Evening star., 1938-01-09
THIS WEEK
Count d'Ambro's Window
ConinAd dkmno
Mosozjns Ssetioi

A woman stepped into the room!
Henri"
AS she cried the name in a way
which combined supplication and hap
piness. her expression changed. She
was one of those slender brunettes
with an ivory white complexion; her
dark eyes were her outstanding fea-
ture - they were magnificent. She
wore a very simple summery frock,
and her slim bare arms would have
arrested the attention of a sculptor.
Now. she was hopelessly confused as
she looked from face to face.
Count d'Ambro had sprung forward
as if to intercept her She had waved
him aside. She stared at Trevvy.
You have his voice. his Gascor|
accent" she went on. II thought -
Trevvy stepped forward and bowed
in that courtly manner which must bd
a heritage, for it has no part in the life|
of today Madame du Bartas." I'D
said, perhaps my Gascon accent may
be traced to my Gascon ancestor.
accept your words as compliment.
But what is all thisw Coun
d'Ambro exclaimed angriIy. What
the meaning of this intrusion? Have
been talking to an impostorw
mo, no." Madame du Bartas said
and touched his arm. II was so fright
ened - but now l think l under
stand" She turned to Trevvy. "Yo{
are friend of Henri's l thought
knew all his friendsr'
II am one of his friends, dea
Madame. who has not hitherto had tn
pleasure of meeting you. My name
Bernard de Treville Count upon m
as you would count upon him."
He raised her outstretched hand an,
kissed it. Count d'Ambro watched tn
salute with set face, and then: "
regret to pronounce the words" h
said. "but l suspect you are liar"
Madame du Bartas sprang forwar,
- so did l. Trevvy never stirred.
IL don't believe" he replie
smoothly. that this is the time for m
to answer that remark. Something ia
more serious than my personal dignit
is at stake" He turned to Madame.
"As your husbands friend, l sha
always of course be a diplomat - 70
l know little of human life But if
am to put his mind at ease. perhaps
since have this gentleman with me
you would give us your confidence:
He presented me to Madame d
Bartas with all the formality of a cour
official. She smiled - it was a nervou
smile - extended her hand. which
kissed tremendously. Count d Ambrd
grimacing sardonically. gave no sig
of acknowledgment.
II am peculiarly interested" b
said. ito find myself in the presence
a soldier who submits to insult"
"Overlooking for a moment"
Treville went on, twirling his monocl
around an extended forefinger, "th
deplorable behavior of the gentlema
in whose company ! find you, may
ask for the facts, Madame du Bartas
l am convinced that I could presen
them to your husband in a manne
which should satisfy him."
please. please" she cried. ''Promis
me that you will say nothing to him
nothing! Captain de Treville -"
Major, dear Madame"
Forgive mer Her eyes opened j
a startled way. You are his senio
officer! Yet he has never spoken Of yo
in his letters! Oh, Major! 1t woul
break his heart - he would neve
understand! You know him! l canno
make out how you came to be here :
someone must have told him! You ar
a man. l despair of convincing you
But l am truly, truly not to blame
You could not have come at worse
- she paused, grasped de Treville
hand - "or at a better momentr
THE situation grows more an
more amusing" said Count d'Ambrt
"An officer claiming field rank, VIII