Evening star., 1932-02-28

n forlorn little figure, leaning over
the rail. She Strengthened and
waved good-by-to the world In
general, gallant gesture that masked her real
heartache.
The faces on the pier became indis-
tinguishable blur. AS the boat moved down
the river Penelope stood in the damp air, try
ing vainly to swallow the lump in her throat.
aghast at the thought that Bart had not come!
Hes probably on a new clue concerning
the Sterling robbery. He can't be really angry!
Her lips quivered.
Bart Meade h1- fance and she had quar-
relied She had criticised him in no uncertain
words for his neglect. She had told him that
he was only interested in affairs concerning
his business and his absurd hobby OF private
detective work She had finally told him that
she was going away, going abroad, to give
him plenty of time to study his collection Of
pictures of possible suspects, his stories OF stolen
Jewels and thieves and robbers. Well, ne had
let her 90. And without even woro OF gooo-
byl Tears of self-pity misted her eyes Sne
turned around that no one could see her
emotion and made her way to the almost oe-
sorted how 1t was windy there and too COOL
But she felt that she must pull herself to-
gether.
man suddenly appeared at her elbow
Penelope looked up into sloe black eyes just
now filled with apology for startling her She
noticed his slightly foreign look A vague recog-
milton stirred in her mind surety that sne
had seen him before. quick look TOOK IN
his well-groomed appearance, his cosmopoI-
tan manner
ct beg your pardon!" he stammered.
please don't go!" Penelope hastily said.
"I was Just leaving" She brushed by him.
with a propinp sensation in her mind Of try
ing to place him But she quickly forgot him
as she found the steward and located her room
CNAPPING open her steamer trunk she took
= out becoming gown and hastened to dress.
resolved to rise above her trouble. Pulling on
the emerald ring which Bart had put on her
finger but three months ago, she tucked It
away in the pocket in the bottom of her trunk.
He'll be sorry" she said to herself soberly
az she went to the dining salon, "as I al
ready am
She was assigned a seat at table for two
along the wall. She set aside the bud vase
with its single perfect rose, interestedly looking
around at the gathering crowd. Suddenly her
gaze was drawn to a man in the doorway. The
steward beckoned to him. Penelope saw, with
quickened interest that it was the man whom
she had encountered on deck. He was assigned
to the seat opposite her.
might as well introduce ourselves since
we're to be fellow travellers" he said CONVEX
sationally. I'm Verne Taylor"
She was conscious of the feeling that he
didn't look at all like that prosaic name He
titled foreigner. Again she was aware of vague
recognition.
"I'm advertising agent for Reade & NC
Naughty" he continued, picking up the menu
I'm going to Paris on business for the firm
a new branch Office"
I'm Penelope Allen, private secretary to
Sterling & johnson. I'm having protracted
vacation for three months had planned to
ge to Vermont to rest but-circumstances
changed my plans.
Your first trip abroad?" His eyes
studying the face Of the girl opposite, noting
the wide, blue eyes dominating the pale, Velvety
contours of face whose distinction set her
apart He was conscious of the appeal Of
unshed tears that gave her pathetic sweet
ness. will you let me show you about? I've
crossed any number of times. It's an old
story to me-
Penelope smiled. That's nice OF you
Thanks" she replied.
1t wasn't until they had found two isolated
steamer chairs and had taken possession OF
them that Penelope again thought Of Bart.
He seemed to be receding with the shore line.
I'm not going to NOPE" she thought defantly
She brushed aside truant lock of golden hair
and turned animatedly to her companion.
'T love the wind" she said, her eyes shining
1T seems to blow all worries away!'
THEY talked Of New York. of mutual ac-
quaintances; OF the theater, OF art, finding
that they had many interests in common. He
was q delightful conversationalist, with a keen
sense OF humor, and was seemingly well
read, well educated man.
While he talked, Penelope studied his profile,
trying In vain to think where she had seen him.
DO you know Bart Meade?" she suddenly
asked. He is associated with Horace Sterling,
the Wall Street man"
He was silent for moment. He seemed to
b trying TO place him. "Meade?" thoughtfully
~Yes, think do. He's keen ON secret service
n a amateur way, isn't he? A tall, good
loeking fellow rather stout gray
eyuR"