The Red Rat's Daughter

and is one of the most exclusive and distinguished clubs in Europe. Browne had been

d him there on that particular evening Browne did not quite know. It was Destiny! Blind Fate had him in hand, and was luring him on to what was to be the most momentous half-hour of his life. He knew he was pretty certain of finding some one there with whom he was acquainted; but he was certainly

and holding out his hand, "this is a delightfu

lied. "But I might return the compliment,

eciate it one must have Slav blood in one's veins, which I am discourteous enough to be glad to say I have not. But what brings you to the

a cigar. "For a man who has nothing to do, I have less

d, "they tell me we have to

hat have I done now that the wor

e to Cannes, and he told us that it was stated in a London paper that you were about to be marri

"Deauville should know better than t

that, at his age, he should know better than to believe every silly rumour he s

on certain points upon which he was anxious for information, for he smiled a trifle sardonical

g day's travelling, and I've a lot to do to-morrow. I think,

it's any convenience to you, you'll let me put my rooms at your disposal. But there, I forgot

know as well as I do that I never enter the doors. What should I do in a caravanserai like

the room. When the swingdoors had closed behind him M

f the proceedings, however, it would be worse than useless to endeavour to check him. He has got the bit between his teeth, and would bolt right out if I were to try to bring

another cigarette, and went off in sea

room before his eyelids closed. When his man came in to dress him he felt as drowsy as if he had not closed his eyes all night. He was not going to lie in bed, however. During breakfast he debated with himself what he should do with regard to the Rue Jacquarie. Should he loiter about the streets in the hope of intercepting Katherine when she went abroad? Or should he take the bull by the horns and march boldly up to the house and ask for an interview? Anxious as he was to see her, he had no desire to thrust his presence upon her

t knowing what to say or do. Great as was his astonishment, however, hers was infinitely great

, with a little catch of the breath. "You ar

ace, and found it more troubled than he had ever yet seen it. "But why, even if we are surprised to see each other, shoul

t. Nothing was said on the latter point, however, and they strolled along the pavement together, he wondering how he could best set himself right with her, and she combating a feeling of impending calamity, and

ittle nervously. "I always think that the chil

shall not be able to stay very long, however

right, and seated themselves upon two chairs they found there. An awkward silence followed, during which Katherine looked away in the direction they had come, while Browne, his elbows on his knees, dug viciously into the path with the point of his umbrella, as if he would probe his way down to the nether regions before he would let her get an inkling

had passed on his way again and they were left to each other

plied, still looking away from him. "After all your kindness

ould see from the expression on your face, when I met you on the b

e answered; "still, I certainly did

e what effect his words produced. She still kept her face turned away. "Don't you think it was a little unkind of you to leave London so sudden

"It was not until yesterday morning that we found it would be necessa

into the tra

ng you," he answered promptly. "The servant who opened the door to me informed me

what train did you catch?" she inquired, with a simp

from Charing Cross via Dov

d it Browne realised what a mistake he had made. She rose without another word, and made as if she woul

eve me, I had not the least intention of doing so. I t

anly wit showing her that if she wished to escape she must beg

? I cannot see that I have done anything wrong;

Browne later on, when he recalled all that had happened on that memorable morning

re humbly than he had probably ever spo

ied, with a feeble attempt at a smile. "Remember, if I do

said Browne; "but since you wish it, I will do as yo

and. "I must go now, or madame will be wonderin

never to see you again?" he

e replied. "I have told you before that my time is not

mise me something in return?" he asked, with a

omise?" she inquired suspicio

. "I will not ask you to tell me where you are going, or ask for an interview

ilent for

ss, I will promise to write and

her, she held out her hand and bade him good-bye. Having done so, she passed up t

t to the Warwick Road, I should not be in the hole I am now. I've scored one point, however; she has promised to let me know when she leaves Paris.

y sigh, and returned to his

paraded the streets with untiring energy, and even went so far as to pay periodical visits on foot to the R

r and so highly scented that he became aware of its presence there almost before he entered the room. Wondering from whom it could have come, for the wr

e see you. The matter upon which I desire to consult you, as my letter would lead you to suppose, is an exceedingly important one. Should you c

E BERN

on with Katherine? If not, what else could it possibly be? And why did she call herself his friend, and wind up with "and never more than now"? It had one good point, however; it would, in all probability,

cubby-hole at him, and inquired his business. In reply he asked the number of Madame Bernstein's rooms, and, having been informed,

as theatrical as her usual behaviour, "this is most kind of you to come to see me

rowne politely. "If I can be of any use to

o come," she answered. "But do not let us tal

t was half drawing-room half boudoir. Madame carefully closed the door, and then bade him b