The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1903-06-06


and nobler woman than the thought
less, somewhat heartless maiden of the
past.
The interest she had manifested in
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., and his ca
reer altogether, lent impetus to the
thought that she would not refuse him
her hand a second time.
Marriage with Lille would mean to
him affiuence equal to the rent rolls OF
Gadie, and-well, he admired Lille as
much as Don felt it incumbent upon
him to admire any one, to the exclu-
sion of the overruling idol of his life,
and that was self.
But 1t was almost with the air of an
ardent lover Don drew rein before the
spacious white house surrounded by a
cool veranda, between whose slender
columns green blinds of split bamboo
excluded the heat of the sun by day.
Eyes, the memsahib was at home"
he was informed by the durwan-door-
keeper-who hurried to his summons.
A gong was banged to announce a
visitor, and thereupon another native,
red-turbaned and white-caftaned, ap-
peared on the threshold and salaamed
Don Gordon through the white vesti-
bule toward a delightful apartment,
which proved to be untenanted. It was
veritable lady's boudoir, furnished
with European taste and Oriental
splendor combined.
On the walls were dotted valuable
prints in English frames, which Don
remembered to have adorned Capt.
Derwent's private quarters at home.
They had touch of pathos as seen in
conjunction with the great gilded
punkah which hung overhead.
About the room were scattered the
books and thousand and one knick-
knacks which betrayed that even in
far northeastern India an English lady
must have her drawing-room. It is
her own especial kingdom, where she
can gather together and enshrine in
constant remembrance all the pretty
tri1es which make up the larger COM
forts Of the mother country.
Don Gordon, standing in the center
of the room for an instant irresolute,
took in all the details at a glance. Then
he walked to the large window opening
into garden. 1t was still light enough
for the lamps to be unlit, and the scent
Of the orange blossoms and the tube
roses stole softly in on the air.
He was usually self-governed. to q
fault; but the sight Of this English
room had stirred anew deep thoughts
Of that distant Scottish home he told
himself he could never bear to look
upon again.
A silk curtain which draped the door
suddenly rustled, and, turning quickly
Don found the girl he had come to see
advancing to meet him.
Lille Derwent wore a simple gown oil
washing silk. which came close about
her slender throat; but it was of spot.
less white, and the fine mold Of hel
F., sloping shoulders and rounded arms
| showed dazzlingly through its delicate
! texture, and her abundant golden hal,
formed coronet with which no jewels
could have We'd. -
| AS he looked at her Don felt his
heart stirred with admiration, for sht
was vision of loneliness of which an,
man might be proud, much more {
would-be lover.
And Lille, who shall say what wer,
her swift thoughts of the tall, slim
soldier, looking doubly handsome a
that moment in his Kharki uniform
one hand holding his helmet, the othe
resting: lightly on the hilt of his sword
The next instant the helmet was lai,
on the floor, and he was taking boil
her hands and retaining them, with a,
unmistakable emotion.
Il hope you don't mind me comm,
so awfully late, Miss Derwent; but
was on duty off and on till mess, an,
then some fellows detained me so lon,
till I had simply to rush away and rid
here post haste"
She smiled as she seated herself OF
divan and motioned him to a chat
near her.
but, indeed, it is not at all late, an
am very pleased to see you, Capt
Gordon" Then she added, with
spice of her old coquetry: And wha
urgent necessity that could not wal
another day brought you here pos
haste?"
Don felt his breath come quicker, fol
despite those visits and presents q
fruit and invalid dainties with whic
she had honored him in hospital, b
was not at all sure how high in her es
TEEN he had reached.
II fear made it point of neces
sity," he answered bluntly; "but he
a letter from home today, Miss De-
went, and-and the fact is I couldn
sleep till I'd had five minutes privat
conversation with you. You won't IT
fuse me it," he broke of, with loo
in his dark eyes she could not mistak
, She flushed and looked down befo1
: that ardent gaze. s,.
, MRS. Franklin is always engage
l with Cecil and his ayah just now" st
3 said softly. 1--WE shall not be di!