The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-02
THE EVENING STORY
The Anair of the Count.
by Clarissa Mackie. ]

the count, said Miss Bernard, petu-
lantiy. IF Aunt Dorinda gave you to
understand she paused significant
ly..
She did give me to understand that
the AFFAIR was settled" muttered EN-
ory. his gloomy eyes fixed on the fash
ing sails in the harbor. I'm fact, she
intimated that Americans cut no ice in
the matter!'
Poor auntie loves a .itle." sighed
Jean. rufiing her pretty hair distract
edly; why couldn't she marry the
count herself?"
Emory got upon his feet with sudden
alacrity; there was fire in his red
brown eyes and determination in the
lines OF his strong Jaw.
If Miss Leigh marries the count,
will you marry me, Jean?" he asked
deliberately.
Miss Bernard stared; then she laugh
ed merrily.
why not? With aunties craving for
a titled position satisfied, I believe I
ht-don't-not-yet!" she warded
on Emory's impulsive movement and
sought refuge behind q high-backed
chair. And now be or about your
business. Mr.. Marriage Broker"
She smiled derisively at him. Emory
picked up his hat and ran down the
steps.
What are your engagements for this
evening, Jean?" he asked. calmly.
The dance at the Bicknells', of
Counsel"
And Miss LeiEh-and the count?"
They dine with Mrs. Frake and come
to the dance afterward.''
II will see you at Bicknells', Jean
come early. DEAR" he said brazenly.
Run away, you bold, bad. mere
American" retorted Miss Bernard. sau-
oily; then she watched him as he strobe
road. a warm light in her gray eyes.
Il would whether auntie married the
count or not" she murmured myster-
iously..
"Eet ees re beautifulness of re ev-
ening Eat appeals to my lovaire soul"
sursled Count Leon Despagne as he
joined Miss Dorinda Leigh on the YER
anda Of the Drake mansion.
Miss Leigh adjusted a lorgnette to
at the starjeweled sky and then over
the moonlit bay, with its hundred an
Choir lights vaguely indicating the
whereabouts of pleasure craft
1T is very pleasant" she replied.
practically; but OF course 1t cannot
compare with your own country! The
romance, the beauty, the statehness OF
the old chateau" she sighed lux
uriously.
"Ah-eet ees glorious-ze vale re
Loire-ze magnificent chateau Des,
pagne-ah, mademoiselle! What ees all
of eet without your beautiful niece!
You hat been so kind-so gracious
you are quite-sure?" his voice quaver-
ed doubtfullly.
There is no doubt about it. count "
returned Miss Leigh in tone OF deci-
sion. ''Of course Miss Bernard is quite
young-but-I assure you. she is not az
| thoughtless as she may appearZand
am quite sure-that your-anectlon IL
reciprocated!"
| The count grasped her thin white
hand with an sectatic cry. At that mo-
ment servant approached them. "A
note for Miss Leigh" he said.
| Miss Leigh went to the drawing room
| window and perused the note In the
| stream of light that sifted through the
| lace draperies. When she turned hel
| face was quite white and her hands
| shook TREMENDOUSLY.
| "Order my car around, please" she
said to the servant. and as he depart
ed she whispered to the count: This II
terrible! 1 have just received news
that my niece has eloped with tha'
villainous young Emory! VIII you joir
me in the pursuit, dear count?
"Sacre" muttered the count. bitterl,
as he followed Miss Leigh to the draw
ing room to make their adieux- Five
minutes later they were seated in the
tonneau of the huge vehicle and whirl.
ing rapidly along the shore road towarc
the east.
AS the miles curled out from under
the tires Miss Leigh gasped scanty
particulars of the fight.
"It was an anonymous letter-iron,
some friend-I suppose-they elopeo
from the Bicknell dance, in his automo-
bile-going toward the east
"Zere are so many cars" whimpereo
H.
light overcoat, I'VE cannot identify &c
villain" His thin voice shook with
rage. -.
many going this way. You see we are
meeting some. None OF them are
spare nothing to make the time" Inc
| chauffeur bending low over the steering
| wheel let out the speed little more
and the machine swayed from side 70
| side with a zzzzipping, tearing grlno
that precluded any further CONVERSE
| ton.
| watchful and observant. Miss Leigh
and her guest sank into silence and an
| hour passed as they whtrred their way
| through town and village, eludfng
vigilaf1t constables. with reckless dare
1 devfltry on the part OF Francois. VINO
| was drunk with the lust Of speed. On
the outskirts Of the city Miss Leigh
ordered him to slow down, and present.
ly the machine painted motioniess at
the roadside while Miss Leigh and the
| count took counsel together.
At that instant. out Of the darkness
behind him. there shot a triangular
| raw of light and a white car swooped
down and stopped beside them.
''Oh. Aunt Dorinda! How could your
| came Jeans reproachful young voice.
| sCount! I am sure you can make
some explanation! thunoered Emory
| etoptoriau tones.
"How could I what? What do you
uean lean? Such impertinence on
YOUR part, Mr.. Emory! Why-l under.
stood-I received a note saying that
YOU and Jean were clipping, ana OF
course-of course-the count and Iwere