The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1905-05-12

it Of it's proverbial danger. He pres
emily left Steinmetz, and the prince en-
gagged In a controversy with the coun-
tess as to a meeting place at the lunch
con hour.
Maggie and Catrina We're at the pi-
ano. Eta was looking at a book Of
photographs.
"a charming house, princess" said
De Chauxville in a voice that all could
hear while the music happened to be
soft. But Catrina's music was more
remarkable for strength than for soft
ness.
Charming" replied Eta.
The music rose into a swelling burst
Of harmonious chords.
II must see you, princess" said De
Chauxville.
Eta glanced across the room toward
her husband and Steinmetz.
"Alone," added the Frenchman cool
~.
Eta turned a page Of the album and
looked critically into a photograph.
"Must?' she said, with a little frown.
"Must!' repeated De Chauxville.
"a word l do not care about" said
Eta, with raised eyebrows.
The music was soft again.
"It is ten years since I held a rifle
said De Chauxville. "Ah, madame, you
do not know the excitement. I pity
ladies, for they have no sport-no big
game"
Personally, monsieur" answered
Eta, with a bright laugh, II do not
grudge you your big game. Suppose
you miss the bear, or whatever it may
be?"
"Then," said De Chauxville, with a
brave shrug Of the shoulders, ut is the
turn Of the bear. The excitement is
his-the laugh is with him."
Catrina's foot was upon the loud
pedal again.
Nevertheless, madame" said De
Chauxville,, II make SO bold as to use
the word. You perhaps know me we'll
enough to be aware that I am rarely
bold unless my ground is sure"
81 should not boast Of it," answered
Eta. There is nothsss to De proud 81
1t is easy enough to be bold If you are
certain Of victory"
"When defeat would be intolerable,
ever a certain victory requires care!
And I cannot afford to lose."
lose what" inquired Eta.
De Chauxville looked at her, but he
did not answer. The music was soft
again.
81 suppose that at Osterno you set
no value upon a bear skim" he said
after a pause.
1--WE have many" admitted Eta.
'But l love fur or trophies Of any de-
scription. Paul has killed a great deal"
"Ah!"
EYES," answered Eta, and the music
o again. II should like to know
she went on, upon what assumption
you make use Of a word which does
not often--asnoy me-"
Il have a good memory, madame.
Besides'-he paused, looking round the
- there are associations within
these walls which stimulate the men,
ory."
Wv you AACdAs d6hCu HILd, III
q hard voice. The hand holding the
album suddenly shook like q leaf in
the wind.
De Chauxville had stood upright, his
hand at his mustache, after the man
ner of a 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.
Il 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 Delafeld. One never
knows what ladies will do next. No
ladies-I apologize-women. I suppos,
1t is those who are not by birth ladies
who aspire to the proud name Of wo
men. The modern woman-with a cap
1tal Wis not a lady, is she?'
"She does not mind your abuse, mon
sieur," laughed Maggie. So long as yol
do not ignore her she is happy. Blu
you may set your mind at rest as re
CARDS tomorrow. I have never let of
a gun in my life, and l am sensible
enough not to begin on BEARS"
De Chauxville made a suitable repl,
and remained by the piano talking t
the two young ladies until Eta ros
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
word alone with De Chauxville. Tha
astute gentleman carefully avoided al
lowing her this opportunity. He knew
the value of a little suspense.
During dinner and afterward, whe
at length the gentlemen came to tn
drawing room. the conversation was Q
q sporting tendency. Bears, bear hunt
ing and bear stories held suprem
sway. More than once De Chauxvill
returned to this subject. Twice b
avoided Eta.
In some ways this man was coura
geous. He delayed giving Eta her OF
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