La Montagne transferred his regard from Marian to a colored passer-by and the woman happening to catch his eye, started back, alarmed. After he and Marian passed, the woman turned and regarded their backs before continuing on her way.
“I ’spect he looked dat away when he seed a Hun,” she ejaculated. “An’ from de medals he’s awearin’, he musta seen a pile ob Huns, but why fo’ he look at a respectable colored lady like he wanter murder her.”
Totally unaware of the sentiments he had aroused, la Montagne strolled by Marian’s side for some moments in silence.
“Madame Burnham has given me letters of introduction to friends and her husband has invited me to their house,” he said at last. “To question Mr. Burnham’s friendship——”
“Is wise,” supplemented Marian softly. The Frenchman remained silent and she added with vehemence: “Because when Mr. Burnham’s animosity is suppressed it is all the more dangerous. Take a friendly tip from me; do not trust him, and remember, he has great influence over his wife.”
“If Evelyn will but marry me, we need not heed Burnham,” exclaimed La Montagne.
“And what have you to live on if you married without Mrs. Burnham’s consent?” asked Marian dryly. “Ah! forgive me,” as La Montagne colored hotly under his tan. “By the terms of her father’s will Evelyn can only inherit her fortune by marrying to suit her mother. If Mrs. Burnham disapproves, the fortune goes to her instead of to Evelyn.”
“Wills! Bah!” La Montagne’s gestures were expressive. “I adore Evelyn, not her money. If Le Bon Dieu be so good as to spare me through this war Evelyn will not be badly off, as I will eventually inherit my uncle’s estate.” He turned eloquent, appealing eyes to Marian. “Ah, madame, use your kind offices that I may see Evelyn now.”
“Not now, to-morrow.” Marian tempered her refusal with a warm bright smile. “Call it what you will. Captain—a sixth sense, or woman’s intuition—but do not trust Peter Burnham.” She stopped and held out her hand. “I will not let you come further,” she stated positively as he started to remonstrate. “I will telephone you and anything sent in my care will always reach Evelyn. Good by,” and not waiting to hear his hearty thanks she turned down the street and ran up the Burnhams’ steps.
Jones opened the front door for her with gusto.