The Lady of Lyon House Read Free Page A

one of the great wooden kegs, and Mattie was perched by the cash register, looking about her with slight disapproval.
    â€œThere he is, second table to your right,” Laverne said.
    The man was sitting there casually, his fingers wrapped around a stein of beer which he did not drink. He was alone, and he seemed to be separate and apart from the other customers, not belonging for some reason. Draped over the back of the chair next to him was a brown and yellow checked cloak.

CHAPTER TWO
    H E WAS relatively young, not more than thirty, and he had an air of distinction that set him apart from the other people in the hall. He wore elegant clothes, a dark brown suit, a vest of yellow satin embroidered with brown fleurs-de-lis which proclaimed his good taste and good tailor. His hair was rich chestnut brown, one smooth wave fallen over his forehead, and his eyes were dark brown. His brows were black, finely arched over the slightly drooping lids. A thin pink scar made a line from one cheekbone to his chin, and this defect gave him a strange attractiveness. His face was tanned, and his body was the strong, muscular body of one who spends much time outdoors in active pursuits.
    â€œNice, isn’t he?” Laverne whispered.
    â€œI wonder who he is?”
    â€œI have no idea. I know he doesn’t belong here, though. He’s the white tie and tails sort, not the shirt sleeve and derby kind who hang around here. Probably slumming. He’s always alone, though. That sort usually comes with a crowd to laugh at and mock the other half.”
    â€œHe’s been coming in for a week?” I asked.
    â€œRegular as clockwork,” she said.
    The man seemed entirely at his ease at the table, sitting back in his chair, one ankle propped casually over his knee, his hand resting on the back of the chair beside him. I had an impression of strength and agility, as though the man had great power which he kept closely in check, holding it back. There was a half-humorous smile on his firm pink lips. They were a little too large, the mouth mobile and expressive. He was a man who would laugh easily and just as easily draw back in anger.
    I turned away, trying to keep my face expressionless. I was almost certain he was the man who had been following me. I was frightened of him, even more so now that he had become a reality, not just a shadowy form moving through the fog. A tremor of fear went through me and my throat felt a little dry. What did he want? Why did he follow me? Why did he come here every night just to see me?
    â€œSome beau,” Laverne remarked as we walked away from the stage.
    â€œI’m sure you must be mistaken,” I said. “I’ve never seen the man before in my life. Why in the world should he be interested in me?”
    â€œTake another look in that mirror, kid,” she replied.
    â€œI don’t like it a bit,” I said. “I’m going to tell Bill.”
    â€œAnd what would Bill do?”
    â€œHave him thrown out of the place,” I answered crisply.
    â€œWait till you have reason for it, kid. He isn’t doing any harm.”
    â€œIsn’t he?”
    â€œWhy are you so upset?” she asked, her voice concerned. “You’re pale. Your hand is trembling. Say—tell me the truth now. Has this fellow been bothering you?”
    â€œI—no. I told you I had never seen him before.”
    â€œWell, if he does, you just let me know. You’re just a kid, not one of those chorus dolls who encourage that sort of thing. You tell Laverne if that guy tries anything.”
    â€œI will,” I replied. “I’d better go on up to the dressing room and get everything ready, Laverne.”
    â€œYeah, the band’s tuning up. It’s almost time for me to go out and do my turn. See you later, kid.”
    I climbed up the winding iron staircase to the area above where my dressing room was located. Three of the chorus girls came hurrying out