"
Mr. Cullen left us abruptly and quitted the restaurant. I returned to our
table with my new friend.
"Really," he said, "I scarcely know how to apologize to you, Mr. Walmsley.
This sort of thing amuses me, as a rule; but I must admit that Mr. Cullen
is apt to get on one's nerves. A well-meaning man, mind, but unduly
persistent!"
I resumed my seat at the table. I was feeling a little dazed. Opposite,
talking to two ladies, was the smooth-faced _maitre d'hotel_ into whose
keeping I felt sure that packet had gone. Seated by my side was the
gentleman who had assured me with the utmost self-possession that he was
an adventurer. And standing in the doorway, looking at us, was the girl
who for the last few weeks had monopolized all my thoughts; who had played
havoc to such a complete extent with the principles of my life that, for
her sake, I was at that moment perfectly willing to range myself even
among the outcasts of the world.
CHAPTER II--THE COUP IN THE GAMBLING DEN
On seeing us the girl advanced into the room. I called Mr. Parker's
attention to her and he rose at once to his feet. It was a cold evening in
April and she was wearing a long coat trimmed with some dark-colored fur,
and a hat also trimmed with fur, but with something blue in it.
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