lowed up by a wave of untidy tourists. We didn't leave him alone for
a minute, until Peter Storm and the stranger were seen returning from
their confab, and going toward the restaurant door _together_, without a
backward glance for us.

Things were thus safe for the time being. I announced that I was rested,
and would like to dine at once. Pat said that she was famished! We went
to dinner therefore--picture it!--without even washing our hands.

Peter and the stranger sat at a little table at the farthest corner of
the room. Caspian looked ready to burst with rage at being
"circumvented," and to sink into the floor with shame of his unsuitably
clad companions. As for me, I smiled at Jack a sardonic smile which
would have made a grand "close up" in the "movie" we had just seen. The
most experienced villain couldn't have improved on it.

"Say, who is that chap feeding over there with Storm?" inquired the
innocent Tom.

"That," said Caspian, "is the military attache of the Russian Embassy in
Washington. He is here on business. His name is Captain Ipanoff. He is
also a Prince."

His being "also a Prince" explained to me why Ed, our prize snob, should
have tried to lure him from his newspaper with honeyed conversation. But
it didn't explain why his eyes should start out of his head at sight of
Peter Storm.

Up to date, the thing hasn't been explained; for now, as I write to you,
it is the same night, and so far as I know, P. S. and his Prince are
still together. I don't want--at least, I don't _want_ to want--to know
anything about Peter Storm that he doesn't wish known. But Ed Caspian
will know if possible. I do wonder what the mystery _can_ be, don't you?
I shall write again almost at once, whether I have any more to tell on
this subject or not. I can't stop long in the middle of the secret--I
mean the trip!

Your very affectionate

MOLLY.

P. S. Jack says curiosity is a misunderstood virtue. Without it the
world would not have progressed. He's forgotten Pandora. But no, perhaps
not. Hope was at the bottom of her box, and we should have missed it if
she hadn't let the winged Troubles out.

XIX

PATRICIA MOORE TO ADRIENNE DE MONCOURT

_Moon Pond_,
_Newport, R. I._

MIGNONNE:

I have found waiting here a