The New Movie Magazine (Dec 1929-May 1930)

Pike saw Mrs. Peters's startled face as he appeared in the door of the salon, but the overwhelming desire to talk drove him on. It was pleasant, after being ignored so long, suddenly to find himself the center of attention. The lights seemed to grow brighter and the music louder and the people harder to make hear. Now and "Oh, Lord, this is terrible," said Pike, rubbing his head. "But there's one consolation about going on a spree over here on this Paris stuff — you do wake up." And Mrs. Peters was to have another surprise. Later that morning she saw a sight in the courtyard that her eyes would hardlv believe. It was the Grand Duke 1 'But Mother and Opal, think about them," protested Ross. 'Father, you were always such a good man." what I started -I've got this." "And I made it's a turn then a word bothered him, but he gave it no thought. All he wanted to do was to talk. "You can see I'm a booster for Oklahoma, Yer Highness. I've seen it grow up from nushing, because I'm one of the old settlers there. I sure was. I was danged near a 'Sooner,' " Pike laughed in pleasant recollection of those early rogues. "I was born on the poorest farm I bet you ever laid eyes on — hardpan and alkali and rattlesnakes, that's all it was. That's life on," he boasted, "and now, by golly !He waved his hand over the chateau, every cent of it with these here two hands." He turned over the two members proudly. "All I inherited was a horse blanket." He was soon back to Claremore. "I've got the Ford agency in Claremore — and danged good agency, too. What do you shink my over was lash year?" Pike told about his turnover, while the guests glanced from one to another; then they began to glance toward Mrs. Peters. Mrs. Peters had been trying to catch Pike's glassy eyes, but without success. Now she pushed forward. "I'm afraid you are annoying His Highness. It's just one of Mr. Peters's jokes," she explained. "He's a great tease." "It's the God's truth," declared Pike, his mind still on turnover, "and I've got the books to prove it." The soiree was over — ruined. Mrs. Peters thought that the Grand Duke would never have anything more to do with Pike, but strangely enough the Grand Duke liked this rugged son of Oklahoma and next morning when the soft matutinal light came stealing in it found Mike and Pike in the same bed together! getting into a car to leave, and indeed he was most friendly toward Pike. Listening, Mrs. Peters could hear the conversation "Good-bye, Mike," said Pike as the Grand Duke climbed in. "Good-by, Pike." "If you ever get to Claremore drop in and see me. And remember, vou're booked for a speech at the Rotary Club." "I wish I could invite you to my country," returned the Grand Duke, a note of pathos in his voice, "but I have none," and stirred by his emotion he kissed Pike. PIKE soon was to have a surprise, for that day a man dressed in a long black professional coat and striped trousers made his appearance, and even in a hurried glance Pike saw that he had a black portfolio at his side. The man extended a hand covered with rings. "I hope I have not disturbed you," he said, in a manner that was neither friendly nor inimical. "This is my card." and he handed Pike a card with his name in script. The name meant nothing to Pike. The man spoke with the careful correctness of one who has learned English from a book, and as he talked his sharp eyes did not leave Pike's face. "You have a beautiful place here," he said with the manner of one who wishes to establish himself agreeably. "As you may see by my card, I am a solicitor and I find myself here," and he coughed slightly, "on a delicate mission." Pike moved uneasily. After all, Claudine ... "I find it rather awkward to speak of the subjoct I have in mind, but as it must be done I shall go forward. You are, no doubt, conversant with the French custom — in fact, it is almost a law — in regard to 97