Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-23
The Grzmlna/ Gang KVns
LARGE and There Nus but a
Single CIue-H Is a Story
THAT Nil Thrill You to the
By E. Philips Oppeuheim.

souff1e of some sort, and wound up with
cheese. She finished her pint Of champagne
early in the meal and called for another and
after each course she summoned Louis. Even
at that short distance, and although I was
frankly disposed to play the part of eavesdrop-
per, could hear nothing that passed between
them, for her voice rose scarcely above
whisper. One thing, however, was obvious
So far as 1t was in her nature to be gracious,
she was gracious to Louis She patted him
upon the arm, there were little gestures, smiles
and meaning glances that clearly indicated her
prediction. Louis forced smiles to his lips,
replied with almost CHASTITY politeness to her
confidential speeches. Each time he escaped
the proximity of her chair, it seemed to me
that he avoided meeting my eyes. When
left. Louis was lurking just outside, behind the
orchestra.
took him by the shoulder, and made him
pass across the threshold with me-
What is the matter with you, LOUISE" I
asked bluntly.
1.-The grippe" he began
Don't tell me anything more about that
grippe" interrupted. You're i'll mentally
What is it?"
He groaned.
ITS nothing, monsieur" he assured me.
who is that terrible old woman?"
He shivered.
ut is Madame la Comtesse de Granent. Very
in the hotel. She has a servant to wait when
she dimes in her salon, maid for herself,
maid for the dog, two chauffeurs and secre-
tary. She is very rich-a wonderful clientl"
"A widow" I inquired.
Louis inclined his head Some visitors had
just arrived. He seemed to welcome the chance
of escape.
you will excuse me- sir" he begged. ct
hope we will see you again before long"
THREE days later I approached the restau-
rant. For once, Louis was not upon the
threshold to meet me. gathered the reason
as soon as entered. was little later than
on my previous visit, and Madame L. Com
Jesse was already monopolizing his attention.
Upon the cushioned chair by her side sat her
Pekingese, opposite her O thin, sallow-faced
youth, foppish and bejeweled, and by his side
an elderly man, carefully dressed and possessing
q distinctly legal and slightly pompous air.
Presiding over the service of the feast-and
from what could see it was indeed q feast
was Louis, who scarcely found time to cast o
glance In my direction
"And how is he today. Monsieur LOUISE" I
inquired Of the barman.
Just the same, sir" the man replied pour
ing out my cocktail.
Madame Ia Comtesse has company" re-
marked
Charles looked down the room
THAT Is her secretary" he confided. HE
ScuCEalIy HAS AfS Mie&AS IN the nOtel, OUT OCCa-
sionally Madame invites him to lunch The
gentleman opposite is her lawyer. He comes
over once week from Marseille"
caught the upward glance of Madame as
Louis bent toward her, and saw his little shiver
OF aversion as he turned away.
why, Charles" demanded, docs Louis
allow himself to be worried to death by that
woman?"
The barman spread out his hands
"1f were Louis, I should go mad. She
sends for him at all hours of the day and
night. She will not be served by anybody else.
It is true that her bills are enormous but it
is not Louis who gets the profits"
~ suppose she gives good tips" ventured.
Charles became impressive.
every Monday morning there are 20O-franc
notes for me- What Louis gets no one can
imagine, but besides money he has had,
know, gold cigarette case, platinum watch
and chain, and two sets of studs 1t is q
conquest Louis has made sir. without doubt"
"a conquest that seems to have cost him
something" remarked dryly.
just at that moment Louis caught sight Of
me, and with a menu In his hand, came hurry
ing forward The change in him was more
obvious than ever. His smile of welcome was
forced. I noticed that the fingers that. held
the menu were trembling.
well, what have you for me today LOUISE"
I inquired