Collected Stories Read Online Free PDF Page A

his knees. The woman was only three feet away when he raised his head, gazed at her with eyes in which tears were just beginning to form, and said weakly:
    "Madam, if you could assist me."
    It was a wonderful performance, the best he had ever given.
    The white haggard face was expressionless; the large, still beautiful black eyes stared down at him, then as though a tiresome puddle were in her path she stepped round him, and continued her walk. The grim-faced attendant gave him a blank stare, then followed in her mistress's footsteps. Gore was left crouching on the ground, feeling like a comedian whose best joke has been greeted with, complete silence.
    "Feeling poorly, dear?" a plump matron was bending over him.
    ''Get lost." Gore rose quickly and strode angrily away.
    But it was at the park gates he received his biggest shock.
    "You.”
    At first he could not believe it was he who was so perfunctorily addressed and he continued to walk towards the Mall.
    "You. Young man."
    He stopped, turned, and saw the maid — whatever she was — hurrying to catch up with him.
    "I called you twice." She spoke faultless English with a slight mid-European accent. 'Madam the Countess says you may call upon her at four o'clock."
    "What the...!"
    "Please, I must hurry back." She handed him a card. "Do not be late. Madam is not accustomed to being kept waiting."
    "Look here...!"
    But it was no use, she turned and walked quickly back into the park. Gore looked down at the scrap of pasteboard. He read:
    "Countess Helene Landi,"
    Underneath had been written in violet ink:
    "Suite A. Carlton Ritz."
    "Well I'm damned," he said aloud.
    Which in his line of business was an unfortunate expression.
    The countess received him in the main reception room of her suite, dressed in a long white afternoon gown, while she reclined on a sofa. Her white haggard face was framed by thick auburn curls.
    "A wig," Gore decided "It must be."
    The countess was brief and brutally frank.
    "Mr. Maltravers, that is the name you wish to be known by, I believe," her English, like her servant's, was perfect, and enhanced by the slight mid- European accent "You have been making enquiries about me - the extent of my fortune and so fourth." She raised a slender hand "Do not trouble to deny, I have friends, acquaintances, who inform me of these things. I too have made enquiries.
    "You live off women. Ladies like myself who are past their first youth, and are willing to pay you for certain attentions. Is that correct?"
    "Really..!" Gore was prepared to bluster, but the countess frowned and broke in quickly.
    "Please. There is no need for anger. I find nothing wrong with this arrangement. You are very pretty, Mr. Maltravers, and like money. I am not so pretty any more and have lots of money. I will pay you fifty pounds a day, and all expenses. Are you agreeable?"
    "Well."' Gore tried to look reluctant, but again he was not allowed to proceed.
    "That is good. You will move into a room on the next floor. You will wait upon me when sent for.. How are you called?”
    "I am sorry..."
    "What is your assumed birth name?" "Gore," he said sulkily.
    "I do not like it. It makes me think of blood. I will call you Chu-Chu. You look Chu-Chu "
    "Hmn?," he frowned, clutched the chair arm, then tried to look boyishly charming.
    "I think we will...
    "You will move in at once.” The countess took up a book. "Greselda my personal maid will make all the arrangements. You may dine with me at six."
    "Yes." Gore rose to his full height, and prepared to deliver a much used speech of acceptance, but the countess was now fully engrossed in her book. Greselda touched his arm.
    "Come," she said "Let us see about your room.”
    Gore was used to humiliation; it was part of his business, and he usually got his revenge, but during the next few days he was made to drain the bottle, then lick the label.
    His duties seemed to lie somewhere between an errand boy and groom of the bedchamber with extra