Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-08-03

But the courier, pr0dlgal as he was
Of gestures, had no words which seem
ed pertinent
There must be some way Of getting
at this marquise," Monty continued re-
fectively. what are her tastes? Do
you know anything about her?'
Suddenly the face Of the courier
grew bright. 81 have it." he said, and
then he faltered. "But the expense,
monsieur-it would be heavy"
Perhaps we can meet it, suggested
Monty quietly. Whats the idea?"
1t was explained, with plenty Of ac-
ton to make it clear. The courier had
heard in Florence that madame Ia
marquise had passion for automo-
biles. But with her inadequate for
tune and the many demands upon it
it was weakness not readily graft
fed. The machine she had used dur
ing the winter was by no means up to
date. Possibly if monsieur Yet it
was too much. No villa
But Brewster's decision was made.
"Wire the fellow he said, ''that will
add to my last offer French machine
Of the latest model and the best make.
Say, too, that would like immediate
possession"
He secured it, and the crowd was
transferred at once to fairyland
There were protests, Of course, but
these Brewster had grown to expect
and he was learning to carry things
with high hand. The travellers had
been preceded by Bertier, and the
greeting they received from the stew
ard Of the estate and his innumerab BILE
assistants was very Italian and full Of
color. A break in their monotony was
welcome.
The loneliness of the villa and it's
grounds, which sloped down to the
gentle lake, silenced criticism For
time it was supremely satisfying to do
nothing. Pettingill wandered about
as though he could not believe it was
real. He was lost in kind Of at.
mosphere OF ecstasy To the others,
who took it more calmly, it was still
a sort of paradise. Those who were
happy found in it an intensiication of
happiness, and to those who were sad
it offered the tenderest opportunities
for melancholy. Mrs. Dan told Brew
ster that only a poet could have had
this inspiration. And Peggy added:
Anything after this would be an an
tclimax. Really, Monty, you would
better take us home"
II feel like the boy who was shut In
a closet for punishment and found it
the place where they kept the JAM
said Subway TT is almost as good
as owning Central park"
The stables were well equipped. and
the days wore ON in a wonderful
peace. It was on radiant afternoon,
when twelve Of the crowd had started
out after tea for long ride toward
Lugano, that Monty determined to call
Peggy Gray to account He was GER
tain that she had deliberately avoided
him for days and weeks, and he could
find no reason for It. Hour after hour
he had lain awake wondering where
he had failed her, but the conclusion
Of one moment was rejected the next.
The Monte Carlo episode seemed the
most plausible cause, yet even before
that he had noticed that whenever he
approached her she managed to be
talking with some one else. Two or
three times he was sure she had seen
his intention before she took refuge
with Mrs. Dan or Mary Valentine or
Pettingill. The thought of the last
name gave Monty a sudden thrill.
What if it were he who had come be-
tween them? 1t troubled him, but
there were moments when the idea
seemed impossible. AS they mounted
and started off the exhilaration Of the
ride made him hopeful They were to
have dinner in the open air in the
shadow Of an abbey ruin some miles
away, and the servants had been sent
ahead to prepare it. It went well, and
with Mrs. Dams help the dinner was
made gay. On the return Monty, who
was off last, spurred up his horse to
join Peggy. She seemed eager to be
with the rest, and he lost no time with
q preamble
"Do you know, Peggy" he began,
something seems to be wrong, and
am wondering what it isl
why, what do you mean, Monty?"
as he paused.
"Every time come near you, child,
you seem to have something else to do
If join the group you are in 1t is the
signal for you to break away"
Nonsense, Monty! Why should I
avoid you? We have known one an
other much too long for that" But he
thought he detected some contradiction
in her eyes, and he was right. The girl
was afraid of him, afraid Of the sensa-
tons he awoke, afraid desperately Of
betrayal.
"Pettingill may appeal to you he
said, and his voice was serious, "but
you might at least be courteous TO me-
How absurd you are, Monty Brew
ster." The girl grew hot. You needn't
think that your million gives you the
privilege Of dictation to all Of your
guests"
Peggy! How can your he inter
jected.
She went on ruthlessly. eff nv con.