The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1902-05-16

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woman did"
Compose yourself, 1 beg; and be-
gin, please"
Charlie believed he was about to
hear some news of more than ordin-
airy Importance. In imagination he
could picture the remarkable young
widow who created such a furore all
over Europe. She might resemble Ar
line In many ways, but surely such
a charmer Of men could not possibly
assume the air of innocence which this
young woman carried with her.
At the same time he felt impelled to
relate the adventure he had experienced
with the professor, and v en mention
that he had been solemnly warned by
the baron.
When she heard that Peterhoff be-
lieved her to be the celebrated adven-
turess, she hung her head.
Charlie was overcome with confu-
sion.
Il have distressed you; and yet l
beg you to believe 1 meant it all kind
ly. 1t was a silly thing for Peterhoff
to do, but even the shrewdest of men
Of his stamp make absurd blunders
sometimes. His last famous one cost
Russia her Gar. Remember, I never
for once took any stock in his ridicu-
lous idea. 1t was all a mistake"
Then the maid looked up.
Her eyes were sparkling with real
tears, but Charles haste to assure her
of his positive belief in her innocence
of the charge had brought a smile to
her face.
at is dreadful, even to be taken for
such a notorious woman, don't you
think? But perhaps 1 should look at
it reasonably, and believe the baron
has made an excusable blunder. Real
ly, some of the garcons here in the no.
tel have addressed me as countess, and
| have been puzzled to account for
it until now, so we must look alike
l a demure little English lassie, and
she a clever, designing Russian dip
lomat."
Charlie nodded, eagerly.
What she said seemed so very rea-
%sonable, and she took it much better
than he expected.
But he could easily discover that
Airline was not wholly at her ease.
Frequently she cast quick glances in
the direction Of the door.
This fact had come to his attention
some time back; but Charlie did not
find the least reason to suspect that
the baron had aught to do with it.
She seemed to hesitate, perhaps
hardly knowing just how to begin her
story.
ALLOW me to remark, in the begin
said Charlie, that, while l am
ready and anxious to serve you, and
stand ready to do all that may become
man-if there is any reason why you
should wish to keep these things Sc
cret, 1 will try to help you, even while
cropping in complete ignorance"
"Oh, no." she answered quickly; sit
is not that. You are entitled to the
fullest confidence. l was only endeav-
bring to collect my thoughts so that
might know just how to begin. And,
besides, 1 have a natural feeling of
shame, because the person who has,
sadly fear, been plotting in secret
against me, is n who should be my
pest friend upon earth-my father"
Young though she was, this beauti-
'ul girl had known what it was to sup
With poverty, to be left alone and
'riendiess in the world and to meet
With the most unexpected and glorious
'ortune.
Her story, eve when briefly told,
vas a series of dramatic surprises, such
Is are we'll fitted for the stage, yet
so seldom in real life.
She barely mentioned her earlier
Tears, save to tell how her father. a
;ea captain, had been lost as it was
believed, at sea; and with her mother
he had fought the grim wolf in Lon
lon, sewing, as such people of refine
nent reduced to poverty must do in
to earn bread.
Then came her mothers death, fol-
owed by her bitter fight against the
world, and especially the persecution
# a dashing gentleman, who seemed
determined that she should marry him,
matter if dislike and disgust took
he part Of love in her breast.
Then the wonderful freak of fortune
hat brought Airline in contact with
eccentric old aunt who was exceed
ngly wealthy.
1t was the old story-Arline's mother
.ad married beneath her, and from
hat hour had been as dead to her
elativeS; but when a kind Provi-
threw the forlorn young girl I'M
er the housekeeping carriage horses
f the dowager Lady Wallis, and she
alter on discovered that this lovely
reature was her own flesh and blood,
sudden love. for the girl sprang up
n her withered old heart, which re-
ulted in her adopting this niece as
er sole heiress.
Two years later Airline was bereft
f her eccentric, but kind relative, and
ound herself once more alone in the
Torld, this time possessed of a most
ountiful fortune.
Then it was, with the abruptness of
cannon shot, Captain Brand ap-