The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1928-02-16

part with some mistaken idea of bene-
fitting him.
Fabien was so impatient to see Ma
non that the early hours of evening
dragged into an eternity. The result
was that long before the Frascati was
in full swing Fabien arrived. 1t was
his debut to the gambling clubs of
Paris.
AS he descended the wide marble
staircase his slender figure, so ele-
gantly attired in rich black velvet and
priceless lace frills, formed flatter-
ing contrast with the light, gaily col
ored costumes of the players.
Fabien's face was pale. He wound
among the tables, slowly, searching
for Manon. He was oblivious to every
thing until he realized that it was too
early for the real habitues of the place
He must wait still longer.
Gradually he awakened to the
beauty of the room. Dazzling crystal
chandeliers reflected the sparkle from
hundreds of burning candles and cast
brilliant glow upon the white
wigged people and the jewelled wo-
men, Liveried servants kept the beak-
ers filled with rich cherry colored
| wine. And at Various gaming tables
men and women were playing escaret,
roulette and baccarat while others
stood about watching or waiting for
an Inspiration before placing their
| money.
a we'll known figure in the night life
At one of these tables stood Mana,
of Paris. Her years-one could not
guess just how many-had carried
her through whirlwind of emotional
experiences and prepared her to cope
with any situation that might arise as
the result of her adventuresome ca
reer. She was passionate, and enthu-
siastic about anything that according
to her code promised profitable re-
turns.
Mana was one of the first in the
room to notice Fabien. Always alert
for new victim she sensed in this
sad eyed, handsomely attired gentle
man youth who appeared capable
of gratifying her senses and filling
her purse.
AS Fabien strolled curiously toward
the roulette table, Mana made room
for him at her side. He accepted the
space and piqued her pride by not ans
wering the bold challenge in her eyes.
The truth of the matter was that
he was not even aware of her pres
ence. Fabien belonged to that very
rare class of one woman men. Not
even the wiles and arts of Mana could
for moment make him forget Ma
non. The immodest lure of this wo-
man might ensnare many men but
fablen's love made him immune to
her artful wiles.
Mana misjudged him. He appeared
too young to have experienced a pas
sion SO memorable that other loves
promised nothing in comparison. It
was characteristic of Mana to think
bit ahead and make plans for the lat
ter part of the night while the field
of selection was as yet untouched by
other hunters.
Leaning toward Fabien she pressed
against him with her barred shoulder,
smiling invitingly into his eyes and
turned the soft part of her arm to-
ward him as if urging an embrace.
Diverted for the moment from OBJ
serving the spinning roulette wheel,
Fablen turned to see if he was in any
ones way Mana caught and held his
glance. Hard kisses trembled on an
even harder mouth Fabien saw and
was not tempted. With as polite
bow as his disgust would permit he
stepped away from Mana as if to give
her more room, then circling the table
he availed himself of the first vacant
place and again intently watched the
wheel.
For the first time in years the col
or mounted to Nana's cheeks; but it
was not flush of modest beauty
hat would have been impossible for
Nana-it was flash of furious an
ger. She watched Fabien through mar
'owed lids that trembled until bits of
leavy cosmetic fell from her lashes,
Ter smiling lips concealed set teeth
and a resolve to make that infant
suffer" for his insult, or so Mana
5ermed his Indifference.
Noticing Faben's intentness the
said, politely, "Try your
uck, m'sieur, by betting on the age
If your sweetheart"
Fabien hestitated, bitter smile on
lis face. Then he reached in his peck
1t and taking out couple of louis
balanced them meditatively in the
,alm of his hand for a moment be-
ore tossing them on the table as he
aid, Eighteen"
Eighteen That is diyinely young"
his came from an elderly gentleman
Who had been Nana's companion on
eyeral occasions in the past.
Mana heard and it did not serve to
essen her anger. The thought of
'irl of eighteen succeeding where she
lad failed was bitter dose.
Fabien did not hear the gentleman's
Comment, he did not even pay any
h. A. 1,4L1a |