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Show 10r 1922. omance of aAIillion Dollars Kindly excuse an unsigned me, your truly, TEE STORY THUS FAR. n RESTS millions m re held in trust by his widow for two nephews. Brock end West, and a niece, Bella. They are to divide the fortune provided none commits a crime and Brock has ' been reared Mrs. thief! jewels, valued at fiOOjDOO, are stolen and tlOOJUOO and tome genu disappear from beneath Mrs. Dunbarton-Kent- s pillow . Brock and a mysterious Mrs. Smith art suspected, but he deMrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t nies alL centers her efforts on recovering the gems and Into this protecting the family name. atmosphere of mystery and suspicion walks Y not, and .Blue IUdboa USBARTOM Brant-OUci- lovable Marie Angouleme to become Dunbarton-Ken- t. chauffeuse- - for---- - Mrs. Gradually Mane learns the family secrets and, despite herself, falls in love with the despised Brack. She discovers a love affair between Bella and Allen Colfax, a third nephew; receives a proposal from s reWest, and, at Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- ? quest, becomes a member of the family. Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t arranges a party to and, incidentally. bring Mrs. Brant-Olwi-n Mane into the fold of the socially elect, and to win the former's friendship against the day of the dreaded revelation Brack and Mrs. Smith vanish. West, Mrs. Dunbarton-Keand their advisers, make plans to pay 450,000 for the return of the jewels, expecting to negotiate through Brock and Mrs. Smith. nt THIRTEENTH installment. considered West as completely a man as he had ever " I doubt that Bella will harm HowMarie," he said, a little dnly. ever let ua go back to the Important thing Tou both insist that, if they demand It, you will pay as high as four hundred and fifty thousand for the Jewels. West says that he will contribute llfty thousand of that amount Ive told you that I don't approve of it that I would not pay those crooks one cent more than the Jewels are worth, four hundred thousand, but It is your money, and not mine, thats to be paid, so I have nothing more to say. Now we must have the sum where we can get it at a few hours notice they may give us only a short time. I don't need to disturb any investments I can arrange with the bank to advance me the sum. for steel and oil pay in before the end of the month. Haslett. " I know o er five hundred thousand, And you. West Mrs Dunbarton-Kent- . ' I can give you a check for fifty thou-Banat any moment." We shall be ready for them then," HasAnd now, West, get me to the lett said elation. After Haslett and West had gone, Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t went up to Marie's door. Gone to bed, Marie? she asked. Marie opened her door promptly. No, madam I do not sleep all the time She spoke brightly, but she took sympastrained thetic note of Mrs. Dunbarton-Kentlook Mrs. Dunbarton Kent had told her that West was bringing a man out to talk over business matters with her, and Marie felt certain that It must be about ransoming the Jewels. She had not gone to bed, for she knew that West would want to see her after the business conference was over. She had decided that she wanted to see him. Every day during that long week there bad been affectionate messages, the loveliest flowers love could choose and money could buy, expressions of tenderness and longing. Marie had said to herself in utter Are you an Imbecile, that you think and think of one who Is despicable! Turn your back upon it and think of one who really loves you. The sight of Mrs 6rmth. with arrogant head high, bearing down upon them, had aroused a vivid anger in Marie; let Breek depart with his woman the man with the gentleman's heart belonged to her. Come to my room, Mrs Dunbarton-Ken-t said West will be back in a few minutes. I hoped that he would, Marie answered in a tone that was significant. Mrs Dunbarton Kent set aside her own troubles and considered her. The girl looked so flushed and determined, not exactly as a girl who was eager to see her lover should look Involuntarily she said. "Be sure before you promise, child. I love you too much to have you make a mistake " She put her big arm about Marie's shoulders and drew We U talk a little her toward her room. before he comes back. She was thinking now of Marie's problem and not her own, so she did pot notice the square of white which lay on the rug Just inside her door. It was Marie who picked up the envelope. It Is a note for you, madam. she said. Some one has put it beneath your door. Mrs. DunbarWho in the world from ton Kent scanned tbe envelope It was a handwriting she did not know, but not until she tore It open and saw tbe first lines did the have the least suspicion of what the contents might be. The long expected and much discussed so often comes as a complete rur prise There was no address and no date. Kent Hons,, Mrs. Bulah Dunbarton-Kent- , 'the Nhrth '' Sfiore, ' on g Island: My dear Madam: I understand you have made Inquiries concerning the property which I have for sale. Said property is Intact, unmortgaged, and free of any Incumbrance. My price for same Is five hundred thousand dollars, cash. "Tou need not answer this. If at seven oclock tomorrow morning your flag pole displays the American flag I shall conclude that the terms are satisfactory, and I shall witlt ydu at the earliest opportufor transfer of the and arrange nity HASLETT d s Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t raised a blank face from this communication But only for a moment. "Run. child, she said breathGo see if Weet and Haslett have lessly. gone tell them to come here They have gone, madam. I heard the car go on the driveway just before you knocked on roy door Mrs. Dunbarton Kent grew as flushed as before she had been pale It s too late!" 1 11 hsve she eald towalt Marie had thought quickly. No, madam. Tf y ou"w (g fi'"! h e nf 1) rough t" hackTTcah gO I can take the car Thank God for your brains Get it. child Run. and 1 11 meet you down below you shan't go alone. Madam, do not be so excited, and go carefully down the stairs Marie begged, for MrSj Dunbarton Kent was so dangerously flushed that it frightened her Then she ran In the back hall, downstairs, she collided with Gibbs, and so violently that he lost his footing and sat down Marie with a thud on the waxed floor cleared his portly form at a bound and tugged at the back door, which Gibbs had just double-lockeat the stroke of nine, as his nightly custom. But Marie wasted no time over Gibbs, she ran into the passage leading to the kitchen at a speed that gave the cook a severe shock and gained the outer air by a dash through the servants' entrance But on her way to the garage she was brought to an abrupt stop. for. as she rounded the servants quarters, she was seized by powerful hands and whirled about and a flashlight was thrust into her face It was Willetts. He dropped the light and his arms went about Marie in a protective rather than a detective fashion Why it's the little girl ! he said. What's the matter? It Is Mrs Dunbarton Kent wishes the car instantly. Marie gasped " I'll be blessed' and he loosed hi Bold and Marie was off like a dart to the garage I didn't know who it Willetts followed. was at first, he apologized, confusedly. " Hope I didnt hurt you?" No, no! Marie said, though her arm ached. and she Open the doors wider! flew to the big car. Whats happened" Willetts demanded. Only that Mrs. Dunbarton Kent must overtake Mr. West and the gentleman with him before the train takes him. Willetts pulled out his watch. Tou cant make it the train's due in eight minutes " Marie had started the engine, her face darkened Then she smiled, she pointed to I shall try. Meantime telethe telephone. phone to the station man a message from Mrs Dunbarton-Kent- , that he tell the gentleman with Mr West to wait until Mrs. Dunbarton-Kent shall Join him, and she shot out of the garage and whirled around the servants quarters and on then to the porte cochftre quick thinking! Willetts said to himself, as he went to the telephone. Mrs. Dunbarton Kent sat In grim silence while Marie whirled her along the lower road. She was collected now; if they made It, well and good, If they didn't, she would have to consult with West and perhaps follow Haslett Into town. of the disThey had covered tance to the station when the whistle of the tram told them that speeding was useless. Marie slowed down anf Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t Wo did our best, child. said resignedly. We may as well turn around and go home and wait for West to come. I think perhaps not, madam, Marie said While I hurried with the car hopefully. I told Mr. Willetts to telephone to the station the message that the gentleman with Mr West should wait till you came Tou did! I cant thank you enough, child! Shall we not go on, madam? Yes, of course They were near the station when Marie said of the car that rounded the curve, It is they! She was right, it was West who drew up beside them and Haslett who said, I received your message, Mrs. Dunbarton-Kent.- " two-thir- Marie s message," she answered. I hadnt wits enough to think of It. Time's precious and youll miss the next train, but you'll have to come back to Kent House. I ve had a letter about that property. " If you wish to save time, madam, I can leave you here while I drive on to where I can turn, Marie suggested. Then the next train need not be missed. West had left his car and had come to Trust little Marie for finding a them. way! Get into my car. Aunt Bulah, and if you and Mr. Haslett want to talk business Ill talk to Marie. It's the best thing to do. But you stay here with us, West, while Marie drives you " Very well. Bring your car back, Marie dont run away from us, he said brightly. But as soon as Marie was out of hearing he asked tensely enough. Have they written to you? Some one has. she said, as hs helped her into his seat But is there light enough here for Hsslett to read It? I have a flashlight West stood beside Haslett and held the light while they both read the note. Its disguised, but it s B reek's handwriting'" West exclaimed almost at once Haslett read the note twice, then he said with profound anger, Damn them! Five hundred thousand! Where they should be Is behind the bars Even with all the Dunbarton-Kent millions I'd not let myself be gouged like this I d rather turn them over Brant-Olwin!- " Mrs. Dunbarton , K 'Keeptnr nt my husband's name clean before the world Is more to me than all the huge Income that I dont begin to use But, Haslett, I'll make them understand that It's the last! Any other attempt and I shall put him behind the barer' And you'll stand for this? Haslett asked West. " I am a Dunbarton Kent and he Is my cousin, West answered succinctly. Endow a scoundrel with a fortune Haslett muttered. " I care more for my family name than I W est answered firmly. do for money, I want to marry and have children. I have enough to support a wife and educate our children, and If uncles millions should never come to me they will come to my children. luxuriously furnished and celling lighted. At one end of the room was the pipe orgaa. as fine an organ as was possessed by any private home In or near New Tork. At' the other end of thp room was the grand piano Beyond the muale room was the banquet room and beyond that the conservatory. .All three rooms gave into the long ballroom, and all were celling lighted, an universal soft glow Marie was seeing a new Rent House, and It struck her more forcibly than ever before was so passionwhy Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t ately determined to protect the family name. Here were wealth and grandeur, but, more than that, a profound dignity, a position established and respected. No wonder she fought to, keep it untarnished before the , fiction l? T tv v. V wf -- il ) i b v.. ? A : 'wwtirAnff?nrt 11 7 y, V- Avy YM . Ts ?-.- - ( AI ; a 'iosr & '.t W&M she had been called back to the city and She asks that you had to go immediately this afternoon, and she will see you at ret dinner this evening" Marie Intrusted the cards to him and went hack to her room She felt certain that this hurried going to the city had to do with the ransoming of the Jewels She would never Malo mort quam foedarL see BrecK again if the little girl! Whats the matter? U' h r Why should I worry over fifty thousand Tes, Bella will be the only Impecunious one until you leave us, Mrs Dunbarton-Kent- , and may that be a long time off," Kas lett said with commingled exasperation, gen uine sympathy for the big woman beside him, and hot disgust over the missive which he thrust Into its envelope. Its a huge outrage they already have a hundred thou sand of yours. Six hundred thousand " Listen to me. Haslett! Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t said forcibly. " How much accrued in come do you suppose I have laid by? Well exactly two millions. I can use that two millions as I like I had intended that it should go, with the rest of the Dunbarton Kent money, to the three heirs Now 1 tell s you what I intend to do. If I get Mrs. pearls If all goes well I mean to give Bella five hundred thousand and West the like amount, and Breck I shall have en dowed, as you say. He may cease to steal when he has a fortune. Then Breck will depart from my roof, Bella can knit elsewhere than in my presence, and West can marry and be happy. I want peace in my old age Keep your fifty thousand, West you de serve it for what you said about my dear husbands name. So, Haslett. we 11 have no more comments. I beg your pardon, Mrs Dunbarton Kent, for saying what I thought You neednt, Haslett I like ou a deal 'tetter when you forget to be a lawver and are just plain man. Thank you. Mrs. Dunbarton Kent We await their pleasure then Mrs Dunbarton Kent drew a long breath 5 ill they want a settlement tomorrow do you suppose? It will take a day to make ar rangements at the bank that was wh I hurried after you " Youd betjer come into town in the morning West will take me back to the station now and I'll get the next train ' As little Marie said, The train need not be missed, West remarked softly " She s waiting a hundred yards or so behind us tactful as always. 1 11 call her And I 11 be at Kent House almost as soon as When they returned to Kent House Mrs Dunbarton Kent took Marie to her own room and talied to her about tv est "I have grown to care for him," she told Marie among other things. " I suppose it has been mostly my feeling that all my husband s heirs wanted was my early demise that has raised a barrier between us yes and the something In them which makes them so un approachable, their queer light ejes that look through you while they do their thinking My dear husband's eyes were light, too but such a kind gray. She paused to sigh, then I don't want you to act in haste went on child. Loving you has brought out what is fine in West be certain before you accept him that you will be giving him as real a devotion as he Is giving ou Waiting a lit tie wont hurt either of you." I have decided what I shall say to him, ' Marie answered firmly Then, suddenly she Madam, it is now clung to the big woman. I wish a mother! There, there, Mrs Dunbarton Kent said Tou tell West whatever you like, tenderly. only remember, that you have both a mother and a home. Marie came out of Mrs Dunbarton Kent s room with wet eyes and found West waiting I couldn t go to bed for her in the hall. without seeing you, he said eagerly. Then, with concern, " What Is it Marie? Marie dried her eyes. " I hoped you might v be here." " Y Q'4A'-ACafkV frer inO- Htc hls arms, but Marie held him off. " No. I wrish to say something I monsieur. promise to give you my answer w hen I know that you and Mrs Dunbarton Kent are not so anxious when Kent House becomes hap vtare , pier." Tou mean that when Breck leaves Kent House you will listen to me? Monsieur, I wish to be honest with you. I have loved him and pitied him. But I cannot love what seems to me despicable. He belongs to that woman of whom I have .reason to think the worst things. I do not love such a man. But my heart Is sad, and I wish time in you urge me very much which to love you. 1 think he has left us, West answered bruptly Howiuuldhe height jnd her haughty carriage, her wonderfully regular features and unusual fairShe was ness made her most noticeable. the more distinguished because of the abShe was a magnificently sence of gems handsome woman and, as always, she made Mane feel slight and frail and of little moment But most men would have turned with a sense of relief to Maries Iridescent beauty and have experienced a warmer heart beat, she was so vividly lovely in the little gown which Margaret had brought into her room just as she was preparing to put on her red costume, the only evening outfit she possessed It did not take much material to ctAer Marie, and this little imported gown could have been gathered into a mere handful, an all sequin and jet edged thing cunningly devised to emit many colors, but the prevailing one a deep orchid, tipped with red and hinting of gold And her little slippers It was West who. at half past six the next morning hoisted the lug flag which the wind from the sound unfurled and set wavThe wind whipped ing above Kent House it into action, causing a slapping sound, which waked Mane " They raise the flag in honor of the party," Marie thought, and she bathed and She telt that dressed in a determined way she had decided upon the future that she She won had put Breck out of her mind dered how many women buried a dream and in the end were happier for having done so Marie did not glance at Breck's vacant She lifted Mrs place at the breakfast table Dunbarton Kent's hand to her cheek, smiled at West who spiang up when she came in and returned Bellas frigid Good morning" with a level look and as stony a greeting Bella did not look well There were shadows bout her eyes, but she held herself quite as erectv as usual Marie learned the plans for the day West was going to take Mrs Dunbarton Kent were gold bhe looked like some vivid butterfly with wings sheathed about its slender body 1 ton-Ken- hornet 11 to my room before I go a moment-t'on- ie I want to tell Into town " she said then you something " Mane wondered whether Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t was going to tell Bella about the letter she had received With a parting smile for Xtest she slipped away to her room taking s v-tb- i- 'her-,- ' geetr--brough- be-n- regular lunch that day. a snatched lunch in the pantry only. The house was overrun with hurrying workers, Gibbs made her the longest speech he had vouchsafed her since Miss Bella and she came to Kent House: Mr. West have lunched, and Mr. West Is helping Miss Bella In the entertainment Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t wing. returned before lunch, but wished me to tell you that . When Margaret had brought it to her I there had been a note pinned to It: ordered this and West chose it put it on and be happy, or I shall be unhappy." It was another present from Mrs Dunbarton-Kent- . and Marie went straight to her. Madam" was all she could say, but her little outstretched hands and her eyes spoke for her. All afternoon Marie had been fighting depression, calling on all the resolution She had come down to the she possessed family gathering determined to make Mrs Dunbarton Kent happy, whatever the cost to herself Mrs Dunbarton Kent kissed her and patted "Tou Her eyes twinkled her shoulder dian t have to lay paper within those soles. The dress was short, as was the fashion, and Marie did not have to lift her skirt for Mr Dunbarton Kent s inspection No, madam, not at all They fit most perfectly." oked down anxiously at her rounded She "In my chauffeurs legs and tiny ankles uniform I never thought of it, but this skirt displays very much West Mrs Dunbarton Kent chuckled laughed amusedly, and Bella turned away with a contemptuous curl of the lip Maris a saw what escaped Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t notice and the softly accented words left hvr lips before she knew it However, if hold up my head and make my shoulders look like a man's perhaps no man will even look at my feet. To be unlovable must be my endeavor " She could bring the blood to Bella s face Balia flushed scarlet, so much Marie saw I want to before West took her away. show you the rooms before any one comes, he said then low and amusedly, Little into the city directly after breakfast and Bella would su return with her at noon perinterd the decorating and the arrange ment of the banquet table in the music room and the placing of the half carload of palms ard flowering plants which bad been ordered for the big glazed room off the Gibbs had entire charge of tne ballioom kitchen and of the caterers and their swarm of assistants To Marie was assigned the list of guests and the box of dinner cards She bearing the Dunbarton Kent crest looked at the crest with Interest, and bend ing over her, West read softly the line of I Latin "'Malo mori quam foedarl. would rather die than be dishonored," he translated Marie thought of Breck and her lips tightened Bella was talking with Mrs Dunbarton Kent Evidently she was capable- - she did not seem to be in the least daunted by th "Well have everything In day's work order by 3 o clock," she told Mrs Dunbai t and added, ' You remember Aunt Bulah, that I told you I expected to leave before the party was over for my southern I packed mv trunks last night ar.d trip 1 send them to the station this afternoor " "Id forgotten " Mrs Dunbarton Kent She thought for said in a preoccupied way came for a moment to bid her good by. and patted her cheek affectionately, and Mar t her West s dally offering of flowers Without any other interruption she spent the morning in her room. She wrote each name with great care In her perfect hand, almost like steel engraving, and tried not to think of the Latin inscription Marie took the cards down with her at lunch time and found that there was to How could he! At seven oclock Marl came down to the draw ,ng room and found Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t and Bella and West collected there. Mrs Dunbarton Kent was gowned in black, ss always, simply, without Jewels, and with her huge shoulders and arms covered Bella looked regal in her all Jet gown, with mere straps over her square shoulders. Her skin was dazzllngly white and her hair marvelously fair. Like Mrs Dunbarton Kent, she Bellas wore no Jewels, not even rings. Marie shrank like one whose wound has Has been touched, but she asked steadily, he gone to her ' We don't know Marie he left Kent House this evening and took the train for He had his satchel that Is all New York we know Now have you an answer for me. Marie was thinking hotly that It was the hen they sold tbe beginning of tha end. jewels Breck and Mrs Smith would travel together She saw, too, the nervous move ment of Wests hands and the determina lion to clasp her to Mm, and she felt a pas sionate wish to be happy when his arms did clasp her not as she felt now She stood near ler door and the reached By and behind her and opened it a little by not tonight, monsieur," she said softly. With a twist of her lithe little body she es His hands caped his outstretched arms touched a closed door. tht-cad- o As soon as the words were out Marie had I should not have spoken so. been sorry- she said contritely, but she curled her Up at me Bella curls her Up at most people, and manages to be unlovable, as you say, but there s nothing gained by making her angry. Little Mane, you look lovety tonight Touve been shut up In your room all day, and I have been afraid to t'y to pry you hut' tOBttftti'ffii!,e,'y- - herI have detetnunedlv something In my breast pocket which 1 mean to put on your finger tonight." Marie crushed the feeling of desolation that assailed her She looked resolutely ahead and was acutely conscious of the scent of flowers. But she said nothing. West saw only her long lashes and the firm set of her Ups. He said no more on that miV-Mr.-S- S "subject, o These rooms havs been closed ever since we went into the war," West said. Aunt Bulah gave thousands to war charities and all expensive entertaining. stopped They had come through the big doors at the end of the drawing rooms; Marie had never seen them open. This was the wing of Kent House which Jutted into the park. First, there was the music room, which was m n . n .... - J n mag-niflee- nt pea. I should say you had gone Into rather magnificent mourning for your pearls, West said, smilingly, and yet with kindly sympaHave you had no trace of them yet? thy. Then her Clewe. She made a move. Ill find the thief, and when yes flashed. I do h4'll have reason to remember me. Back In Nevada Ive seen a cottonwood decorated with the Ukes of him. Being ItS New Tork, Ive offered a big reward. ' Copyright: 19CC: By Th Cluraca Tribuaa To be continued ) 4 bomd Kent had taken her. And a Dunbarton Kent , was offering her entire devotion. Marie s hand sought Wests He took It and held It but though his hand was burn-irhot he lifted hers and kissed It only, then let It go A stupid man would have broken the spell of tenderness that held her, but West was not a stupid man. He led her through the rooms As they passed the piano Marie asked, Do you play. ' She was feeling that she had monsieur? no accomplishments, that she was not deserving of all this grandeur. I love music, but I dont know one note from another sweetheart. Bella Is a good -musician, but she never touches the piano any more I dont know why." She was Marie thought of Mrs. Smith a brilliant musician. She had stung Bella a few minutes before because her regal beauty reminded her of Mrs. Smith-West took her into the. banquet room and ' ' Marie exclaimed, How beautiful! It was Bella's work, but Marie could not withhold her praise. A long obtong table reached from corner to corner of the deep room, or, rather, a table constructed about an oblong fountain, three cupids entwined, each with a dimpled arm extended and hold- ing an arrow. From the three arrows poured tiny streams of water into the basin of the fountain, which was sunk to a level with the table, and In which floated pink anfl white water lilies and their broad leaves. Moss clung to the feet of the cupids and to the edges of the basin, and a tracery of tiny K orchids spread from the basin over the table, even to Its farthest ende. The faintly earthy scent of the water lilies sweetened the air. Bella is a genius at this sort of thing, would Mrs. Brant-OlwiWest declared. havs stacked that fountain with solid gold , apples and sheaves of silver bananas, orsomething of the kind. I hope she can appredate this beautiful thing. Look at the conservatory; then we must go. The ballroom Is like most ballrooms a place to ' dance in and a screen of palms hiding tha musicians. We are going to have the organ 1. during dinner that was my suggestion. I loathe jazz with my meals. Campettl Is ; going to play for us " Tbe conservatory was delightful; couches and chairs arranged behind groups of palms The card tables are In the " and flowers. where nothing will disroom, regular dining turb the friends, West said. " I have to play Is at my host at dinner. Mrs Brant-Olwiright, but she will have Ward Wakefield, who Is a lion, at her right, and the Important . Countess de Lanlnelle, who Is being ft ted in New York Just now, and who, they say. wants to marry John Van Rouvervant, win be at my left. But, as she will devote herself to John Van on her left, I shall b free to look at yo most of the time, for you will sit where th table curves, almost as if you faced me. But, dear, we must go back. When they reached the drawing rooms, and Bella though Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t were alone, several guests were descending and Mrs. Gran- - -the stairs, Mrs. Brant-Olwiveston In the lead, talking amicably together. and behind them Mr. Granveston, a -tall old man with a peaked beard and bright, keen eyes, and John Van Rouvervant, a man of perhaps sixty, who betrayed overgood living more by his thick speech and slightly watefy eyes than by his well cared for girth. I He was wealthy and a jovial bachelor. Others were above" and others were arriving. The chatter and laughter had begun. Even before Gibbs magnificent voice announced her, Marie recognized Mrs. Brant- Olwtn, the little plump woman with tha j, round, attractively humorous face and small, intensely black eyes and blue black dyed hair, who had sent her laughingly on her way to Kent House. She wss exceedingly well made up, her skin whitened into a youthful contrast to ejes and hair. But a mouth is a mouth unchangeable. Mrs. Brant-Olwiup naturally at the corners, a little 7 like Marie's, a sweet littla smiling mouth.' Mane succeeded in concealing her surprise Mrs Brant-Olwimight not like to be re- minded of their meeting. Marie was right. Mrs. Brant-Olwieither did not or chose not to remember her. She looked at Marie pleasantly, but without any sign of recognition. Mrs. Granveston set tha She patted the fashion for the evening. hand Marie shyly extended to her. ,, " How are you, my dear but need I aak! Tou look like a veritable orchid an exquisite littl gown. Malle answered her In French, and Mis. Granveston said, mischievously, Tou must and speak French to Mrs. Brant-Olwin- , and passed on, for Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t that lady had turned toward them. Im said. glad to meet you, Mrs. Brant-Olwibefore Mrs Dunbarton Kent had time to Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t waa . Introduce her. telling me about you the other day a regu- - ' lar romance. Mrs Dunbarton-Ken- t a dear. Ive always thought so, and youre as sweet f" as you can be. She gave Maries hand cordial squeeze and Marie saw that her eyes twinkled. It was as if she had said, "Good-nets- ! Dont give me awray! It was all a grand joke. At least that was what Mail made of her expression. I Then Mrs. Dunbarton-Ken- t presentedAfr-Granveston and John Van Rouvervant.! and they ail stood together. West Joined them and Mrs. Brant-Olwispoke to him as one would to an old acquaintance. " I feel as lyjiabbyias an old squaw .tonight no pearlA She locked far" from" shabby irf a'gofteon gown of black and silver. Her hair was bound by a Jet fillet studded with diamonds, her Jet earrings had as pendants two diamonds, and the Jet bar pin at her breast had a center diamond as large at a g : if Brant-Olwln- Thats to Mrs. I shall pay It, By Elizabeth Dejeans r ' r |