["I feared he was discommoding you," ventured the Countess, elegantly apologetic]

["Daughter!" said Breede with half a glance at the flapper]

[In that instant Bean read the flapper's look, the look she had puzzled him with from their first meeting]

["Oh, put up your trinkets!" said Bean, with a fine affectation of weariness]

[Thereafter, until late at night, the red car was trailed by the taxi-cab]

["Lumbago!" said Bean, both hands upon the life-belt]

BUNKER BEAN

I