The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-06-16
Henry Seton N1erriman

she went on, upon what assumption
you make use of a word which does
not often-annOy me-"
Il have good memory, madame.
Besides"-he paused, looking round the
room - there are associations within
these walls which stimulate the MEM
ory."
What do you mean" asked Eta, in
q hard voice. The hand holding the
album suddenly shook like a leaf in
the wind.
De Chauxville had stood upright, his
ner Of man whose small talk is ex-
hausted. 1t would appear that he was
wondering how he could gracefully get
away from the princess to pay his de-
voirs elsewhere
81 cannot tell you now" he answer
ed. "Catrina is watching us across the
piano. You must beware, madame, Of
those cold blue eyes"
He moved away, going toward the
piano, where Maggie was standing be-
hind Catrina's chair.
Il was merely wondering whether
we were to count you among our rifles
tomorrow, Miss Helafield. One never
knows what ladies will do next. Not
ladies-I apologiZe-wOmen. l suppose
it is those who are not by birth ladies
who aspire to the proud name Of wo-
men. The modern woman-with cap
ital Wis not a lady, is sheT'
"She does not mind your abuse, mon
sieur," laughed Maggie. So long as you
do not ignore her she is happy. But
you may set your mind at rest as re-
CARDS tomorrow. 1 have never let off
a gun in my life, and 1 am sensible
enough not to begin on BEARS"
De Chauxville made suitable reply
and remained by the piano talking to
the two young ladies until Eta rose
and came toward them. He then cross
ed to the other side of the room and en-
gagged Paul In the discussion of fur
ther plans for the morrow.
It was soon time to dress for dinner,
and Eta was forced to forego the op-
portunity she sought to exchange a
word alone with De Chauxville. That
astute gentleman carefully avoided al
lowing her this opportunity. He knew
the value of little suspense.
During dinner and afterward, when
at length the gentlemen came to the
drawing room, the conversation was Of
a sporting tendency. Bears. bear hunt
ing and bear stories held supreme
sway. More than once De ChauXville
returned to this subject. Twice he
avoided Eta.
geous. He delayed giving Eta her op-
portunity until there was question
of retiring to bed in view of the early
start required by the next days ar
rangements. 1t had been finally set
tied that the three younger ladies
should drive over to woodman's cot
tage at the far end of the forest, where
luncheon was to be served. While this
item of the programme was arranged
De Chauxville looked straight at Eta
across the table
At length she had the chance afford
ed to her deliberately by De Chaux-
vile.
"What did you meanr she asked at
once.
81 have received information which,
had l known it three months ago,
would have made difference in your
life"
"What differencew
IL should have been your husband
instead of that thick headed giant"
Eta laughed, but her lips were for
the moment colorless.
when am to see you aloneY'
Eta shrugged her shoulders. She
had plenty of spirit.
please do not be dramatic or mys-
terious. I am tired. Good night"
She rose and concealed a simulated
yawn.
Ito be Consinued.)