Evening star., 1928-12-09

last wild party had been her fling be-
fore running away from 1t all.
Meantime there was no immediate
. need for reform. She flirted with all
the young men on the boat and lost
more money than she could afford at
losses and half made up her mind to
stay in her native France once they
were landed.
The last day of her voyage Anne
stood on deck watching for the first
glimpse or the French shore. Her arm
was linked In that of gay young
actor. making his first crossing.
"Of course, you are meeting friends
over there" he said May / call?
viii you tell me where you are stay
ing?"
| She did not want her movements
hampered.
I'm not at all sure of my plans"
| she said. "I am really coming for a
rest. I'm not even shopping this trip.
| Tell me where you will be staying and
II find time I'll drop you note to
call"
Disembarked, Anne asked at the
dock office for a list of the destina-
tions of the France passengers Rich
ard, she learned, had gone to a quiet
hotel. directly from the boat. She felt
sense of relief.
| With Tony to help make the ar
rangements, Anne registered at mod
est pension near Richards hotel and
began her campaign.
| Early the next afternoon. dressed
| quietly, in a walking costume all of
white, large hat casting a becoming
shade over her face, she walked over
to Richards hotel. She strolled past,
searching for some sight of him that
might make chance meeting possi-
BILE. There was no sign of him and
she finally chose frankness as her best
for him, leave her card If he were
out tell him she had learned from a
| mutual acquaintance where he was
stopping throw herself on his mercy
for companionship.
The proprietor was sitting at the
desk. He rose and bowed to Anne.
They spoke in French. Anne hating
ly, he with great fluency and many
gestures.
"I wish to see M. Ross, an Ameri-
can, stopping here" Anne said.
m. Ross? All, the distinguished
| American. But he is not here"
We'll. I'll Just leave card, then
| will you make sure he gets It? !
want to write a message on 1t for
him."
"Ah, but mademoiselle, 1t may be
| days before I can deliver 1t. The
| worthy young man, not expecting so
charming visitor, has departed for
the interior"
Gone away-what do you mean
for good?"
The proprietor shrugged. "That
cannot say. We hold here. hts lug
gage. He has been gone four days.
1t may be he will return In a week
a month"; year am sure he would
selle wished to see him.
Are you holding his room?" Anne
demanded.
"Yes. mademoiselle. I could accom-
| modate you, perhaps, by agreeing to
notify you of his return?"
Anne gave him some money. "If
| you will be so kind"
"And mademoiSelle will be waiting.
Paris is gay. You will not be lonely,
mademoiselle"
Anne thanked him, then: eff you
get word from him that he is COM
ing back will you let me know that,
too?"
Most assuredly."
Anne notified the young actor and
filled In her time of waiting by rush.
ing around with him. Days passed
She did not like to call again at the
hotel. She was sure they would let
| her know when Richard was expected
Two weeks went by and Anne began
to despair. Then one morning there
came a note from the proprietor.
Anne could not read his French
She called Tony. What does this say,
Tony?"
Tony wrinkled her brows and then
translated: 1T says. Respected made
moiselle: The gentleman for whom
you inquired, M. Richard Ross, has
now returned. He arrived this morn