The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1908-12-22
CHAPTER XIII.
Continued.

Inc dust began to blow about
Tourists and summer visitors stay
ing in st. Malo began to appear ant
pass-the ladies in fresh toilets, The
men with sun umbrellas, light cloth,
ing, and blue glasses to keep off the
glare.
Gertrude had not thought of hel
luggage since she left her OWE
steamer, but seeing a trunk carried
past that somewhat resembled hel
own reminded her of the necessity
of getting it passed through the
douane, ready to carry off with her
at moments notice. But how
should she manage it? She could
not leave her post, and If she sent
a messenger he would not know her
things; besides, whom could she
trust? The douane was close by
She might perhaps get some one to
watch for her, with orders to come
and fetch her If her husband or his
messenger should arrive. 1t would
take little time to collect his things
he seemed to have more than the
bag now-and get them off the ship;
he would not come and go in a mo-
ment. But no; it would be a risk,
and if she had to travel over Europe
till the dress she stood in dropped
off, she would not run it.
While she was standing on the
edge OF the quay, cogitating, she
gradually became aware of new dis
comfort. For some time past she
had noticed without much needing,
an elderly Frenchman, evidently a
gentleman, lettering near her. She
had not wasted thought upon him,
but now, turning round suddenly,
she was quite startled to find him
standing close beside her, cycling her
with that bold, admiring glance which
Is either ridiculous or revolving to a
woman, according to her mood at the
moment; and 1t then occurred to her
that she herself was the object OF
his attentions. For a moment she
was afraid he was going to speak to
her, and inyoluntarily she looked
round for a protector The officer
to whom she had addressed herself
was standing just above her, leaning
over the bulwarks, evidently watch
ing the little scene below. Gertrude's
wits were sharpened by the emer-
gency. The young man had pleas
ant face, and there was something in
It at the moment which seemed to in
dictate all an Englishman's objection
to allow a countrywoman to be in
suited, especially by foreigner.
Do come to mel" Gertrude ex-
claimed, and the next instant he had
Vaulted over the bulwarks and was
standing beside her on the quay.
The Frenchman, probably FEELING
himself no match for the brawny
young Briton, withdrew scowling.
i was afraid he was going to
speak to me-" Gertrude said.
We'll, yes, guess he was" the
young man answered complacently
we'll pleased with his own proves
and not inclined to cheaper it BY
lenying the necessity.
1t is dreadful waiting here" poo,
Gertrude complained, with sort Of
Try sob.
Then why do you waltz" he an
swered, with the familiar gaucherit
Of his class.
II am waiting for my husband. ..
Yes. but why not wait at a hotel
and leave word where you've gon,
to? This is no place for a grille
alone a lady," he added.
My husband might not come tc
me, (" she answered, despondingly.
Have you quarreled?" he asked
without delicacy.
No" she replied, then looked al
him. His manners were unpublished
and he was rather common, not A,
all gentleman, in fact, but he hat
good, honest English face, and hei
woman's insight urged her to trust
him. She was sorely in need of helm
and here probably was just what she
wanted. II am in great trouble she
said, looking up at the young mar
appealingly. "My husband is out q
his mind. He imagines he is some
body else, and he went away from
home suddenly, and / have followed
him, and hope to be able to brins
him back without publicity. He il
SUFFERING from the effects of over
work, and will soon recover, the doc
tor says; but he is a well-known man
London barrister, and it would dt
him harm in his profession if it go
Into the papers. He would never b,
made a judge, you know, and nov
| ho has aUarv cbonoa ~ Az $3.50 VII.
cancy. That is why we are so anx
ious to keep this quiet. Oh, if 70,
could only help me to find hint"
I'm your man. he asserted
bluntly. And I'm glad you told me
for when you weren't sure of hi
name this morning, l thought i
looked fishy ] suppose he's tool
another?"
She nodded.
We'll, I'm off duty till midnight
and I'll do anything / can
"Oh, l cannot tell you how CRATE
full l shall bel" poor Gertrude ex
claimed Would you mind waitin.
here till l get my luggage through
the custom house? And will you sen,
for me at once if he comes or send
a messenger"
All right, never fear" was tn,
confident response; and away sh
Went, returning in very short tim
with porter carrying her box an,
bag.
The young officer met her at tn
gangway. you must come on board, z
he said.