Evening star., 1909-03-14
CHAPTER VII.
Some Skirmishing

CHAPTER VII.
Some Skirmishins
7 .ATER. the American saw the two sitting in
- the hall. They were chatting with the free
dom of old friends. Helen'S animated face
showed that the subject of their talk was deeply
interesting. She was telling Bower of the sights
inflicted on her by the other women; but Spen
ser interpreted her intent manner supplying
sufficient proof of stronger emotion than mere
friendlness. He was beginning to detest Bower.
1t was his habit to decide quickly when two
ways opened before him He soon settled his
course now. To remain in the hotel under pres
ent conditions involved loss of self respect, he
thought. He went to the bureau, asked for his
account and ordered carriage to st. Morltz
for the morrow's fast train to England.
The manager was politely regretful. You
are leaving at the wrong time, slr," he said.
Within the next few days we ought to have
midsummer storm when even the lower hills
will be covered with snow. Then we usually
enjoy long spell of magnificent weather"
Sorry said Spenser. " l like the scramble
up here and he nodded in the direction of the
Bernina range, and old Stampa IS gem OF
guide; but l can hardly put off any longer
some business that needs attention in England.
Anyhow, l shall come back, perhaps next
month Stampa says it is all right here in Sep
tember
"Our best month, assure YOU, and the ideal
time to drop down into Italy when you are
tired of the mountains.
Il must let it go at that. l intend to fix
Stampa so that he can remain here till the end
Of the season. So you see | mean to return.
He was very fortunate in meeting you, MIR.
Spenser, said the manager warmly.
We'll, it is time he had slice of luck. I've
taken a fancy to the old fellow. One night, in
the Forno hut, he told me something of his
story. | guess it will please HIM to stop at the
Maloggia for awhile"
He told you about his daughter?" came the
tentative question.
Not all am afraid there was no difficulty
IN filling in the blanks. heard enough to make
me respect him and sympathlze with his
troubles.
The manager shook his head, with the air of
one who recalls that which he would willingly
have forgotten. Such incidents are rare in
Switzerland, he said. Il well remember the
sensation her death created. She was such
pretty girl. The young men at Pontresina
called her The Edelweiss, because she was so
inaccessible. In fact. poor Stampa had edu-
Gated her beyond her station. and that IS not
always good for a woman, especially IN these
quiet valleys, where knowledge of cattle and
garden produce is d better asset than speaking
French and playing the piano.
Spenser agreed. He could name other dis
tricts where the same rule held good. He stood
for moment in the spacious hall to light
cigar. 1nvoluntarily he glanced at Helen. She
met his gaze, and said something to Bower that
caused the latter also to turn and look.
She has read Mackenzie's letter, thought
" 1t will be bad behavior on my part to leave
the hotel without making my bow. Shall go
to her now or wait till morning.
He reflected that Helen might be out early
next day. If he presented his introduction at
once she would probably ask him to sit with
her little while, and then he must become
acquainted with Bower. He disiked the no.
tion; but he saw way out of it, unless indeed
Helen treated him with the chilling abruptness
she meted out to other men in the hotel who
tried to become friendly with her.
HE was weighing the pros and cons dispas-
- sionately, when the English chaplain ap-
preached.
Do you play bridge Mr.. Spenser:" he
asked.
Il know the leads, and call Without on the
least provocation," was the reply.
You are the very man | am searching for,
and have the authority of the First Book of
Samuel in my quest"
well, now, that is the last place in which |
should expect to find my bridge portrait.
Don't you remember how Saul's servants
asked his permission to seek out man who is
a cunning player That is exactly what ! am
doing. Come to the smoking room. There are
two other men there, and one is a fellow coun-
trvman of yours"
The Rev. Mr. Hare genial soul, Som
ersetshire vicar who took his annual holiday by
accepting temporary position in some Alpine
village where there was an English church. He