hese birds of prey took advantage of Monsieur Moore's impulsive
nature. The results were disastrous.

The conversation which so accidentally reached me could not have been
the first on the subject. At least one other I had missed, or I should
not have neglected reporting to Madame la Marquise. In speaking the
father and daughter referred to matters not only already discussed but
arranged. I learned that in desperation, through these ignoble
creditors, Monsieur Moore had placed the ring not in the safe but in the
Mont de Piete, which here is called the pawnbroker, or uncle.
Mademoiselle had evidently regretted it, fearing that the procedure was
not honest, but Monsieur had convinced her that, as the jewel was her
property, she had a legal right to dispose of it. And indeed, for all I
can tell to the contrary, the thing had been done before she was
consulted.

No doubt Monsieur was right in his assertion about legality, if the
engagement continued. But I learned as I hung up the dresses that both
Mademoiselle and her father had reached the point of high exasperation
with the fiance and fiancee. They both wished to break. Yet what was to
be done? Mademoiselle could not give back the ring to Monsieur Caspian.
Monsieur Moore, who had still other debts not yet settled by the uncle,
could not burst the bond which--being known to outsiders--procures him a
certain indulgence. Madame Shuster is rich!

They now all start off once more in automobiles; but short of murder or
suicide I do not see how Monsieur Moore is to escape his _ennuis_. I do
not venture to suggest any action to Madame la Marquise, but I have
again faithfully represented to her the situation of her friend. And I
am as always her devoted servant,

ANGELE.

XVII

PETER STORM TO JAMES STRICKLAND

DEAR STRICKLAND:

These few hasty lines in answer to your question, which, if I'd had my
wits about me, I should not have waited for you to ask. No apology do I
make, however, as you know as well as I do that my wits are not wool but
rose gathering.

I inquired of Moncourt before starting off again whether he had heard
anything lately from young Marcel. It was rather a delicate subject to
open with him, as you can readily believe, it having been dropped
between us by common agreement. He's extremely sensitive, and highly
nervous like _all_ great artists such as he is, but I was as tactful as
p