness of the old days must slip from her like a cloak loosened about her shoulders.
 Brunei was still measuring her, and now his eyes were aglow. To her cheeks, born of her excitement, had come little touch of elusive color, pink merging to marble whiteness, and her eyes were like stars, so that she was filled with radiant life, adorable, al- turing. Brunei told himself that even Mordac had never fully appreciated the beauty of this girl, and Mordac had an eye for those things which was second to none in Paris. He trod care fully.
 ''As you say, I provide the opportu- derstand me, whom understand--who newell"
 "Of course, monsieur" She was eager in almost childish fashion, simply reassuring. T know that. But I will work, and I will try to under stand. I will do my best, all my best, always. That would be only due to you for your kindness"
 The pity of this declaration passed Brunei by. He was thinking only of her beauty.
 ''So! Now Lolette and I are good friends. We always have been--from the first. Lolette is one who sees her opportunities and grasps them with both hands. She is a clever, shrewd woman, as well as great Artiste. She realizes that there are certain things which one must accept in life; that good friendship is a thing which tao itly admits of the existence of the com plete confidence and trust"
 "Of course, monsieur" Elise, slight ly cooled now, with her brain steady ing, wondered why Brunei thought 1t necessary to point all this out. Now you are not only clever, but you are beautiful-more beautiful than any woman I have ever known" Into Bruners voice had crept a tremor of