The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-15
One Year To, Live
By JOHN HUMTER

1 work preceding the premiere, been so kind, so sure in his criticisms and judg- ment, so sustaining in his advice, that she forgot that first interview she had with him. and credited him fully with the best intentions. And it is all due to you. Had you not helped me as you did I should never have done it."
 Brunei was now too fully aware of her character to plunge in hastily. He smiled deprecatingly.
 "I worked as much for myself as for you. My success was bound up in yours. And, after all, the work is your own. It is you who have made it. have only stood by and helped to make the way smooth for you from the abundance of my experience"
 She would not have that. She in. sisted that it was due to Brunei. Bru- nel was pleased to accept her reitera- tion. He wanted her to think that. He wanted her to labor under the delusion that she was his to make or break with a word.
 "Now," he said. Whoever may have been responsible, the fact remains that La Phalene has arrived. She is a per son of distinction with a certain social responsibility devolving upon her. This little suite here is not the place to house the most famous woman in Paris. I have rented an apartment for you behind the St. Honore, overlooking the Champs Elysees, quite close to my own house."
 She looked a little hesitant at this, and questioning. He went on smoothly, explaining away her doubts with his next few words.
 "I have taken the liberty of using your name in arranging the lease, act ing, in fact, as your agent, and It but requires your signature and your de- posit to clinch the deal"
 She was obviously relieved. She had not wanted Brunei to find her home in his own name; but that he should act as her agent, that it should all be above board, with her name figuring and her money meeting the bill-then it became just a kindness, little cour- teous forethought, which she appre- ciated immensely.
 "The apartment" continued Brunei, ''is empty. l could have rented it fur nished, but presumed you would rather furnish it yourself. That is for you to decide"
 q shall furnish it myself" she said. ''I should rather like to see it." s
 My car is at the door. Let US run down."
 They went together in Brune's big Delage. The apartment was beautiful, wonderful suite of rooms decorated in the fashion Louis Quinze, overlook ing the cool leafiness of the Elysee, shadowed, dignified, wanting only sure hand in furnishing to make them a home of dreams.
 Elise was pleased. Now that she had definitely plunged into this new life sshe was determined to live it to the full.
 As they left Brunei said: "There is one thing more. Tonight-and I take no denial-you and sup together after the show to celebrate the glorious vic tory. You will leave all the arrange ments to me, for it is to be my night, my tribute to your success"
 She was too bewildered and shaken to think about it. It was all sd won derful, so incredible, so glorious. She assented without thought.
 Brunei smiled. He had to act swiftly, act before she had realized her potential ities, and this, he thought, was his chance. There would be the intoxica- tion of a second night of triumph the supper, the lights, the wines Things went well.