Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-31

NJ ARTIN found an unexpected
AZ sense of pleasure in his return
vi to his rooms, the services a
i i .TeWson the QuietneSS. tbs
piles OF books still waiting &c
BE- put in their places. the sense OF
freedom and weilbaine in those neatly
arranged evening clothes, and of indie
p5ndence inStilled by the sight OF his
we'll filled pocketbook There had come
10 him on the road back from Norwich
q vivid recollection of those former
rooms of his in King street, the hard
faced Iandlaoy, the iron bedStead. the
d.ngy Sitting room with its strip Of car
pet still redolent with the odors of
past meals. which he shared with other
lodgerS of unprepoSSeSSing manners and
appearance. The contrast between that
environment and his present one was
marvelouSly invigorating. Unconscious
". il ministered to his self respect. He
dressed for the evening and sent jew
son for a taXicab with some faint re-
neWal OF that spirit of adventure never
altogether dormant In his selection
of a restaurant he was swaved by vary
Ing impulses He was conscious Of a
distinct revulsion OF feeling against the
haunts Of Gerald Garnham and his
friends On the other hand, the
thought Of the less expensive and
noiSier places where he had been ac-
cuStome6 to disport himself in the old
0ayS was utterly unattractive. He
compromised in favor of a club res
taurant which he had recently joined, |
6 place largely patronized by the cinema /
and theatrical professions. but with /
also a leaven of the other world, at /
tracted by its excellent cuisine and the /
shelter of its BohemianiSm. Arrived |
there, he left his coat and hat with
the attendant and descended the stairs
into the famous bar for a cocktail. He
chose the end stool. and, having given
his order, glanced casually enough at,
his neiehborS A moments amazed in
credulity was followed by real start
as realization asserted itself. Seated
within few feet of him. side by side
and as vet apparently ignorant of his
coming, were Victor Porle and Solomon
Crauns.
Again he felt a Renaissance of
that sense OF mystery. that interest in
these two men which was distinctly
tempered with some sort OF apprehen-
sion. Both we're dressed in dinner
clothes. we'll fitting and we'll made. and
the other details Of their toilettes were
in accordance with the fashion OF the
moment Both were eXcellently Golf
{ured. The hand of Victor Porle. rest
ing upon the counter. betrayed the re-
cent attentions of the manicurist. Yet
there was something queer about them,
some naneleSS, incomprehensible diff
ference between them and the other
loungers.
In the midst Of his absorbed specu-
lations they simultaneously recognized
him. With great elaboration. Victor
porle left his stool, paused for a mo-
ment, as though he were in the act Of
attempting to walk a tigntrope. and
then came around to Martins side.
I am glad to see you, son-in-law,"
be said.
Il am afraid" Martin replied, that
dent feel exactly the same way about
The newcomer seated himself upon
facant stool.
That" he observed. lis unfortunate.
,ut easily understood. We will drink q
ogether"
Martin was on the point OF indicat-
ng his still half filled glass. but act
ng upon a sudden resolution. he
hanged his mind.
Thank you," he replied. Il will take
Martini What about your friend?"
There seemed to be some sort of per-
ect understanding between this quaint
danced across and Solomon Graunt at
nee approached them. He dragged
tool to Martins other side
We seem TO have knack of meet
ng ycu. my young friend" he re-
marked.
1t appears so" Martin agreed
Victor Porle ordered the drinks.
hen he turned toward Martin.
Where is my daughter" he de-
handed
She is not with me" y
You are IN London alone and so
ately married."
4 am II London alone" Martin
cquiesced.
Victor Porle tapped his forehead for =,