Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-02-04

Eargrave were seated. His express
sion, though apparently composed,
was subtly menacing. Nina. on the
other hand. upon whom his eyes were
fixed. showed more than a trace Of
some nervous pleasure. Her lips
they were indeed beautiful lips-were
parted in the most gently provocative
Of smiles. Her eyes at the same time
babe the newcomer welcome. assured
him Of her own complete content with
life and defied him. He stood before
their table in the careless attitude Of
an acquaintance who pauses to ex-
change amenities. Nevertheless, Har-
grave watched his tH'itching hands
closely.
May I offer congratulations" he
ventured softly.
II, for my part, accept them gladly.
Andrea" Nina replied.
"A little tableau prepared, perhaps,
FOR my edification?" he continued,
turning toward Hargrave.
Hargrave toyed with his wine glass.
1t amused him more to listen.
''On the other hand" Nina con-
fided. Il should have chosen a quieter
place for this wonderful dinner. It is
here alone, however. that one can find
the mousse de volatile prepared by an
artist. No, my dear Andrea, you are
think Of you. We We're naterialists
enough to seek for the perfect dinner
You. l trust, have also enjoyed
yours"
For a moment Hargrave feared for
her. Trentino'S composure momentarily
deserted him. His eyes glittered like
spots Of coal-black fire as he leaned
forward. Hargrave. apprehending in
Stinctively the nature Of the outburSt
u,,11y@
ering lips, also leaned slightly for
ward. tense. the veins on the back of
his right hand standing out. 1t was
as though he heard beforehand words
which no man can hear addressed to a
woman without retaliation. Trentino
grasped the situation and paused.
Notwithstanding the storm which
ragged within him, he realized what
the words he longed to utter might
cost him. He moistened his lips and
drew a little breath.
There is a small place up the hill."
he said, where, they tell me, the chef
Is eve q . greater artist"
He bowed rather like a marionette-
a stiff, expressionIess gesture-turned
away and rejoined his companions,
who were waiting for him at the door
The little lines about Hargrave's eyes
deepened. He smiled across the table.
Nina" he conf1ded, 81 am indeed
grateful to you. One felt in those few
seconds that anything might happen
Hargraye was conscious of q sensa-
ton of immense relief. almost of
lightheartedneSS, as he walked slowly
along the corridor from the Hotel de
Paris to the Sporting Club. His din
ner, although at times it had amused
him, had seemed to him On the whole
somewhat unworthy function. He
was glad 1t was over, prepared. If nee
essary, to abandon his dilettante
vagueness and as gently but firmly
as he could let Nina di Bieni under.
stand the truth. He felt the impa-
thence of a boy to meet with Violet,
who had promises to be in the club.
In the meantime he was at peace with
all the world. He even returned the
pressure of Nina's arm as she leaned
against him.
please do not hurry" she begged.
I'm a moment we shall be among the
crowds. Our dinner has been Won
derful. but this is our last minute of
solitude and you have said nothing
not one Of the things which woman
wants to hear from one man."
"a man has. alas, but one heart,
he confided.
"I wonder how many of the So
called lovers here realize that such a
thing as q heart exists?' she demand
ed. "They turn to their womankind
as they turn to their golf. their cock.
tails. or any of the light diversions OF
life. They never even think of allow
ing the claims of one woman to in
terfere with their diversions with an
other. You used a strange word, dear
friend. One loves in Monte Carlo with
out a heart
Aren't you little cynical?" he ven
tured.
Men have done their best to make
me So" she replied. II cared for him
Of course, in a way; but how much OF
heart do you suppose Andrea Trentinc
ever showed me? He was a man OF
sentiment when 7 first knew him, be
! fore misfortune made him cauous-