Free The Judas Kiss by Herbert Adams Page B

but what perfect English you speak!" Jasper thought a little flattery would create a good impression.
    "I tell you a secret," was the reply in a lowered voice. "By birth I am English."
    "Yet you are the perfect Frenchman too!"
    Gaston shrugged, not displeased. "My father was English, my mother French. She taught me all I know. When I started my business I used her name. I became Gaston Bidaut. Could I, as Arthur Smith, create the mode Parisienne?"
    "Very difficult," Jasper agreed. "Curiously enough, I know a lady whose name also was Bidaut."
    "Ah, who was she?"
    "Adelaide Bidaut. Did you ever hear of her? I believe she lived here."
    Gaston drew back as though he had been struck.
    "My wife!" he muttered.
    Jasper was utterly surprised. "Perhaps we talk of different ladies," he said. "The one I know has golden hair, is very beautiful and about twenty-seven years of age. She once worked in an establishment like yours, but she married an Englishman."
    "My wife!" Gaston said again. "She had eyes of the Madonna but a false heart."
    "You divorced her?"
    "Mon Dieu, no! She did not marry your Englishman. He was rich and he stole her from me. Yes, she was beautiful. She was the Beauty Queen of Dinard. Then I married her. In less than two years this monster, this Michelmore, enticed her away. Where did you see her?"
    Jasper's thoughts were in turmoil. He did not doubt what he heard; it must be true. It was a shock to hear of his father's deception but might it not turn to his own advantage? He was glad he had never mentioned his name. He must be cautious.
    "I met her with Mr. Michelmore," he said. "She told me they were married in your Cathedral."
    "She lied. She married me there. She could not marry again."
    "Would you wish to have her back?"
    Gaston hesitated. He passed his hand over his heated brow. This sudden rebound from the tragedy of his life shook him deeply.
    "Would she come? She was beautiful, yes. In bed she was all a man could desire, but she would not get up! She was lazy. One wants a wife to help in one's business. Some times she would sit in the window while I dressed her hair. Everyone watched. Sometimes she would attend in the shop. But often she would refuse. 'I am not a servant,' she said. This reptile came. She left me a little note; she was tired of it."
    "Perhaps you have consoled yourself?"
    "A man is a man. But Adelaide, " He did not finish the sentence.
    "You want her back?"
    "I, I do not know. Why do you ask?"
    "I ask," Jasper said slowly, "because Mr. Michelmore is dead. He was killed a short while ago in a motor accident."
    "Mon Dieu! Where can I find her?"
    "I may have the address somewhere in the hotel. If not, I can send it you. I may be leaving to-morrow."
    "You will not forget?"
    "I will not forget."
    With a quick gesture Gaston pushed his hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.
    "See," he said, "I still have her photograph."
    Jasper glanced at it. Adelaide without a doubt, in the minimum of a bathing costume she had probably worn as the Beauty Queen.
    "Yes," he said, handing it back. "It is the same."
    "She was not hurt? Not disfigured?"
    "No. He was knocked down on the road. She was not with him."
    "I shall hear from you?"
    "Surely."
    "And your name is?"
    "Jasper."
    "Thank you, Monsieur Jasper. She is well?"
    Before he could reply the ugly bulk of M. Henri loomed up. Gaston hastily put his wallet out of sight. Jasper rose.
    "Your seat, monsieur," he said, and he escaped.
    When he had come to St. Malo his mind had been full of his pictures. He had not thought of tracing the shop where Adelaide said she had worked. Why should he? But now, thanks to his meeting with Gaston, the extraordinary truth had come to light. His father's behaviour astonished him. He had always been popular with ladies but had never seemed to give a thought to any other woman while his wife lived. Then after his illness he had met Adelaide. He could not marry her but he could run off with her and say they were married. Who