Page:Storm Over Paris.pdf/52

Chapter 7

On the left bank of the Seine, on the other side of Paris, where the streets are graced with memorial statues and the bridges with gilt, where the sidewalks are scrubbed clean where the pedestrians, walking leisurely, greet each other without interrupting their comfortable promenade-stands the Hotel la Petite Normandie. From the outside it has the appearance of an ordinary hotel, just like the others in the section, quiet and clean. To its clientele, though, it is known as the "Hotel de Rendezvous," because it provides so many charming little retreats for its guests.

Monsieur Lepetit, with unhurried steps, climbed the richly carpeted stairway of the hotel. Reaching the second floor he tapped lightly on the door marked number "7." When no answer came he listened intently, holding his breath. Monique should surely be here already. She had promised to be waiting for him at exactly seven o'clock. Now it was twenty minutes past the hour. Monsieur Lepetit carefully turned his key in the lock and went inside.

He pressed the electric switch. A mellow glow immediately suffused the red-gold furniture in the room, the luxurious tropical plants, the wall hangings. He looked around the room; maybe she had taken a fancy to hide. What a minx, he thought, what a tantalizing little bitch!

"Ah, you playful little kitten," he called out, and began to tiptoe about the room. He peered behind the portieres