Part 29 (2/2)

”It's men like you who ought really to win,” exclaimed Monte. ”I hope you get what you went after.”

”I mean to,” answered Noyes, with grim determination.

They had turned and were coming back in the direction of the hotel when Monte saw a girlish figure hurrying toward them.

”I think your sister is coming,” said Monte.

”Then you can be relieved of me,” answered Noyes.

”But I 've enjoyed this walk immensely. I hope we can take another.

Are you here for long?”

”Indefinitely. And you?”

”Also indefinitely.”

Miss Noyes was by their side now.

”Sister--this is Mr. Covington,” Peter introduced her.

Miss Noyes smiled.

”I've good news for you, Peter,” she said. ”I've just heard from Marjory, and she'll see you at ten.”

Monte was startled by the name, but was even more startled by the look of joy that illuminated the features of the man by his side. For a second it was as if his blind eyes had suddenly come to life.

Monte caught his breath.

CHAPTER XVII

JUST MONTE

Monte was at the Hotel d'Angleterre at nine. In response to his card he received a brief note.

_Dear Monte_ [he read]: Please don't ask to see me this morning. I'm so mixed up I'm afraid I won't be at all good company.

Yours, MARJORY.

Monte sent back this note in reply:--

_Dear Marjory_: If you're mixed up, I'm just the one you ought to see.

You've been thinking again.

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