Evening star., 1931-12-27
Nozv 1t Can Be Told

70 get Sir Thomas to your house in those
first days, unless you knew him WELL was like
putting salt on wild birds tail. But the way
we got him was this
We went to a tea party at the Grand Hotel,
Cap Martin, where think Sir Thomas and
friend were staying at the time, when they were
not on board his yacht.
Evidently he had come to the party against
his WILL He was as nearly cross as he ever al
lowed himself to be. I happened to sit next to
him, which was quite an honor. I suppose
was put there because my husband and I had
just written The Lightning Conductor" which
was in the first rush of its popularity. But
don't think that Sir Thomas had ever heard of
the book. In fact, he was no great reader. He
had too many other things to do to spend his
time over novels, even if they were best sellers
l had heard that Sir Thomas was so witty
In his Irish way, and could be SO delightful
when he wanted to be, that I was quite de-
pressed by his grouchy expression and his al
most complete silence.
He doesn't like ma" 1 thought "and he
doesn't mind showing that he's bored by being
my nelghbor at party he didn't want to
come to-"
But suddenly something which 1 thought
rather funny occurred to me. There were other
drinks besides tea and American drank the
health OF those across the sea-"
And to those half seas over!" said l.
This amused Sir Thomas. He actually looked
at me and laughed Such a rich unctuous
Irish laugh he had.
Whats all this about that Lightning Con-
ductor' of yourS?" he inquired with that broad
accent which had made very large part of his
success in life and society. He didn't pretend
to have been highly born. He was always ready
to tell about his beginnings And if instead of
, being an Irishnlan he had been a Cockney
dropping HIS now and then, he never could
think have attained the friendship of princes
and Kings. He would, of course have been lust
as worthy of it. and might even have been as
fine sportsman-though, surely, something in
his Irish blood made him that But the drop
ping of HIS or putting them in the wrong places
isn't pleasant to hear, whereas a rich Iri.h
brogue is delightful. us your Lightning Con-
ductor' on your house and do you climb I'D it.
your husband waving the Union Jack and YOU
the American flag; what is the thing and
what do you Go with it?' he almost defiantly
wanted to know.
I humbly explained that the thing" was
only story book about various countries, and
motoring and, last, but not least, love-
oh, last but not least!' he repeated well
thats true, in way. But yacht or even
. motor car is the safest object for a mans
love"
Little you think of safety, if your reputa-
tion's true!' exclaimed Il know they saw
that your yacht is your only love- But can't
believe 1t Of real, -blooded man like yeu"
He looked at me again with his light gray
blue eyes, under heavy brows
we've got the cheek of the divil, SO ye have
young woman!" said he, turning on all his
brogue.
Il know I admitted. Where do you get
without cheek"
Dye suppose I keep lovely ladies hidden
On board the Shamrock, and spread me love
between them and me yacht?" he asked
hastened to deny this scandalous accusa-
ton. But as meekly as possible explained my
idea-that once or twice in his life. despite
ali the stories, he must have loved some girl
Or woman
'wen maybe did" he agreed. because 7
can't deny the soft impeachment that I am
man as we'll as yachtsman. But if twas
90 I've had the time to forget it
Perhaps the time. But one doesn't forget,
does one?" persisted boldly.
IL didn't answer then, but turned the subject
to motor cars, having learned the truth
about "The Lightning Conductor"
"Ye ought to go to Colombo he said. TITS
the most beautiful spot on earth, bar none,
and has As good roads as any. Yes, you 30
there. I'll give you introductions
We couldn't go; at the moment we were
interested in the idea of a trip to Egypt. Hear
ing Of this projected journey. Sir Thomas
groaned In rather a mischievous way
Don't you like Egypt?" I asked
Sure an do" said he. "I was Just thinkin'
OF something that popped into my mind, that's
ali. Something to do with trip of mine to
Egypt. In me yacht of course"
will you tell me about it?" begged
II will not" replied Sir Thomas firmly "But
maybe some day if should get to know you
and your husband better, I might give ye q
little tale"
HAS it to do with the love story?" VEN
tured. He shook his big head decidedly.
mo love story O. mine. But I wouldn't ,,ut
it past We to get that out O. me, too. If you
promised ye would not write it up for some
damned newspaper; anyhow, in my lifetime"
I promised that easily
"I'm not even journalist" told him
Before long. while he was living on board
his yacht in Monaco Harbor Cor it may have
been Nice: can't rememberl he WAS ner-