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Show KM on PlJ An Unusual Love Story By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM Lao She GRAlL10TrTHEPLAYWRIGHTrWARNTS LOUISE THAT THE PRINCE WILL BE A seal. 1 fltn only telling '1T 1 think. I Tim trying t rave m trying fer my own sake as yours." ud ins bill and stooped to help ,h her cleak. Her heart sank, s quivered a little. It seemed that he had passed to a great i . hrr primer, but every rime she pitted yn-; the corner where John "as sitting. jjm she looked at him and smiled. IPs ejes grew bright, r. ami be )i THAT BOTH THE PRINCE OF SEYRE AND JOHN LOVE HER, AND never once glam cd at or spoke to 'to vv DANGEROUS v smiled baek at her. She sudd, nlv re- tier leased her held upon her p.irtmr and in r ENEMY TO HIS RIVAL r stretebed out her arms to lum. Her to - .1.0 She body swTjived backward a little. 1 shall ask waved her hands with a gesture in t iv soon." John said, Her I to tell me the truth. 1 think finitely graceful, subtly alluring Synopsis. Louise Xlaurel, famous actress, was making a motor tour of the English Cumberland district, when her car broke down lute one 'lips were parted with a smile almost of ttut I shall ask her, If I can. tomor- was forced to accept the overnight hospitality of Stetriumph as Hit once .more rested her r u evening and she hand upon her partner's shoulder. recluse woman and John In haters living a splendid Strangewey, phen Who Is .vouf escort this evening?" CHAPTER IX. old mansion on a great farm. Before she left next day she had captithe latter asked her, speaking almost vated John and he had fascinated her. Three months later John, on a for the first time. sudden Impulse, went to London and looked up Louise. She was deJehu's first caller at the Milan was. reYou would not know she him, In him a way, a surprise to him. him to and introduced see to lie was her friends of the artistic and lighted lie is a Mr. John Strangewey, plied. an dramatic world, among them Sophy, a little actress, and smoking si.'ig nnd lie comes from Cumberland. the following morning, and GralHot, a playwright of remarkable mental gifts. The prince of Seyre, 1 dust happens that do know him, garig at die telephone directory, when a wealthy French noble, whom he alrendy knew, became his guide, and the young man remarked. Thought h s b. II rang, lie opened the door, to he entered the gay bohemian life of the city. I'd se. it bis fa.e somewhere. Used to l ii tin prince of Seyre Mauding outbe up at tin varsity vvltti him. I'll ' speak t. him presently. CHAPTER VIII Continued. just have something to drink. pit u :i tcry early visit, I fear, We 1 expect la'll lie gial to meet you ill r fit gnu. neednt have any more supper. !i lie doesn't remarked, t nt all." John The cal) stopped a few minutes Infer again," So; replied, taking the The lights were lowered a few minknow a s,.u t, t. u. liand throwing a i.iouth outside what seemed to he n private utes later, and John paid the bill. rewas he dance finished. i They n ho door. "It good of you very Weve enjoyed our supper, Louise house. The door was opened at one.. turned tog. (her to where John was III.." MO Jill down wrote as name thp Sophy in a book, Johns whispered, they passed and the young man held out a mi followed John into the room. The whole evening has been and they were ushered by the manager, siltit'g. and weary ns h ik iMutn. llo w ns who had come forward to greet them, ii delightful von know, of Magdalen," n iii, ,:i "AimTtoi. m rtipulous cure. tie Ills woh to into a from As' they drove Luigi's long room, brilliantly lit, nnd be s.i d. "inure Strangewey, aren't t jii, oil with it wonderful pearl, Knightsbrldge, Louise leaned back in tilled, except in the center, with supyou?' were pet haps a tiilio her corner. Although her eyes wore per taldes. John looked around him Lord Amerfoti, of course!" John exI. it. tic wore- it hunrh of of i,m was an air " onderingly. The popping of chamonly half closed, there tl. ought your face was faclaimed. i. lots in fiis buttonhole, and lit' aloofness about her, nn obvious lack of pagne corks A incessant. miliar. Why, we played In the rackets ; w oh, l.ii t a, ef fiinit hut uu-i- . desire for conversation, which the oth- slightly voluptuous aMnosphcre of doubles (ojetheT J x lilvli seemed to Joint 1,1 reers found themselves instinctively peitnnn. cigarette smoke, mingled with the perAmi won em, thanks to you. Amr-to... The o lor of delicate green ten. fumes shak.n from the clothes and specting. Even Sophys Ate you up for long? replied. I' ".is lost these details, and tin slow- chatter seemed to have deserted her, hair of the Women, several more of I am not quite sure, Joint tolel 1dm. s i,f ids spec it, which alone whom were now dancing, hung about somewhat to Johns relief. I only arrived last night. of vortex A In Ids freign origin. were iri the the very place. fancy dress was They girl Look me up some Jitne, If you've it oil ui red to me," lie Mild, as he London's midnight traffic. The night passing a great basket of ilowers from nothing hotter to do, the young man ited himself in an easy chair, that was warm for the time of year, nnd table to table. Where are you hanging ii von e real suggested. about Leicester square and leyond the ai Sophy sat with her head resting upon out ?" j intending to make this i with crowded were in town life of which Miss imciit pedesher hands and her face very close to pavements cpt The Milan. M.uirel spoke, 1 might lx of some astrians, the women lightly and gnyly her companion's, keeping time with her I r.rn at the Albany. Must sistance to jolt. There are certain clad, flitting, notwithstanding some sin- feet to the music. to hack little my get lady." like in themmovements, about their note this ister rather nice? she whisIsnt He bowed to Sophy and departed. matters, quite unimportant moths along pered. which a little adDo you like being here with butterflies or brlght-hue- d selves, concerning She sank a little breathlessly Into her vice in the beginning may save you the pavements and across the streets. me, Mr. John Strangewey? chair and laid her hand on Johns arm. The procession of taxlcnbs and autoOf course I do, he answered hearti- Iler cheeks were flushed, her bosom trouble." mobiles, each with Its human freight ly. Is this a restaurant? "Very good of you, I am sure," John vvus rising and failing quickly. To tell pm the truth, I of men and women In evening dress on She shook her head. repented. of breath," she said, her out I am an home after their way evenings "No, it's a club. We can sit here all head thrown hack, perilously near to was just looking through the telephone endless. seemed to see if I could come across pleasure, night. If you like Joints shoulder. Iord Amerton dances directory and of a tailor I used to have to name the talk, Can I Join? he asked. Presently Sophy began well. Give me some champagne some things from. Louise, too roused herself. She laughed as she sent' for a form And you you dance divinely, he "I am only just beginning to realize, and made him fill It In. If It pleases you to place yourself as he filled her glass. told her, in the latter said, that you are actually my hands," the prince suggested, 1 Tell me," he begged, as he looked we were she If alone," whispered, will introduce you to my own tradesIn London. around him, who are these girls? They I .should want you to kiss me ! When I leave you, he replied, "I, look so pretty and and people, I have made the selection with of stem In wine the John's The glass care. 1 have, fortunately, an some that to believe too, shall find it hard yet so amazingly young to be out at fingers snapped suddenly, and the w ine idle morning, nnd it is entirely nt your we have actually met again and talked. this time of night. down to the floor. A passing disposal. At half past one I believe There seems to be so much that I have Mostly actresses, she replied, and trickled hurried waiter " closelup with a napkin, nnd u vve are both lunching wltjt Miss .to say, he added, looking at her girls. I was In musiwas The affair fresh brought. glass rescal I said have and before Louise nothing. y. comedy myself was scarcely noticed, but John reJohn was conscious of a momentary "There Is plenty of time, she told cued me. disturbed and a little pale. mained sense of annoyance. Ills Did you like it? him, and once more the signs of that Have. you out your haud?" Sophy with Louise Heenicd farther off than I liked it all right, she admitted, slight nervousness were apparent In There are weeks and "but I left it because I wasnt doing asked anxiously. ever. At tlte prince's suggestion, howher manner. Ilow-hoNot at all," he nssured her. months ahead of us. ever, he fetched his hat uud gloves and any good. I can dance pretty well, but it is here! Do you mind If vve go?" entered the formers automobile, which When shall I see you again? he I have no voice, so there didnt seem Go? she exclaimed disconsolately. was a sked. to he any chance of my getting out of waiting below. I rethought you were enjoying yourself Whenever you like. There are no the chorus ; and one cant even pretend They spent the morning in the neigh hearsals for a day orivvo. King me up to live on the salary they puy you, un- so much horhood of Bond street, and John had So I am," he answered, but I don't on the telephone you will find my less one has a part. the foundations of a wardrobe more number In the book or come and lunch But these girls who are here to- quite understand than any be had ever extensive He paused. with me tomorrow. If you like. dreamed of possessing. At half past night? rnderstnnd what?" she demanded. one Thank you, he answered ; that is They are with their friends, of they were shown into Louise's Myself, if you must know. I suppose, if Just what I should like. At what time? course, she told him. little drawing room. There were three She set down the glass which she or Half past one. I will not ask either it hadnt been for Louise, I should have men already present, standing four had been in the act of raising to her around of you to come In now. You can come been here, too with a friend. hostess and sipping some their down tomorrow morning and get the I should like to see you dance, he lii"- cordial from long Venefaint yellow How queer you are!" she remarked. In a hurry to change the I think I am tired books, Sophy. tian glasses. Listen. Y'ou havent got a mured. tired, she added, with a curious little Louise came forward to meet them, I am note of Ill dance to you some day in your j"ife or anything up In Cumberland, nnd made a little grimace as she rein her tone. Or have you? very glad to have seen you again, Mr. rooms. If you like, she promised. marked the change in John's appearYou know I haven't, he answered. to here? me dance like Strangewey, she said, lifting her eyes would you ance, to be "Youre not engaged married,' There is a man opposite who wants me to his. Good night! Honestly, I dont know you, ond I you have no ties, you'eome up here perHe helped her out, rang the bell, and believe I like you at all !" she exdont fectly free, you havent even said any- claimed. watched her vanish through the swiftHow dare you transform thing yet to Louise? ly opened door. Then he stepped back a tailors dummy in this Into yourself Of course not. Into the taxicab. Sophy retreated into fashion? she began. Well, then the corner to make room for him. done entirely out of respect It so softly spoken were words Her Yon are going to take me home, are for John said. you, She seemed melt to away. that they you not 7 she asked. In the fact," prince added, we conleaned forward to look In his face. Of course, he replied, his eyes still we sidered had achieved rather that "Sophy he begged, with sudden and a success. fixed with a shade of regret upon the ' almost' passionate earnestness, "be dosed door of Louises little house. I suppose I must look trpon jour efkind to me, please! I am Just a simtold No1., 10 he aa a compliment, Louise sighed, Southampton street, fort ple, stupid countryman, who feels us . the drlvpr. . Jose, evenao if he bad tost htrvrayrI bavr lived a much of They turned round and spun once Shall take up our you. you nn of one, unnatural solitary sort life more into the network of moving vemanners and our habits, Mr. Strangebeen and Ive would brought say you hicles and streaming pedestrians. John Ideas. I wey, as easily as you wear our up with some was silent, and his companion, for a but. I clothes? know they are little while, humored him. Soon, howThat I cannot promise," he replied. once. all overboard at them throw cant ever, she touched him on the arm. A The brain should adapt Itself at I have kept away fron this sort of queer gravity bad come Into her dainty as readily as the body," the least atever thing. I didnt think It would little face. remarked. prince because I me didnt I tract suppose "Are you really in love with LouM. Graillot, who was one of the three so could attractive. be made th It believe someUilng of ise?, she inquired,-wiI have suddenly found out that it men present, turned around. his own directness. Who Is talking platitudes? be dedoes ! ' He answered her with perfect serimanded. I write plays, and that is she to do? are "What yon going ousness. my Ah, it is the prince, I monopoly. whispered. I believe so, he admitted, but I see And our young friend who Interme to one for is "There thing only absoam should not like to say that I do, he answered. Until I know what rupted ns at rehearsal yesterday. lutely certain. 1 have come here to Graillot held out his left hand to the 1 have come to London to learn, I shall find out. ' and his right to John. prince It fight against with laughSophy suddenly rocked Mr. 1 be ' Louise? said. Strangewey." "You mean about ter. ", "If We Were Alone," She Whispered, you who has about Louise," be said person Any mean, You are. the dearest, queerest mad"f Should Want You to Kiss Mel Mau-re- l the fortune to ' Miss good interest man I have ever met! she exclaimed, gravely. 1 be to is him. closer Yet to came must still congratulated. to. want Would sit didnt? rather "You I Sophy I arm. holding tightly to his yon look 7 murand at feel so foolish sbe you myself puzzled. .there with, a face as long as a fiddle, to do just which would please you "Why are yon L' mured. "Louise is very wonderful, in Yon. are not an artist no? Y'ou do wondering whether you are tn love most th a girl or not! Well, I am not goDance, by all means, be insisted. her place, but she is not what you want not paint or write? John shook bis bead. in life. lias it never occurred to yen ing to ask you anything more. Tell me, "I should like to watch yon. "Mr. be late? too are you tired 7 two that or may Strangeweys claim to distincyou She nodded, and a minute ' "What do yon mean? he demanded. tion is that be Is Just an ordinary Not a bit, he declared. "I never later she had joined the small crowd In had such a ripping evening In my life." tlte center of the room, clasped 1 thr - I believe what the world believes man, Louise observed. Auch relief, She held his arm a little tighter. She arms of a very immaculate young man what some day I think she will admit you knowr, after all you clever people I John shook hands with everybody was the old Sophy again, full of life who had risen and bowed to her from a to herself that she cares for the . and sipped the contents of the glass nd gayety. table opposite. John leaned back in prince of Seyre." which had been handed to him. Then "Has she ever told you so? go to the Aldwych," she sug- - his place and watched her admiringly. -of these never a butler opened the door and aa- Louise around. the touched things speaks can Her feet scarcely grstM. id see the dancing. We , ! , cb- . after-breakfa- light-hearte- d st ! need luncheon. Louise efiered her hand to tbw pruuav who stepped "It shall.be the privilege of the' stranger within our gates, he decided. Louise turned to John with a little sinilc. Lot mo show you, then, the' way to my dining room. 1 ought to npolo to gize for not asking some women meet you. 1 tried two on the telephone, but they were engaged. I will restore the balance," the conprince promised, turning front the hangone the of of prints templation ing In the hall. I ant giving a supper party tonight for Mr. Strangewey, and I will promise him u preponderance of your charming sex. "Am I Invited?" Louise inquired. Tlte prince shook his head. licit .g -- "Alas, no!" They passed into a small dining room and here again John noticed that an absoluto simplicity was paramount. I . ' : 1 t . - i j i 1 . liu.-.-r- i n light-hearte- d i -- i j I So-lon- 1 well-dresse- musical-comed- d, Muu-rel.- y tete-a-tet- e t ! j -- n. self-pit- y w-a- s - . 1 ' ' -- con-gratula-fe 1 - T-e- . t'a J it week I ! lie e are s, re la overy minute of tin day." "Toniei row .Iiiliii said You have nn rehearsals then, I must must talk to you wo Incut sie you. tills crowd." It was ids moment. Her resolutions fell awav before tiie compollmg ring in Ids voice and the eurnest pleading in bis eyes. I will in in, sin promised, "toiaor- row at six oYloe k. After tlte of her guests, Louise stood before tlte window of her drawing room, looking down into the street. Site saw tin prime courteously motion Joint to precede him into his waiting automobile. She watched until the ear took its place la the stream of t rathe and disappeared. Tlte sense of uneasiness whfih had brought her to tiie window was intact ountnhle, hut it seemed In some way deepened by their departure togetio r. lien a voho from just behind staiit.d In r. It was GralHot, who had niutmd noiselessly Into tilt room, "I returned, he t p! a p e "An Imin me A h,uk pulse ought thought came into mj ond. I wuninl to stuire It w it it toil as a roof of tin suit which ful iUi is, us. It is tnv film belief that the s mu thought, in a ditlennt guise, was turn ling t It roti g It jour mind, as on w nfi In d the departure of jniir guests. Sin motioned him to a place upon t ho couch, dose to whore sin lut i already seated bet self. "Come, sin invited, "prove to mo that ou are a thought reader!" He sank buck in hhs corner. Ills htyids, w Ith.tbejg hort, stubby fingers, were clasped In front of him. Ills eyes, wide open mid alert, seemed fixed upon her vvitli the ingenuous inquisitiveness of a child. To begin, then, I find our friend, the prince of Seyre, a most Interesting, I might almost say fusclnuting, study. Louise did not reply. After a moments pause, lie continued. Among the whole aristocracy of France there was no family so loathed nnd detested ns the seigneurs of Seyre fcat the time of the revolution. Those at the chateau in Orlenns and others who were arrested in Furls, met their death with singular contempt and calm. Eugene of Nejre, whose character la iny small way 1 have studied, is of the same breed. Louise took up a fan which lay on the table by her side, nnd waved It carelessly In front of her fare. One does so love, site murmured, to hear ones friends discussed In a friendly spirit It is because Eugene of Seyre Is a friend of jours that I ant talking to you in this fashion, Urnlllot continued. You have also unother friend this young man from Cumberland." Weil? In him, Graillot went on, 'one perceives ail tin primitive qualities which go to the making of splendid manhood. Fhysicully lie Is almost perfect, for which alone we owe hint a debt of He has, if I Judge him gratitude. all the qualities possessed by rlglitij, men who have been brought up free from tiie taint of cities, from the smear of our spurious overeivllizatlon. lie Is chivalrous nnd unsuspicious. He Is also, unfortunately for him, the enemy of the prince. Louise laid down her fan. She no longer tried to conceal her agitation. Why are you so melodramatic?" she demanded. "They have scarcely spoken. .This is, I thluk, their third meeting. When two friends," Graillot declared, deslrejtbe same woman, then alLol. friendship... thut there .may. have been between them Is buried. When two others, who are so far from being opposite frIen(I,s'fbafthcy"pos.ses3 qualifies, opposite characters, opposite characteristics, also desire the same woman t Dont! Louise Inteirrupted, with a You Dont Sudden little scream. are talking wildly. You must not say such things!" Graillot leaned forward. He shook his head very slowly; his heavy hand rested upon her shoulder. iiiM-ti-ut- 1 lialf-forme- d ! t 1 ! i 'Nt inn-n- s i 1 was-almo- She hesitated. "I tint so busy you alone, be sa,J LWJp.n gan I? i i ill!,. s, ' dre-so- d, -- I want to I 1 i I underhis bteipln , "I Want to See You Alone, He Said. "When Can I? The round table, covered with an exquisitely fine cloth, was very simply laid. There was a little glass of the finest quality, nnd a very little silver. For flowers there was only one bowl, a brilliant patch of some scarlet exotic, in the center. A supper party to which I am not invited, suid Louise, ns she took her place nt the table and motioned John to a seat by her side, fills me with curiosity. Who are to be your guests, prince? Calavera and her sprites, the prince announced, Louise paused for a moment in the act of helping herself to hors doeuvres. Site glanced toward the prince. For a moment their eyes met, Louises lips were faintly curled. It was almost ns if o challenge had passed between them. Louise devoted her attention to her guest. First of all, she asked, tell me how you like my little friend? I think she Is charming, John answered without hesitation. We went to a supper club last night and stayed there till about half past three. Really," said Louise, I am not sure that I approve of this I A supper dub with Sophy until half past three in the morning! lie looked at her quickly. "You dont mind? "My dear man, why should I mind? she returned. "It is exactly what I hoped for. You have come up to London with a purpose. You have an experiment to make, an experiment In . Jiving. "The greater part of my experiment, he pointed out, needs the help of only- one person, and that person . Shemoved a lUtle xineasUy-l- ii her chnlr..lt might have been bis fancy, but he Imagined that she glanced under her eyelids toward the prince of The prince, however, had Seyre. turned almost ostentatiously away from her. He was leaning across the table, talking to Faraday. You have not lost your gift of plain speech, she observed. So delightful In Cumberland and Utopia, so Impracticable here! Then since we cant find Utopia, come back to Cumberland, he sugDo you think that LouIm hat gested. been too close a friend to the A reminiscent smile played for a prince? And la John Strangemoment about her lips. Ideas with hie wey, I wonder, she murmured, whether fool to be letting a of rectitude, I shall ever again see that dear, wonhimself fail head over heel In derful old house of yours, and the mist with her? love on the hills, and the stars shining here and there through It, and the moon coming up In the distance! T0 BE CONTINUED.) All thesethlngs you will see again, be assured her confidently. "It Is beRough Stough. cause I want you to see them again To Indicate some of the difficulties that I am here. that our language presents to foreignJust now, at this minute, I feel a ers, a suhst riber sends us this : I longing for them," she whispered, look sat on the bough Of a tree And began lng across the table, out of the win- to cough, having some dough In my dow, to the softly waving trees. mouth and my feet in a trough. I was At the close of the tancheon for-not thoroughly tired, though roughly Yontha moment she and John were detached used. Wasnt that tough ! - 'is-you- . - 1 r a from the others. Companion. . .. |
