Evening star., 1936-10-18

was rather more than half accom-
plished when my high spirits and my
appetite simultaneously waned. I
leaned across towards my sis-6-sis.
Julie" I conhded. Il have a fear"
''And /. too" she agreed.
They suspect us. The Comtesse
has twice turned her head. The old
man broke off just now in the middle
Of a sentence"
took up the wine card and dis
cussed for some minutes with our
attentive somsssiisS the relative merits
of a Berncastler Doctor a trifle too
young and an older, mellower Pie
sporter. Whilst ! waited for the mans
opinion. l glanced once more at that
small party Of three at the next table.
l sighed as l handed back the wine
list and decided in favor Of the Pie
sporter. For once ! had failed Louis.
by the holy. but it's himself -
himself that's found his way to the
great cityr There was a sudden. al
most violent change in the atmos-
phere of arti6ciality by which we had
been surrounded. The voice Of the
man who had paused at the next table
was full of genuine surprise.
Its meself that's glad to see ye."
he went on heartily, addressing the
Chevalier.
There was no necessity for any
further disguise on our parts. A dozen
people besides ourselves had turned
round at the sound of that rolling
voice with its not unmusical brogue
and. to be honest, mellowed by just
the slightest trace of alcoholism.
There were others who took note of
the silent fury in the face of the man
who had been so suddenly accosted.
''Shure. ye never paid US the visit
ye promised" the newcomer went on.
shaking his head reproachfully. Its
threatin' us badly. we've been.
The Chevalier had shrunk back a
little against the wall. The Comtesse
began to talk. She laid her hand upon
the visitors sleeve. and his swing
round towards her gave US a better
view. He must have been six foot
three at least and broad - large
everywhere - in proportion. He was
wearing a roughly made suit of grey
tweed. out Of shape as though he had
been travelling in it all night, and his
hair was of that dull shade of red
which defies all efforts Of tonsorial
restraint. The coldness of his reception
seemed to astonish him.
But what's the mather wild me
having a word wild the ould gintle-
man?' he demanded of the Comtesse.
He had plinty to say that last time
in Paris, and when he rode round me
own bit of harbor in motor launch.
We have had important doings to
either. Countess. Ye wouldn't have
me pass him by without word?
MY uncle" the lady explained
eagerly. ''is just recovering from an
illness. He is not allowed to converse
with anyone about business"
''And more's the pity" the large
man exclaimed. 1--WE lashin's of salt
wather to spare"
The Comtesse rose to her feet. She
had let her theatre coat fall back and
in her simply made but daringly cut
gown, with her smooth blond hair
and her deep-set eyes. she was prob
ably the most attractive woman in
the room. She looked up at this
troublesome Goliath and smiled.
Leave this to me, Mr.. O'Grady. she
begged. I'VE will 60 into the hall and
listen to the music for few minutes"
An immense smile broke across the
mans face. He looked down at the
Comtesse in undisguised admiration.
and then willingly followed her out
of the dining room.
The opportune moment for my
own intervention had now definitely
arrived. pushed back my chair and
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