The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-01
CHAPTER II.-contlnucd.

of some kind with one Steinbock
CHAPTER II.-continucd.
The other-well, l couldn't help it
1t was Kismet, fate, the turn in the
road, what you will l 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 a winters twilight
blue as sapphires-Irish eyes! Her
hair was as dark and silken as a plume
from the wings of night. (Did / 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 il. A graceful figure, a
proud head, slender hand, a 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 nv
appetite became singularly submits
sive. Hunger often is satisfied by the
feeding of the eyes. 1 dropped nv
napkin on the table and pushed back
my chair. My hostesses ceased CON
versing
Ladies" said l courteously, 81 Of
Ter you my sincere apologies for this
innocent intrusion" 1 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. | liked the sound of it better
than any had yet heard.
pardon another parenthesis. n
hope you haven't begun to think am
the hero of this comedy. Let itSbe
furthest from your thoughts. am
only passive bystander.)
sincerely trust that your hunger
is appeased," said the one who had
smiled.
1t is, thank you" l absently fun
bled in my coat pockets, then guilty.
dropped my hands. What a 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 I
l hadn't had smoke in
four hours.
l owned single good cigar. the last
OF my importation. l lighted it and
blew forth snowy billow of heavenly
aroma. l know something about hui
man nature, even the feminine side of
1t. A presentable young man with
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 nv
.ancy, and | simply followed it,"
NAAe's - bAlN VI tue pleasures OIL !
tding-to go wherever the inclination
bids. l ride" 3,
We were getting on famously.
DO you take long journeys?" I in.
luired.
often. 1t is the most exhilarating
If sports" said the Enchantment
The scenery changes; there are so
many things that charm and engage
our interest; the mountains. the wa.
erways, the old ruins. Have you ever
vhistled to the horses afield and
watched them come galloping down 10 ,
he wall? 1t is fine. In England" ,
3ut hem mouth closed suddenly. She !
vas talking to stranger.
| love enthusiasm in woman. II
olors her cheeks and makes her ewes
parkle. l grew bit holder.
Il heard a wonderful voice as I an :
roached the castle" said l. !
Gretchen shrugged.
i haven't heard its equal outside o
berlin or Paris" went on. :
Paris" said Gretchen. LAYING a
eat little trap for me into which INV o
onceit was soon to tumble me. Paris 2
a marvellous city, =