always wears
that veil. I might make a jackass of myself."

"It would be excusable," rejoined Worth, pressing the coal in his pipe
and blowing the strong, biting smoke above his head. "She is, without
exception, one of the most beautiful women I ever saw or care to see."
He rose and walked over to the window and gazed down upon the quay,
bright with morning sunshine and colorful with two human currents.

Smith and O'Mally exchanged a swift, comprehensive look. There was one
thing upon which they agreed fully, but they had not yet put it into
words. When Worth returned to his chair his two companions were
inspecting the faded designs in the carpet.

"In Rome there was a grand duke," Worth remarked.

"And how she played him!" laughed Smith.

"And there you are! Imagine an American comic opera star refusing to
dine with a real duke! If anything convinces me, it is that. Think of
the advertisement it would have been in New York! Think of the fat part
for the press agent! No," continued O'Mally, "she doesn't belong."

"The thing that sticks in my mind is the alternative which she has
promised to offer." Worth eyed the ceiling. "She said that if she failed
at Monte Carlo she had another plan. What? Pawning her jewels? I think
not. But whatever it is, I expect to be counted in."

"I, too," agreed Smith.

O'Mally took the small brilliant from his necktie and contemplated it
sadly. "The outsiders make fun of us for toting round these sparklers;
but often it's board and car-fare home. I paid seventy-five for this; I
might be able to raise thirty on it. Of course, she's backed us finely
with the hotel man; but if she shouldn't return, it's strapped the three
of us will be. And no letters at Cook's this morning."

"Oh, if worst comes to worst, the American consul will forward us to New
York. I'm not going to borrow any trouble." And Worth in his turn found
employment in the carpet patterns. Presently he got up briskly. "I'm
going down to the office."

"Bureau," corrected O'Mally.

"Bureau. There might be a note or something." Worth smiled.

When he was out of the way O'Mally nodded wisely to his friend Smith.

"I hope he won't make a fool of himself over her."

"He has the symptoms. I've seen 'em before," replied Smith jocularly.
"But he's an odd duffer, and there's no knowing what he'll do before the
round-up. It's a fine go, anyhow. Here we are, handsomely stranded
thousands of miles from home. The only chance I