The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-13

the rest Of the time-he felt almost
sulky.
The next day they were anchored off
Alexandria, and old Lewison With Lord
Hillmarch came on board The engineer
kept out of the way until they went into
the saloon for lunch, then he seized the
opportunity and went on deck. lie lean
ca over the taffrai and gave hlnlseiI UP
TO his thoughts. Another hour or so
and she would have passed out OF his
life forever. In his fit of abstraction ne
had not noticed a torpedo destroyer
which was out for practice. She was go
ing at quarter speed past the yacht.
Suddenly a voice broke in his ears
why. its Kenyon, by JoVe! How are
you, old MANI"
The engineer awoke from his reverie-
with a start. A few yards away the
bronzed face of the lieutenant of the
destroyer was laughing at him.
Cant keep away from the old game,
see-lucky chap to be able to choose
your own fancy boati win you come
round and see US tonight?
The destroyer was some distance away
by now, and the last words came in
shout. The engineer nodded and waved
his hand.
Then a slight noise behind him made
him swing round.
He saw Miss Fay Lewison and Lord
Hillmarch standing at the open door OF
the companion The girl was watching
him.
He called you kenyon she said.
wonderingly.
Lord Hnlmarch stepped forward He
was an almost middle-aged little man,
with a kindly face He held out his hand
to the engineer.
THAT happens to be his name. you
know-Dennfs Kenyon he said, with
smile
Miss Lewison was still more bewildeT-
ed. You know him?''
slightly he replied. You see, his
estate adjoins mine at home"
But he has been our engineers" she
cried.
There was a pause. Lord HilImarch
shot a little alert look at Kenyon and
stroked his mustache- The girl stood
waiting for an explanation Kenyon
gave a nervous laugh.
There isn't really much to explain
he said. you see, before an uncle died
end left me a bothering lot of money
and an estate. I was an engineer in the
ravy-you just heard one of my old
zneSSmateS hail me- He gave a jerk Of
his finger toward the destroyer. You
Know the rest. [ was idling about Gil
braltar when I accidentally heard your
trouble about the engineer. 1 did it on
impulse suppose-'' He hesitated. Il
suppose / must have a strain of romance
somewhere in my composition" he ad-
ded lamely.
She did not speak. He moved his head
slightly and her gaze met his. Lord
1illmarch looked from one to another
critically then a slight smile crept over
his Insignificant little face. He pulled
out his cigarette case
'Supposing,'' he observed, dryIy, we
all be delightfully."- frank with one an
other
The two turned to him with start.
II just love frankness!" said Miss
Fay.
Lord Hillmarch lighted his cigarette.
Then, as a beginning he said coolly,
I'll remark that / don't think I'll come
to England in the yacht with you.
rather fancy, you know, that being IS.
and somewhere about five feet two in
stature, with bald head into the bar
gain, I viii adhere to my old resolution
and admire nothing but my own charm
ing self. How's that for frankness2''
'sGigantic!' said Kenyon.
The little lord smiled
Then I'll leave you to do your share,
re observed, and strolled away.
The two stared at one another blank
ly; then suddenly they both laughed
Its all very ridieulousi" said Miss
Lewison.
Kenyon grew sober again.
Il suppose he said, slowly II must be
leaving the ship now, unless He
paused and looked at her intently. I'm
less by a remote chance you also
have" His voice died away nervous
''what?" she said, with her eyes on the
deck.
"A strain Of romance is somewhere In
your composition" He finished in almost
a whisper.
She lifted her head and saw him look
ing at her pleadingly. There was
vague something about him that appeal
ed to her. And he was undoubtedly very
much in love with her. Her lips parted
in half smile.
I'm not certain she said, doubtfully.
Then her eyes met his. why not give
me a little time to find out7" she said
frankly.
He did-and eventually discovered that
there WAS