Argosy All-Story Weekly, May 3, 1924 — page 112: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

902 want to be a queen, but that you're really in love with Maurice.” I could only gasp in impotent fury. “ Cissie said Algy Tremayne told her he had it from Maurice himself. When I could speak coherently, I told her what had happened. “*T don’t like it,” she remarked, frowning and looking for once anything but comical. “You know, Liz, I never trusted Maurice Angell.” “ But, Bunch, what object could he have? And he was drunk, I tell you.” “ Well, he’s not drunk all the time. Liz, if we hear any more of it, we shall have to take steps. In ordinary life it would be disgusting enough, but as it is—” She moved her head authoritatively— “ it’s got to stop.” The next morning, when I came in to lunch, I found Bunch looking really wor- ried, a most unusual thing. ‘‘ Liz, Baron Leomar rang up,” she an- nounced. ‘“ He’s evidently heard some of this gossip. He asked if you were aware that your name was being connected with Lord Maurice in certain quarters. I said no. He was very guarded, but he strongly advised severe measures being taken to put a stop to these stories. Oh, I believe it’s that miserable Betty Fane business! If only you’d never done it and so put your- self in this man’s power!”’ A light dawned on me. “Do you think he can want money?” I asked. “ He’s certainly not going to get it. That would be fatal.” That same afternoon Lord Maurice called. Bunch asked me to let her see him. “J think I can pull it off better than you, Liz, dear. I don’t know what he’s after, but I don’t trust him, or his sister, or any Angell who was ever born.” I was really only too glad. I felt a shock- ing coward. But I was really dazed by this wicked audacity of a young man I had only looked upon as a pleasant acquaintance and to whom I had never done any harm. I must confess that ia my own mind I be- lieved his sister had something to do with it. I had felt her undying, bitter, relentless ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. hatred during that scene in the garden of her villa only a few weeks ago. Out of Bunch’s account of the interview I have made the following picture. Enter Bunch into the Fragonard room. She had chosen it as being formal and heartless and suitable for a battle of wits. Lord Maurice, handsomer than ever, im- maculately dressed, perfectly groomed, is discovered inspecting the famous panel, ‘““A cup of chocolate in the Marquise’s garden.” Bunch: (politely distant) ‘How do you do, Lord Maurice?” (on the effusive side) “ How do you do, Miss Turkee Is Lady Cleveland in?” (taking the offensive) ‘“‘ Lady Cleveland asked me to see you, Lord Maurice. We will speak plainly, please. You have been spreading scandalous stories about Lady Cleveland.” (in tones of horror) ‘‘ My dear Miss Turke!” “Don’t deny it. while. They have come to our ears. You forced your way into the house the other night when you were not sober. You be- haved offensively and had to be carried out.” (penitently) “I have come to apologize to Lady Cleveland. It ‘was unpardonable, I know. I have no excuse. But I was worried stiff, Miss Turke—really I was. I dropped a pot of money and Castletrevor had given me too much of his infernal port. I never could stand port in May, you know.” (coldly) “ That is very unfortu- nate for you, Lord Maurice. But that is not all. You have been inferring that Lady Cleveland is marrying King Peter for reasons of ambition, but that she is really attached to you. The Floranian ambassador has heard your name coupled with hers in an undesir- able way. There can be only one Lord M: Bunch: Lord M: Bunch: It isn’t worth cord M: Bunch: CONMUC DOOLK ©