The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-02-18


which drove the count to an ectasy Of
bliss. He covered her hands with kisses
and drawing from his hip pocket a lit
tie morocco case placed upon her fin
gers half dozen rings. Even in the
faint light the fire of the perfect stones
was apparent and she started at the
dazzling display.
Il can't wear these" she protested
feebly. 81 could never think of accept
ing such gift"
His hand closed caress!Hgly upon
hers. 'They are your engagement
rings, Caro- mio," he said softly. They
were my mothers. 1t is a little custom
we have with those we love. Pray take
them"
She made as though she ~ould re-
move them, but in tina end his will pre-
vailed and she kept them on.
That night she was in curious mix
ed state of exultation and fear. She
was to be countess and have all sorts
of rich things, but on the other hand
there were moments of passionate re-
morse when she thought of what Rob-
ert would say. Somehow she felt that
she loved him dearly, and yet she had
promised to marry the count 1t was
nearly morning when she finally
dropped off to sleep, and the boat was
already under way UP the harbor when
she emerged from the stateroom.
The count was waiting for her out
side of the door. at is better" he said
softly. that we should not be seen to-.
gether. You will have your friends and
it would be we'll to announce our en-
gagement quietly at your home l will
call this evening" He made certain
that he had the address right and hur-
ried off. Helen shuddered Robert
would be certain to be at the dock.
She was rather glad. 1t would be
easier that way.
Then came the hustle and confusion
of having the baggage passed and she
was whisked off in a 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 realized that the kisses
were very sweet to her; not at all like
the counts. She could not bear to have
him kisG her lips. 1t was not a very
determined resistance she made, but
finally she pushed him from her. You
mustn't do that, Bob she said, with
burning cheeks. You see I'm en-
gagged"
That's Just why" he explained
you don't suppose l would kiss you
like that if we wern't"
Her face grew nd. I'm engaged to
some one else," she said simply. IL
oh, Bob, I'm so sorry" Then she
burst into tears and sobbing on his
shoulder told the whole story in dis
! jointed sentences.
His face grew very white. and there
were lines of pain about 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.
1t 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 SEEM
| ing Eighty she would break the engage.
ment. Now she knew that it was Bob
she had loved all along. She told him
so and he promised to see the count
and explain.
His face grew black when he saw
the rings. That was something he could
not understand, but he put them away
in his office safe and they let the mat
ter drop.
Nothing was said to Mr.. Baker, but
all through dinner she listened in
agony of apprehension for the ring of
the doorbell that would announce the
| approach of the count. Finally at des-
sert, the bell did ring, but it was only
John Carter, from the custom house,
dropping in for an evening chat with
her father. He fairly glowed
I'VE had great good luck to-day" he
announced when he had been provided
with cigar anG a cup OF coffee
| Caught one of your fellow passengers,
Miss Helen. 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 to speak Only Bob's firm
hand under the table gave her the cour-
age to stay.
Hes slick scamp" went on Car
ter. makes practice of getting en-
gagged to a girl and loading her hands
with diamond rings. She gets them
through the customs, he has lovers
quarrel with her, she gives him back
her presents and he saves the import
duty
Helen laughed Historically "Why
was his dupe this trip" she cried, ner-
vously. Show him the rings, Bob :"
The strain was too much for her and
she broke down. 1t was Robert who
told the story, while her mother COM
forted her. and now" he concluded
what shall l do with the stones?"
well" said Carter, refectively, 81
don't think would do anything. Miss
Helen has not struggled them as they
were gift and therefore her personal
property The Count won't be in a
position to claim them for some years