The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1908-04-16
CHAPTER l.

THINK / shall enjoy this trip
purred Isobel Barring, Nesting
comfortably among the cush-
ions of her deck chair. A stew:
ard was arranging tea for two at a
small table. The Kansas, with placid
hum of engines, was speeding evenly
through an azure sea.
Il agree with that. opinion most
heartily, though, to be. sure. so much
depends on the weather." replied her
friend, Elsie Maxwell. rising to pour
out the tea. Already the brisk sea
breeze had kissed the Chilean pallor
from Elsie's face, which had regained
it's English peach bloom. Isobel Bar
ing's complexion was tinged with the
warmth of a pomegranate. At sea,
even in the blue Pacific, she carried
with her the suggestion Of tropical
garden.
II never gave q thought to the
weather" purred Isobel again as she
subsidized more deeply into the cnsh-
ions.
"Let US hope such a blissful state
Of mind may be justified. But you
know, dear, we may run into a dread
ful gale before we reach the strait"
Isobel laughed.
"All the better.' she cried. People
tell me l am a most fascinating in
Valid look like a creamy orchid.
And what luck to have chum so dis
interested as you where a lot Of nice
men are concerned! What have
done to deserve it? Because you are
really charming. you know"
Does that mean that you have al
ready discovered a lot of nice men on
board?"
Elsie handed her friend cup of tea
and plate of toast.
Naturally While you were moon
ing over the lights and tints of the
Andes | kept an eye-both eyes, in
fact-on our compulsory acquaintance
Of the next three weeks. TO begin
with, there's the captain"
HE is good looking. certainly. Some
what reserved, fancied."
Reserved Isobel showed all her
hne teeth In smile. Incidentally she
took satisfactory bite out OF square
Of toast. III soon shake the reserve
out Of him. He Il mine You will see
him play pet dog long before we meet
that terrible gale Of yours"
'Isobel. you promised your father
ITO look after my, health during the
voyage. Do you think intend only to
sleep, eat and read novels all the way
to London? Then indeed I should be
81. But there is 4 French count on
the ship. He 10 mine too"
you mean to find safety in num-
bers?'
'Oh there are others. OF course
am sure Of my little count. He twist
ed his mustache with such an.air when
skidded past him in the companion
way l am sure NJ. lie Comte Edouard
de Poincilit will do our French far
more good than course in Mo-
liere"
Am l to be incl6ded in the lessons?
And you actually know the mans
name already!"
Read it on his luggage, dear girl.
He has such LOTT See if he doesn't
wear three different colored shirts for
breakfast, lunch and tea. And, If you
refuse to help, who is to take care Of
he pitt Edouard while give the cap
tain a trot rounda Don't look cross;
there's darling",
Nov. Isobel. that does not matter
= bit in Valparaiso. where you are
known, but in Paris and London
where mean to be equally we'll
known. 1t is a passport to smart soci-
ETY. to be triae risQue. Steward.
give my compliments to Captain Cour-
tenay and say that Miss Maxwell and
Miss Barring hope he will favor them
with his company to tea
Elsie's bright, eager face flushed
slightly. She leaned forward, with
certain sQuaring of the shoulders, be-
ing determined young person In some
respects. @N#
YFor once I shall let you or" she
ID in low voice. $50 Isgive you
warning, Isobel-I must not be
.ded in impromptu invitations Of
.Sesind"
d gracious! only meant to b