New Britain herald., 1930-04-30
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Synopsis: An atmosphere or "wrongness" IS sensed by Allan Hunt, young antique dealer, the moment he arrives at Dan Para dos secluded estate on San Lucas Island. He notes that Parados, whose art collection Hunt is to ap- praise, terrifies his servants. Hunt is baffled when Parados himself, reputedly wicked man of wealth and hate, becomes mysteriouslE frightened upon finding q certain glass case empty. Parados, say ing he won't be at dinner, sends Hunt to his room. From his win dow Hunt secs q girl proving outside a room where the art is kept. Following her, he inter- rupts her as she cuts the canvas from the portrait of an elderly woman whom the girl resembles. Hunt is smtitcn by the girls hcau- ,tv A door unexpectedly opens and the voice of a man calls. CHAPTER
 MADEMOISELIE EXPLAINS
 A little cgg-shapcd man with a bald pink head was coming to- ward us from the library door. lie had an abundant blond mustach2, and his sparkling china-bluc eyes imparted q Vivacious air to hts physical attributes Parados, l rc- called, had mentioned q M. Fliquo. No harm has been done 10 the picture" I said hastily.
 No harm was intended it. the little man said sternly. "Madcmol- selle will explain, ycs?'
 It was clear that Mademoisclle was unequal 10 explain anything then.
 I'm sure it's not as bad as il lcoks." I said.
 Monsieur is generous the little man chuckled. Tt is not possible you are that M. Morrison of whom Nj. Parados informed me, no?'
 q am AlIln Tunt, the junior partner" I told him curtly. Nor rison is ill"
 "I am astonish'," he exclaimed, But come. Madcmoscllc will cN- plain?'
 T was going to take the portrait, Of course,". the girl said quietly. You might as well tell MT. Para dos"
 M. Parados-um," the little man muttered, Monsieur has - how Nou ?-deputized me to act for him. Mademoisellc will proceed, ycs?"
 She was moving toward th library door when he ran nimbly in front of her.
 "Non, non," inc commanded. "You will explain to Anatolc Flique.'
 And who IS Anatolc Fliquc?'
 "Est-ce possible? Mademoiselle,' said he, France has her Richelicu, her Napoleon, and her Anatoi2 l'lique'
 Who was this absurd little man! And if Parados was still in his library why didn't he come out:
 You must tell me why you de- sire that portrait. mademoisellc."
 Tt happens to be mine"
 Mon Dieu-that old lady. Comc now.''
 "she was my grandmother" the girl said.
 What is your name?" Flique thundered.
 Mademoiscllc smiled dcvastat- irgly. Caroline Brent, monsieur she said. California has hor climate. her Hollywood, and her Caroline Brent, you know"
 Caroline Brent, indeed.
 The grandmerc is madcmoi- selle's, but not the portrait"
 "The portrait, too," Caroline said
 "Eh?" llique's exclamation waS sharp. q do not comprehend"
 T don't complain -understanl that" Carolinos eyes sought min. and I nodded 'I don't complai- that Mr. Parados got the collection It was for sal2-ho bought it-it ls his. But the portrait of Grand mother Caroline was not part of tn Brent collection. It was mina
 "Unfortunately, I had no legd title in my own namc-and the ad ninistrator insisted it belonged tc the Brent collection. never dreamed Parados would not let Iii, have it.
 T saw him in San Francisco. He wouldn't let me have the portrait at any figure. Oh. he was beastly, but l didn't give up hope. so came here this afternoon. | caugh. his launch as it was leaving La Jlaya and brbcd the boatman to bring me. IT saw parados again this afternoon"
 Caroline dropped her eyes.