The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-23
Our Daily $bOrt Story


 there were moments of passionate re- morse when she thought of what Robert would say. Somehow she felt that she loved him dearly, and yet she had prom ised to marry the count. ftTwaa nearly morning when she finally dropped off to sleep. and the beat was already under way up the harbor when she emerged from the stateroouk
 The count was waiting for her outside of the door. Tt Is better" he said softly. that we should not be seen together. You will have your friends and it would be well to announce our enlargement quietly at your home. will call this evening"" He made certain that he had the address right and hurried off. Helen shuddered. Robert would be certain to be at the dock She was rather glad. It would be easier that way.
 Then came the bustie and confusion of having the baggage passed and she was whisked off in cab by Arthur. As soon as they were alone he caught her in his arms and covered her face with kisses. Even as she struggled against him she realised that the kisses were very sweet to her; not at all like the counts. She could not bear to have him kiss her lips. It was not a very determined resistance she made, but fin- ally she pushed him from her. You musn't do that, Bob," she said, with burning cheeks. "You see I'm engaged"
 That's just why" he explained. ''You don't suppose I would kiss you like that if we wern't."
 Her face grew red. I'm engaged to some one else." she said simply. TT -Oh, Bob, I'm so sorry" Then she burst into tears and sobbing on his shoulder told the whole story in dis tointed sentences,
 His face grew veryA white, and there were lines of pain abont the mouth and eyes. but he did not scold as she had hoped he would. Instead he sought to comfort her. putting aside his own great sorrow to put her at her ease.
 It was good to have some one to con- fide in and long before the drive was ended she was heartily ashamed of her. self. Somehow the count seemed but a memory. She did not love him in the least and his title did not seem so de- sirable with Bob's broad shoulder to lean against. Even at the risk of seeming dighty she would break the engagement. Now she know that it was Bob she had loved ali along. She told. him 50 and he promised to see the count and ex- plain.
 His face grew black when he saw the rings. That was something he could not unuerolAuu, put uS put tu0th aW&y LII his office safe and they let the matter drop.
 Nothing was said to Mr. Baker, but all through dinner she listened in agony of apprehension for the ring of the door bell that would announce the approach of the count. Finally at dessert, tre bell did ring, but 1t was only John Car. ter. from the custom house, dropping in for an evening chat with her father. He fairly glowed.
 'We had great good luck today" he announced when he had been provided with a cigar and Q cup of coffee. Caught one of your fellow passengers. Miss Hell on. 'Dago Dan they call, but he was on the passenger list as the Count of Montevecchio. Meet him?"
 Helen nodded. She dared not trust her voice Sto speak. Only Bob's firm hand under the table gave her the courage to stay.
 He's a slick scamp" went on Carter. Makes a practice of getting engaged to 8 girl and loading her hands with dia- mond rings. She gets them through the customs, he has q lover's quarrel with her. she gives him back her presents and he saves the import duty"
 Helen laughed hysterically. "Why, I was his dupe this trip" she cried, nerv- ously. Show him the rings, Bob" The strain was too much for her and she broke down. It was Robert who told the story, while her mother ccmforted her. "-and now," he concluded, "what shall do with the stones7'
 We'll" said Carter, rehectively. 'T don't think I would do anything. Miss Helen has not smuggled them as they were a gift and therefore her personal property. The Count won't be in a position to claim them for some years on account of a little matter of some watches in O false tray of his trunk. I think I would suggest that she accept them as he said for engagement rings"