The Glenwood post., 1924-09-18
Chapter WI

Chapter VII
Gerald ordered the dinner and the
wine. Then he started the conversa-
tion with a somewhat abrupt question.
"Chris," he asked, exactly what dc
you think of Mademoiselle de Pont-
ere?"
81 don't know her." Christopher re.
minded him.
"As matter Of fact, neither do r."
Gerald declared, little bitterly. "She
permitted me to Introduce myself down
on the sands below the villa, and she
has been for ride with ME in the car
every afternoon since; yet she does
this secretly. and If meet her with
her aunt am not allowed to speak to
her or to expect recognition. l am
not permitted to call at the villa, l
don't know where they come FROM 1
don't know even her nationality. 1
flatter myself that for my few but
well-spent years I have seen some
thing of the world and its mares, but
honestly cannot place these two
women"
"What is mademoiselle's attitude
toward you when you are aloney'
Christopher asked.
"Ridiculously reserved" Gerald an
swered. II once touched her fingers
and thought she would have struck
me- Humiliating though It may be, I
am half inclined to, believe that It is
the motoring alone which attracts her
in the slightest degree. and that rep
resent very little more to her than the
man who Is driving tile car" ,,--.
Their conversation was nr0mentnrfly
interrupted by the.arrival in the place
of newcomer. strnnger to both the
young men. He was tall and broad
shouldered. sallow-skinned. with a
mass Of black hair, good features, but
with hard, almost brutal mouth. I'm.
mediatery he had been relieved of hi,
coat, he made his way to the bar
drank two cocktails in rapid success
sion and lit cigarette. Then he wan.
dered to the table adjoining the one III
which the two young men were seated
and. having given his order for dinner
busied himself making calculation
upon some scraps Of paper which Ae
tore up as soon as they were hlled with
figures. Gerald spoke to the walter
who served them, with whom he wal
wen acquainted. ff.-.l'
"A stranger here, CharlesY
The man glanced over his shoulder
and lowered his tone.
"A Russian gentleman, mflord." ha
ANNOUNCED, staying at the Hotel de
Paris-Monsieur Zhbif, he calls HIM
SELF. They say that be has been play
ing very heavily"
-Russians who play high are nc
grent novelty here" Gerald remarked
under his breath. There are not X
many Of them with money, nowadays
though. Chris" he went on, AZ thu
man left them, you asked yesterday
what was the matter with me. IN tel
/ you. It's this uncertainty about Made
ms1seile de Poniere: ms an absolute
torment to me. It's getting On m!
nerves."
us 1t the character and reputation o.
these ladies' concerning which you can
not make up your mind, or Is It made
nnoiselle's lack of; reclprocation to you
evertures which you find dlstressinSs
For G-d's sake, chuck that legs
tosh!" Gerald begged Its both r.
Christopher laughed quietly. Their
were people who called Gerald tn
most spollt young man in Loador
and his present predicament bad It
humorous side. Gerald himself mad
a little grimace.
"It's all very well, Christopher" b
said, but i am great deal too nes
being In earnest over this. Pull you
self together and suggest soms, way {
getting hold Of the truth"
"If the girl herself won't help yon
. Christopher replied. ''how CEN anyor
else7"
II suppose you're right GerAlA .
sented gfoomfly.
The place had become very csOwds
, indeed "A small orchestra was pla
ing in the far corner. Several urs
I tached young ladies, who preserved Z
air Of naughty Indifference towar'
/ the company generally, but seemed
E be on remarkably good terms with Il
4 head waiter. had brought color in
the little assembly. The large m,
|. who was reputed to be q Russian hl
o called for pen and ink and, bstwe'
q the courses, was writing letter. n
maitre d'hotel. who knew 0sral
q stopped and whispered IN his ear.
r Monsieur zubln, the large genfl
. man you asked me about, miltsd-'
, announced, "has Just won two niiii'
al francs over at the casina aane