Evening star., 1928-08-30

THE FORTUNATE WAYFARER
By Z. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
cpnsmb b E np

Bp E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIW

/ you are what / would call very. veri
| unenterprlSiug,
He leaned over her, until his lip'
| almost touched hers. She did moi
finch. There was touch OF tht
former tenderness IN her eyes.
IF you kiss me-. she whiSpert q
every one will see. Then you viii
have TO declare that you are my hus-
band and Gerald will want TO kill you,
Il forgot Gerald" he admitted draw
ing little away,
so did l." she confessed Give me
a cigarette. please find it very anus
ing 10 sit here in this beautiful twilight
and fiirt with husband"
That's all very well for you" he
complained. You were born TO fiirt
as you were to dance and make muse
but what about me?"
For you" she said, ''in your posi-
ton, there are many possible things
The English law is very favorable for
the husband, is 1t not? II ] fiirted
with you and you felt a pain in your
heart for me. you could throw ME over
yolg shoulder take me 10 your car and
drive me away with you to the edge ot
the world~-or wherever you pleased ="
He shook his head.
(IQ-tdSItlQilEO, ANOh
adays no husband attempts anything
except with his wife'S consent"
The old days We're more romantic, "
She sighed,
Besides. he reminded her. there Is
Gerald"
Yes. there is Gerald" she reflected.
Il have fiirted with him. too Il is
not so amusing. though, for he responds
too quickly Sometimes. she added de-
murely. "knowing that / am married
woman"
She broke off in her sentence with q
little gesture of unmistakable annoy
ance. Gerald had come lounging down
the terrace and was now within a few
feet of them.
We talk again, soon. please" she
whispered Il have yet to tell yol
what I think of your leaving me as
you did"
Aren't I being little neglected."
Gerald drawled, You promised me a
dance half an hour ago!"
She rose to her feet.
There have been things I had to
say to Mr. Martini she conf1ded
They are not quite finished yet. but
viii dance with you and talk to him
again afterward.
She departed with little glance
over her shoulder and backward we've
of the hand. On their way down the
terrace they stopped to speak 10
Blanche. AS soon as they had left
her, she came down and took Laurita s
vacant chair.
Aren't you making things rather
complicated for yourself. Martini" she
asked him quietly
II don't know. that I have great
deal to do with it," he answered.
"Laurita asked me to dance and
brought me out here. She has simply
been trying to amuse herself with me. !"
Adam" Lady Blanche scoffed.
Seriously. though, Laurita. with her
disposition and temperament. is great
responsibility. She needs some one TO
look after her more than any one
know. and / don't think Gerald viii
ever be able to do it,"
Are you suggesting" he demanded,
that I should?"
There have been times" she said
gravely. when have seen you look
as though you might not find it very
irksome task
"Laurita, when she likes" he replied,
"can be extraordinarily attractive
Shes quite capable of turning stronger
heads than mine
1T would be her salvation" Lady
Blanche continued thoughtfully. Were
you serious, / wonder. Martin. in what
you told me about that other attach
ment?"
Absolutely" he answered without
hesitation.
There was Siienee-almost unduly
prolonged few moments which re-
manned by themselves for all time l.:
the storehouse of Martins memory. A
nightingale was singing In the woods
below: the music of waltz. played dis
tractingly and with perfect rhythm by
the little orchestra inside, fioated
through the open window. The air
was soft and -warm-heavy with the
perfume Of some exotic night flower at
the foot of the terrace. Blanche rose
to her feet and fingered for moment
in the light streaming out through one
OF the French windows. 1t seemed to
Martin that there was a new serious
ness in her face.
1T Is pity" she murmured as they
strolied down the terrace.
Martin and Lady Blanche Parry Words.
so you won't stay another day or