"I do not know," she went on, leaning a little towards him, "why I should interest myself in you at all."
"Why do you, then?" he asked, looking at her suddenly.
She played with the trifles that hung from her chatelaine. He watched for the raising of her eyes, but he watched in vain. She did not return his inquiring look.
"Never mind," she said, "I have warned you. It is for you to act as you think best. If you change your mind, come to me. I will give you sanctuary at any time. Take me to my automobile, please."
He obeyed her and watched her drive off. Then he went slowly and unmolested back to his rooms.
CHAPTER X
THE SECOND ATTEMPT
The concierge of Julien's apartments issued with a somewhat mysterious air from his little lodge as his tenant passed through the door. He was a short man with a fierce, bristling moustache. He wore a semi-military coat, always too short for him, and he was so stout that he was seldom able to fasten more than two of the buttons of his waistcoat.
"Monsieur!"
"What is it, Pierre?" Julien asked. "Any callers for me?"