The Grit-advocate., 1907-10-11
CHAPTER II.-continucc.

CHAPTER II.-continucc.
The other-well, l couldn't help it.
1t was Kismet, fate, the turn in the
road, what you will. fell heels over
head in love with her at once.
Eyes she had as blue as the Egean
sea on windy days. blue as the cloud
winnowed sky of winters twilight,
blue as sapphires-Irish eyes! Her
hair was as dark and silken as plume
from the wings of night. did l not
say that had some poetry in my sys-
temp The shape of her mouth
Never mind; l can recall only the mad
desire to kiss it. A graceful figure, a
proud head, slender hand. foot so
small that wondered if it really
poised, balanced or supported her
young body. Tender she must be, and
loving, enclitical rather than erect like
her authoritative companion. She was
adorable.
All this inventory of feminine charms
was taken by furtive glances. some
times caught-or were they taking an
inventory of myself? Presently my
appetite became singularly submits
sive. Hunger often is satisfied by the
feeding of the eyes. l dropped my
napkin on the table and pushed back
my chair. My hostesses ceased con-
versing.
Ladies" said l courteously, 81 Of
fer you my sincere apologies for this
innocent intrusion" l looked at my
watch. Il believe that you gave me
an hours respite. So. then, have 80
minutes to my account
The women gaZed at each other.
One laughed, and the other smiled; it
was the English girl who laughed this
time. l liked the sound of it better
than any had yet heard.
pardon another parenthesis.
hope you haven't begun to think am
the hero Of this comedy. Let it be
furthest from your thoughts. l am
only a passive bystander.)
Il sincerely trust that your hunger
is appeased." said the one who had
smiled.
1T is, thank you" l absently fum-
bled in my coat pockets. then guiltily
dropped my hands. What terrible
thing habit is!
You may smoke" said the Bou-
guereau child who was grown into
womanhood. Wasn't that fine of her?
And wasn't it rather observant, too?
] learned later that she had a brother
who was fond of tobacco. To her eyes
my movement was familiar one.
With your kind permission" said
gratefully. 1 hadn't had smoke IN
four hours.
owned single good cigar, the last
of my importation. l lighted it and
blew forth snowy biIlow of heavenly
aroma. l know something about hu-
man nature, even the feminine side of
it. A presentable young man with a
roll Of aromatic tobacco seldom fails
to win the confidence of those about
him. With that cloud of smoke the
raw edge of formality smoothed down.
Had you any particular destina-
tion?" asked Gretchen.
None at all. The road took my
fancy, and l simply followed It,"
"Ah! that is one of the pleasures of
rding-to go wherever the inclination
bids. ride
We were. getting on famously.
DO you take long journeys?" l in
quired.
often. 1t is the most exhilarating
of SPORTS" said the Enchantment.
The scenery changes; there are so
many things that charm and engage
your interest; the mountains. the wa
terways, the old ruins. Have you ever
whistled to the horses afield and
watched them come galloping down to
:he wall? 1t Is fine. In England
But her mouth closed suddenly. She
was talking to a stranger.
love enthusiasm in a woman. II
colors her cheeks and makes her eyes
sparkle. grew a bit bolder.
Il heard wonderful voice as ap.
preached the CASTLE" said l.
Gretchen shrugged.
Il haven't heard its equal outside
serlin or Paris" l went on.
"Paris?" said Gretchen, laying 4
~eat little trap for me into which my
conceit was soon to tumble Mi. ''Pari3
= marvellous city"