"Frank, Frank," she cried. "Try again—try again."
I couldn't stand it. "Good-bye." I choked, and turned to the door. On the stairs I met Miss Dalghren. She drew her skirts aside as I passed.
Out of the house I rushed and hurried up to the office. I seemed to see Chu-Chu in every face I passed, and I hungered for him. Arrived at the office I wrote a note to Ivan, asking him to come at once to my address on a matter of the most vital importance. This I sent around to his house by a taxi, telling the driver to bring back an answer.
Half an hour later Ivan arrived. He smiled when he saw me and followed me into the private room without the slightest hesitation. When we were seated, I said:
"Count, before I go on permit me to apologise for two things. The first is for having made a scene the other day in your bureau."
Ivan smiled again.
"I have already forgiven you that offence," says he, "because you furnished me with some very valuable information."
"I am glad of that," I answered. "The second thing for which I wish to apologise is for having caused a certain amount of damage to your motor car."
Ivan laughed outright.
"Pray don't mention it," he cried, still laughing, and added, more seriously; "you are a very daring man, Mr. Clamart."
"Needs must when Chu-Chu drives," I said.
"I should have much regretted the loss of my
