WEST WINS THE FIRST HAND

The newcomer stood at the edge of the front steps, and paused long enough to light a cigarette before descending.  His features were as clear cut as though done in marble, and about as expressive.  To all outward appearances, the man was cold, emotionless, selfish egotism written on every feature.  For the first time, in the glare of the bright morning light, West took stock of the fellow, and realized his true nature.  Instinctively he felt that here was the particular antagonist he was to be pitted against.  Whatever might be the truth as to a strange woman, this man must be the controlling factor in any conspiracy.  His companion must have sensed the same fact, for she swiftly drew back beneath the shadow of the vines.

“You meet him,” she whispered, “alone.  I would rather he did not find us together.”

“But can you escape unseen?”

“Yes, under cover of the hedge.  But be very careful what you say.”

She had vanished before he could interpose, slipping away so noiselessly, he was scarcely aware of her swift action.  His eyes followed the more deliberate movements of the man, who slowly descended the broad steps, pausing when once on the gravelled walk to glance curiously back at the house.  West thought his interest centred on the open window of the room he had occupied, but this was merely a conjecture, for the delay was but for a moment; shortly after Coolidge strolled on directly toward the summer-house, the blue smoke of the cigarette marking his progress.  West stepped carelessly forth from the concealment of the vines, watchful for any change of expression on the face of the other.  There was none, not even a look of surprise, or a tightening of the lip.

“Ah!  Captain,” he said easily, tossing his stub aside, and drawing forth his case for another.  “Glorious air this morning; the advantage of early rising; you indulge, I presume?”

“An army habit, I mean to do away with later.  Thanks.  I suppose breakfast is not ready?”

“Hardly yet,” glancing about inquiringly.  “My niece is usually out here at this hour, which accounts for my venturing forth.  She is not here?”

“Not now, although there are evidences that she has been,” indicating the gloves and pruning shears visible beside the walk.  “We must have arrived too late.”

“So it seems.  You came with the same purpose, no doubt?”

“If you mean the hope of encountering Natalie, your guess is correct.  She would not give me a word last night, and has even overturned my plans this morning.  Does she play hide and seek with you also?”

“Does she!  One never knows what she will do.  But this last escapade is the strangest of all.”

“You refer to our engagement?”

“Assuredly; I had no warning, no conception of such a thing.”

“Do you mean, sir, that she had never consulted you? never even mentioned me to you before?”