E Phillips Oppenheim

Havoc E Phillips Oppenheim

Excerpt: ...at Zoe, "that I cannot stay for more than a second." "Naturally," Bellamy answered. "If Mademoiselle really has anything to say to you, I will, if I am permitted, return for a moment." Laverick introduced him to Zoe. "I am sure I have seen you at the Universal," he declared. "You're in the front row, aren't you? I have seen you in that clever little step-dance and song in the second act." She nodded, evidently pleased. "Does it seem clever to you?" she asked wistfully. "You see, we are all so tired of it." "I think it is ripping," Bellamy declared. "I shall have the pleasure again directly," he added, with a bow. The two men crossed the room. "What the dickens does Mademoiselle Idiale want with me?" Laverick demanded. "Does she know that I am a poor stockbroker, struggling against hard times?" Bellamy shrugged his shoulders. "She isn't the sort to care who or what you are," he answered. "And as for the rest, I suppose she could buy any of us up if she wanted to. Her interest in you is rather a curious one. No time to explain it now. She'll tell you." Louise smiled as he paused before her. She was certainly exquisitely beautiful. Her dress, her carriage, her delicate hands, even her voice, were all perfection. She gave him the tips of her fingers as Bellamy pronounced his name. "It is so kind of you," she said, "to come and speak to me. And indeed you will laugh when I tell you why I thought that I would like to say one word with you." Laverick bowed. "I am thankful, Mademoiselle," he replied, "for anything which procures me such a pleasure." She smiled. "Ah! you, too, are gallant," she said. "But indeed, then, I fear you will not be flattered when I tell you why I was so interested. I read all your newspapers. I read of that terrible murder in Crooked Friars' Alley only a few days ago,