Page:Love Insurance - Earl Biggers (1914).djvu/223

198 Oh, what was the use? Providence was with Jephson.

"No, of course not—not since the divorce," Minot answered. "But he was when those letters were written."

The Gaiety lady's chin began to tremble.

"And he promised me, on his word of honor, that he wouldn't tell. But I suppose you found him easy. What honor could one expect in a Persian carpet dealer?"

A Persian carpet dealer? Into Minot's mind floated a scrap of conversation heard at Mrs. Bruce's table.

"But you must remember," he ventured, "that he is also a prince."

"Yes," said the woman, "that's what I thought when I married him. He's the prince of liars—that's as far as his royal blood goes."

A silence, while Miss Gabrielle Rose felt in her sleeve for her handkerchief.

"I suppose," Minot suggested, "you will abandon the suit—"

She looked at him. Oh, the pathos of that baby stare!