Page:Lippincotts Monthly Magazine-39.djvu/937

Rh "Pretty face. What will girl at light say?"

"What girl?"

"Haven't you heard?"

"No. Royal gone again?"

"Yes. Come out after supper. Tell you 'bout her."

"Done. Beach now?"

"Might's well."

Mrs. Judge Gearing was greatly pleased, on reaching the supper-room with her husband, to find that her son looked so much better. He seemed to have made good progress in making the acquaintance of Mademoiselle Rochet, and was more amiable and talkative than usual. As for the judge, he had no special liking for Mademoiselle, and, while always attentive to his wife's guest, held her somewhat aloof, as if he either felt no interest in her or in some way did not approve of her. Finding on this particular occasion that the younger man was quite able to entertain her, he fell to speculating on what sort of woman she might be. She had come to their home purely on business, and had been taken up by his wife as a "discovery." He had often heard his wife say that she "discovered Mademoiselle Rochet." Precisely what this meant he did not know. He did know, however, that the woman had spent weeks at a time in their house, and that the cost of clothing for his wife had in four months increased over fivefold. Now that they had come to the beach she had turned up again, and was living with them almost as one of the family. Who was she? Was she married or single? And who were her parents? He had very little confidence in the fact that she called herself Mademoiselle. It might be assumed for effect, just as a worthy matron of six children may be Miss Smith or Miss Brown on the stage. Twice at the table he glanced at her and wondered if she was purposely putting forth all her powers of fascination on his son. She was certainly handsome, dangerously handsome, and the young man was evidently greatly pleased with his new acquaintance.

As for the fond and foolish mother, she was charmed to find her son so much interested and entertained.

"Poor boy! He sadly needs to be cheered by some bright and pleasant woman,—though, of course, it would never do. I must warn poor Royal against thinking that a mere dress-maker, however well off or brilliant, would ever be a suitable person."

This to herself, knowing nothing of all that passed between these two young people idly talking together in a hotel dining-room.

For the young man the meeting was like walking on thin ice, all sparkle and glitter on the surface and with black cold water beneath. At any moment he might find himself sinking into unknown depths of despair, and yet he must go gayly on, over whatever dangers she might lead him.

Three hours passed, and Mr. Royal Yardstickie pleaded a desire to smoke, and left the cottage and went out into the night. His mother remonstrated, and begged him to stay with her at home: she had not seen him for three weeks, and now on this first night he must go out to wander alone on the beach. He promised to return very soon, and