Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-01-04
INSTALLMENT Nv.
An Appeal.

passionate quest of his for
Il L sensation, to feel absolutely
and completely before the
end was finished IN he stIansest AID
most unlikely of places. Her words
had been commonplace enou"h, but I'M
derneath them was that curious
tremor of truth. Her glance might
have been meant to be merely pleas
antly and girishly provocative, yet
To him it carried another message.
lore was madness, ready for the max
ing. Ills prutege, child, trusting in
his word, removed from him by her
youth, by the hard fought struggle of
her life, by every sense of deCency
Yet she had succeeded whilst the
others round him failed hour after
hour lie looked after her as man
may look at the ghost of his vain de-
sires.
There was, after all. some slight de-
lay before Hargrave was able to sum-
mon Mademoiselle Diane from the
game which enthralled her. Caught
up in a little block of people at the en-
trance To the chemin de fer room, he
was suddenly accosted by the woman
who had excited Niolet'S curiosity
II is Sir Hargrave Wendever. is it
not?" she asked with smile. Might
recall myself to your memory? l am
the Marchesa di Bieni."
Nina Won Tolger when I had the
pleasure of meeting you in New
York" he ventured with a bow.
That is really nice of YOU to re-
member" she declared. We met on
the polo ground at Long Island. l
was going to ask you, Sir Hargrave,
If YOU would spare me a moment of
Your time. 1t makes it easier that you
remember. There are two chairs in
the corner there"
She took his acquiescence as a mat
ter of course. and led the way. Har-
grave seated himself in silence. He
was searching his mind all the time
FOR some story which he had once
heard of her, but before he could re-
call it her opening took him by sur
prise.
Il am a woman of cosmopolitan
tastes" she began, "and since I lost
my husband in the war 7 have eX-
tended them perhaps even too widely
] have cosmopolitan friends. Among
them l number Mr.. Andrea Tren-
Iino."
So Violet's story of the cable and
her premonition had been no myth.
1farSraye was startled. but he re.
covered himself almost at once.
Indeed" he murmured Then you
possess one friend upon whom I can
not congratulate you"
What have you against him." she
asked, toying with her fan.
Hargrave's gently raised eyebrows
indicated his establishment.
'Marchesa," he said, ct is some
what early in our acquaintance foi
condolences"
Why should we not talk frankly?'
she persisted. You are "a man, Sir
Hargrave, whom I have long wanted
TO know. | am woman who has the
name of being difficult. l am not diff,
cult with those who are my friends
with those whom l like"
1T has been Andrea Trentino's good
fortune" he asked, Ito discover that?"
She looked at him reproachfully
She had beautiful eyes, and she knew
well how to use them.
THAT is not kind" she protested
Andrea Trentino is a friend without
a doubt, and since my husband s
death-he was killed in the war, as !
dare say you know have needed
friends"
The people surged round them Har.
grave was continually forced to eN.
change remarks with passing &C
quaintances, most of whom were
known also TO the marchesa She be
came impatient.
May L come to see YOU at youl
beautiful villa, tomorrow" she
begged. 'Or will YOU permit me &c
invite you to mine?'
For the moment I regret that
neither is possible" Hargrave replied
Her eyebrows were drawn together
and her lips compressed. The man
had been reputed difficult; he was
more difficult than she had expected
Is it that you are no longer a man
Of gallantry, Sir Hargrave?" she
asked. "Or do come too late upon
The scene?"
Us it matter of that sort
marchesa, which you wish to discuss
with me?"
Her whole face relaxed. Good
humor was best. She laughed softly
You are too clever for me-" she
admitted. Here. then, is my second
method. will say in plain words
what / wish to lead up to. 1 wish to
plead for your grace on behalf OF
Andrea Trentino, and an explanation
as TO what your intentions are"
81 am sorry" Hargrave rejOined
''It is a habit of my life never to talk
business with a lady
Pleasure might creep into our con
Versation," she ventured
lie shook his head.
MY dealings with Mr.. Trentino, OF
which concern Trentino, are con
Quoted between my stock broker and
his representatives in New York anC
Suenos Aires. If it Is your business
YnarcheSa, to ask me TO sell Andre:
Trentino some of his own shares bacl
again, let me tell YOU at once tina
nothing but failure awaits YOU
DO not he so hasty,' she begged
"As yet | have asked nothing. VIII,
do you wish to ruin this man? Gol
Viii not profit by il. You will lose
they tell me. a great deal of money i
YOU persist
II have discounted my probabl
loss" was the equable reply. IF
were twice as great, [ should act pre-
risely as | am acting
She was silent for q moment. Agai