The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1924-10-23


cepyrisht b. Little. Brown and Co.
Lord Dombey's invitation. Think how
much we are suffering from the heat.
Think of our stuffy room, our unspeak-
able dinner! In short, ! insist"
"If you will allow me, will call for
you at q quarter to eight" Gerald pro-
posed, turning to Madame de Poniere.
Madame de Poniere hesitated for an
other moment. Perhaps 1t was some
thing In the almost boyish quality OF
Gerald's eagerness which decided her.
This Englishman was at any rate no
boulevardier.
1--WE will await you at that hour"
she replied II trust" she added, after
a moments pause, that you will not
consider my hesitation In any way dis
courteous. There are reasons which
make 1t difficult for my niece and my
self to accept hospitality"
Gerald bowed low, and, acting on q
momentary impulse. raiaed madame's
fingers to his lips. She yielded them
naturally enough. but with little
glance around. almost Of fear. Made
moiseIle also extended her finger tips.
He took his leave and was received by
Christopher, who was waiting for him,
with gaze almost Of astonishment.
Gerald was holding himself differently,
his eyes were filled with luster which
they had lacked for months, he was
smiling again In his old manner.
my dear fellow" Christopher ex-
claimed, what on earth has hap
penedr
THAT old devil has recognized my
existence at last" Gerald declared. II
had almost to force myself upon her.
Chris, they're dining with me tonight!"
Before you say another word"
Christopher enjoined, II want you to
look at the man on that seat by the
side of the tree. Look at him care
fully, please"
The two young men slackened their
pace. The person whom Christopher
Indicated was man Of medium
height, dressed. Notwithstanding the
heat of the day, In somber black
clothes, and wearing black bowler
hat. He was dark, ant he was, or at
fected to be, reading book. His COM
pIexion was sallow and he wore a
slight black mustache. His hair was
unusually long and even covered q
portion of his ears.
"Well, see him." Gerald admitted.
"Not much to look at. Looks like one
Of the chaps who 60 In for this tub
humping up at the far end"
HE came from that way" Chris
TOPPER said. but the reason I am point
Ing him out to you is because he ap-
peared to recognize your two friends
at the same instant that you did. He
was walking down between that last
row of chairs. Directly he saw them,
however. he stood quite still for a
moment. He seemed almost as
knocked over as you were. Then he
skunk back into that chair and he
has been watching them ever since"
Gerald attached no undue i'm.
portance to the affair.
"Tll tell them about 1t this evening,
II I can remember" he promised.
"Chris, did you ever know such luck
She Is more wonderful that ever. No
wonder I could never get the feeling
Of her out Of my blood the thought
Of her from my brain Her eyes
Chris. did you ever see such eyes in
your life?"
"Kind Of hazel. aren't they?" Chris
topher hazarded.
"You asst" Gerald declared con.
temptuously. They're brown-the
most glorious shade Of brown l ever
saw. I'm going to call for them In
South Kensington at quarter tG
eight, Chris. We're going to dine al
Ranelagh."
$50 you told me-" Christopher OBJ
served, smiling.
Gerald's radiant happiness was MOI
Cor moment disturbed. He tool
OhristOpher's arm. "Chris, l know
now what has been the matter will
me all Of these months. / knew 4
directly I saw her sitting there. tired
and miserable, under the trees.
came up against the real thing ant
never knew 1t. am In love Will
Pauliner'
Pauline leaned back in her chat
with q little murmur Of content
Through the dropping branches Of tn,
great plane tree was a fascinatin,
little vista Of scarlet-clad orchestra
Of the terrace with it's curving row
Of lights, the little groups Of psopl
sitting about, the walters In thsi
quaint liveries. A breeze rippled Il
the tree tops. After the heat Of Lon
don, 1t was wonderful respite.
"YOu are very kind" she murmurs
TO Gerald, ito bring US here"
II was very fortunate to meet you,
ho declared. Don't you think, afts
MI the Encouragement have n
eeiyed. 1 was very brave to come an
beard your aunt?"
"Not 80 very" she answered. Nv
were two defenseless women, YER
nd and weary with life" -
II wish,". Gerald said dsiioeratsl,
sxa.k .,~r -ovJA fall ma more abcu