The Dark Star

"Oh," he said, "not everyone."

"No; some lie naturally and without pay," she admitted indifferently.

"But there are still others. For example, mademoiselle, yourself."

"I?" She laughed, not troubling to refute the suggestion of her

possible truthfulness.

He said: "This--club--is furnished in excellent taste."

"Yes; it is quite new."

"Has it a name?"

"I believe it is called the Cercle Extranationale. Would monsieur also

like to know the name of the club cat?"

They both laughed easily, but he could make nothing of her.

"Thank you," he said; "and I fear I have interrupted your

reading----"

"I have read enough lies; I am quite ready to tell you a few. Shall

I?"

"You are most amiable. I have been wondering what the other floors in

this building are used for."

"Private apartments," she replied smiling, looking him straight in the

eyes. "Now you don't know whether I've told you the truth or not; do

you?"

"Of course I know."

"Which, then?"

"The truth."

She laughed and indicated a chair; and he seated himself.

"Who is the dark, nice-looking gentleman accompanying you?" she

enquired.

"How could you see him at all through your newspaper?"

"I poked a hole, of course."

"To look at him or at me?"

"Your mirror ought to reassure you. However, as an afterthought, who

is he?"

"Prince Erlik, of Mongolia," replied Neeland solemnly.

"I supposed so. We of the infernal aristocracy belong together. I am

the Contessa Diabletta d'Enfer."

He inclined gravely: "I'm afraid I don't belong here," he said. "I'm only a Yankee."

"Hell is full of them," she said, smiling. "All Yankees belong where

Prince Erlik and I are at home.... Do you play?"

"No. Do you?"

"It depends on chance."

"It would give me much pleasure----"

"Thank you, not tonight." And in the same, level, pleasant voice:

"Don't look immediately, but from where you sit you can see in the

mirror opposite two women seated in the next room."

After a moment he nodded.

"Are they watching us?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Neeland?"

He reddened with surprise.

"Get Captain Sengoun and leave," she said, still smiling. "Do it

carelessly, convincingly. Neither of you needs courage; both of you

lack common sense. Get up, take leave of me nicely but regretfully, as

though I had denied you a rendezvous. You will be killed if you remain

here."