Evening star., 1933-05-08

accurately as Lieut.. LIE Sage had taken
that of the accomplished Riccoh.
Most intriguing.
The moon -d-enched African night
was very hot and very still, the air
electric with presage of thunder; a
brooding, bodeful night disturbing and
unsettling.
do sit down. darling :. Come and
sit here" begged Lieut.. Napoleon Ric-
coli, patting the cushions of the divan
on which he sprawled.
Nine LIE Sage stepped out onto the
ve-anda ana looked forth into the night.
Although the stars are SO huge and
near, and the moon so wonderful, feel
that we're going to have Storm she
said.
IT did not come here tonight . to
discuss the weather" replied Riccoli.
MOP" said Nine. LIE Sage, turning
and cycling her guest steadily.
How extraordinarily handsome he
was, this Corsican, in spite of his high
narrow forehead, too large and limpid
eyes, and girlish mouth. And how ter
ribly charming. in spite of his amazing
conceit and self-satisfaction.
mo" repeated Riccoli. Il did not
come here, and I'll tell you why came" ="
Rising to his feet, Riccoli put his
arms about her. and, as she threw back
her head. whether in invitation or
alarm, drew her to him and kissed her
passionately on the lips.
That's what came for" he said un-
steadily. Now sit down by me, and
I'll give you fu-ther-reasons."
Wiping her lips with tiny lace
handkerchief, Nine. LIE Sage obeyed
Before producing any more-er-
reasons" she said, will you tell me
why you think they should interest
me?"
We'll" drawled the ardent officer,
placing his right arm about the waist
Of his hostess, ''ycu are cle;er woman
as well as lovely one. and I am The
Lieut.. Napoleon Riccoi."
And therefore what else could do
but fall in love with you?" laughed
Nine. LIE Sage.
Precisely, my angel. What else
should happen? fancy I am worthy
of you . And you-are worthy Of
me-"
Have you given yourself the trouble
to consider what might be my hus-
bands views on that?" asked Nine. LIE
Sage.
mo, they do not interest me-"
They might"
THE views Of Lieut.. lie Sage!"
laughed Riccoli.
Still, he is Lieut.. LIE Sage, you know,
and my husband"
But I am Lieut.. Napoleon Riccon,
and your lover"
You are?"
Il am. I declare it here and now.
And I am going to be something even
more than that"
Really? More than. ?"
Yes. More than the good LIE Sage
ever even dreams of being. I am going
to be a great soldier, a general, field
marshal, Conqueror. ="
Nine LIE Sage opened wide eyes of
aariring wonder-of wonder, at any
rate.
Yes. and more than great soldier
IA great leader of men. "A great
ruler. "A dictator. . . Is not this the day
of such men? Look at Russia .Lool,
at Turkey. Look at Spain. Look at
Italy. Look at Poland. Were not
those dictators once ieutenants, and
less than Ieutenants? Was not Primo
Marshal PilGudski once a lieutenant?
Was not Mussolini a corporal? And
what were Lenin and Trotski? Gutter
snipes. -"
And you?" interrupted Nine LIE
Sage, at this, perhaps, unfortunate
point.
II? A Corsican," was the portentous
reply.
Like the other Napoleon" observed
ma6ame.
Like the other Napoleon" agreed
Riccoli.
And, like him, lieutenant.
Poor, obscure, ambitious, but a brain
-. brain. -
And heart" he added, turning to
more immediate matters and Nine. LIE
Sage. Il lay it at your feet, and the
day will come when will lay kingdom
there"
And meanwhile?" smiled Marie lie