The enterprise-recorder. (Madison, Fla.) 1908-1933, 1908-07-02


answer to my hurried question.
Just a few minutes later. and |
might have been saved all the EN-
barrassments of that october after
noon; but, as 1t was, tore the en-
velope open and read:
"Diane coming by 800 train; please
bring her down.-Augusta."
That is so like my cousins wifel
When the last trump sounds for the
last soul to hand in its reckoning
Augusta will have gone back for her
lace pocket handkerchief
SO low, at the seventh hour, was
expected to rise to the situation and
act as cicerone to a total stranger.
For who on earth was "Diane?" That
was the question that tortured me as
my hanson carried me all too quick
ly to our trysting place.
remembered vaguely that when
Augusta married my cousin, Stanfeld
Fame, there was talk Of French
connectionsl of a niece from Perigord
TO Join the bridesmaids ranks; OF a
dash Of French blood that drove Au-
gusta recklessly to Paquin for her
wedding gown, amply atoned for by
the stiff magnihcence OF her fine Eng
lish presence.
For to lay to Augustus charge any
Gallo frivolity would be to stretch
ones Imagination to swapping pointl
was still Immersed in the problem
OF DANES identity when my hanson
pulled up at Paddington. There For
tune played into my hand, for as
stood waiting for my turn at the
ticket Office | heard a lady's voice
with the unmistakable throaty r
OF the Partisan, demand FIRST class"
for Wryborough.
The station was dark; but as she
turned her head ! caught glimpse
Of a dainty retrousse profile under
the smooth masses Of her welldressed
hair, and the neat way she gathered
up her skirts over her little high
heeled boots confirmed me in my con-
illusions as to her nationality.
Meanwhile, as she tripped briskly
down the platform, l reminded myself
with a certain tightening Of spirit
OF my obligations to Augusta, and
few minutes later found US both seat
ed in the opposite corners OF a
through carriage for the little coun'
try station.
Il was even with a certain anxiety
that frowned at possible intruders'
and we were just about to start when
frantic porter, dragging an unwill-
ing spaniel by leash, came painting
up the platform.
The dog was thrust into the van ad-
Joining, none too gently, / fear, as
yelp rang out before the door was
slammed. followed by a low and
mournful howl. AS the train pulled
out I glanced at my pretty compan'
ion.
Her piquant face showed a ready
sympathy.
ooh, le pauvre!" she murmured
softly, as a second mournful note rose
and quivered and died away
Here was my opportunity.
"I'm always sorry for poor dumb
animals" / began. somewhat lamely,
but the lady broke in with mis-
cbieyous smile
@Dumb2" she queried, with the
prettiest little accent In the world.
"O-oughl" went the spaniel next |
door. and we both laughed aloud.
A cold autumn wind blew in at the
omen window and. seeing her hand |
on the sash. rose to her assistance.
"Merci monsieurl" said my com
panion owe viii shut out re 'owls!"
we may as well be warm" I said,
stidlng q smile. 1T Is a long journey |
70 Wryborough."
"Tiensl Monsieur goes there, toog' |
She raised her finely arched brows,
evidently IN ignorance Of Augustas |
ninth-hour decision.
Then q happy thought struck me,
would keep the fact Of my destina-
don secret up to the last moment |
and only when we had both arrived /
az Wryborough Court should she /
know was one Of the house pary I
for the week end.
Il am going down Tor the shoot
ing" I said vaguely
She nodded her head wisely.
i saw monsieur had his gun. VIII |
It be for birds now or for foxes?'
Luckily for me. the spaniel chin
ing IN again stided my involuntary |
gasp.