Beth Norvell

"There is not a great deal of reserve about the Gayety," he explained

lightly, "and indiscriminate gossip is a part of its advertising

equipment. As to Señorita Mercedes, my only informant is common rumor

out in front. That connects her name quite familiarly with one of the

proprietors of the gambling rooms."

"You have no reason to know this?"

"None whatever. As I say, it has come to me in the form of common

rumor. The man referred to is the special faro expert, a fellow named

Farnham."

Miss Norvell started violently, her fingers clutching his arm as if to

keep her body from falling, her face grown suddenly white.

"Farnham, did you say? What--what Farnham?"

"I believe I have heard him familiarly spoken of as 'Biff.'"

"Here? Here in San Juan? 'Biff' Farnham here?" The startled words

appeared to stick in the swelling white throat, and she stood staring

at him, her slender figure swaying as though he had struck her a

physical blow. "Oh, I never knew that!"

Winston, shocked and surprised by this unexpected outburst, did not

speak, his face slowly hardening to the dim suspicion thus suddenly

aroused by her agitation and her impetuous exclamation. She must have

taken instant warning from the expression of his eyes, for, with an

effort, she faced him in regained calmness, a slight tremor in her low

voice alone betraying the lack of complete self-control.

"Your information certainly startled me greatly," she exclaimed slowly.

"It was so unexpected, and so much has happened of late to affect my

nerves."

They walked on in silence, and as he ventured to glance aside at her,

uncertain regarding his future course, her eyes were lowered and hidden

behind the drooping lashes.

"And is that all?" he asked.

"All? Why, what more is there?"

He compressed his lips, striving not to exhibit openly his impatience.

"Nothing, of course," he acquiesced quietly, "if the lady prefers

keeping silent. Only, as matters now stand, the result may prove an

unpleasant misunderstanding."

They were now at the bottom of the few steps leading up toward the

hotel entrance, and Miss Norvell, removing her hand from the support of

his arm, stood before him outwardly calm.

"Beyond doubt, you refer to my apparent surprise at first hearing Mr.

Farnham's name mentioned?"

He bowed quietly, again fascinated and disarmed by the revelation in

those dark eyes.

"The explanation is quite simple," and the voice exhibited a touch of

coolness easily perceptible. "I chanced to be somewhat acquainted with

this man in the East before--well, before he became a gambler. Of

course, I do not know him now, have not the slightest desire to do so,

but the sudden information that he was actually here, and--and all the

rest--came to me with a shock. Is that sufficient?"