The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1909-12-19

soen her and her mother go in, and
therefore longed TO be there also. He
had called fortune his friend only n
snort hour ago, because this was abso'
lutely the most bewitching girl he had
ever seen in his life, and he felt it uD.
cndurable 10 let her go like n ship that
passes in 4 night.
But now-now the rosy mist OF illu'
sion had suddenly risen to reveal the
| hill Of Difficulty under which his own
foolishness had left him. After what
had Just been said between the mother
and daughter. how was it possible that
| lie could ever introduce himself in his
own character7
Through inquiries he had learned st
! the Bristol that the ladies were Mrs.
and Miss Fleetwood, bat somehow he
had failed to associate the name with
that of the American hcircss with whom
the Dcring Lacys had tried TO tempt
| him a few weeks ago. And IN ms
blindness he had rejoiced in the thought
Of meeting the girl at Amalf, whittier
| he had ascertained from the hotel por-
ter that they were going, and whittier
| ne had already purposed driving IN hls
/ coach, which had lately won hOnOrs IN
| the coaching meet at Naples.
These desperate reflections drove the
hitherto loauacious coachman into an
abstracted silence. He answered vague
~ inc NuNSilbJo WIN "blNh iSNoANg "t'
not cease to ply the perfectly lovely
coachman with the bronze profile He
was actually relieved when he stopped
his horses at the foot of the long flight
OF steps that wound up the cliff to the
Hotel Cappuccini.
His mind was in a tumult He, too.
was due at the Cappuccini, whore his
room was engaged: but now he hesl.
tated to 60 and claim IL and TO appear
in his own person before the American
ladieg Tho craven thought came into
mis- mind that he should run away; then
nc half resolved TO declare himself at
once. He had been unable to decide
upon course of action when the ladies
prepared to descend from the coach.
Then he overheard Lesley whisper To her
mother: 'He's been so nice and in
tclligent, don't you think we might
give HIM a couple of francs for him
selfi' Before he could speak, the girl
had placed l2 francs in his hand, wish
ing him n smiling goodby.
Believer hesitated. To speak, or not
TO speal-which was wiser in the mind
of mani But he found himself main.
tanning his part by uttering dcferen~
manner was changed, however. his gay
city ecliDsed and his dark eyes fell
guiltily before the frank, friendly gaze
Of the American girl.
Believer turned his smoking team, and
walked them back to their stable IN
the town, whore he left coach and
horses in the hands of his groom. Stroll
ing slowly back 10 the Caopuccini steps,
bis courage suddenly returned TO him.
He would face the music, brave out the
situation and trust to his own tact and
the ladies' sense of humor TO save the
position One thing only was impos
sible-to give mp the adventure and see
the girl no more. He mounted the
many steps, received a warm welcome
from the handsome and elusive Italian
landlord. and in the visitors book set
mediately under the clever, characters
tic writing in which Lesley had in
scribcd .he names Of "Mrs and Miss
Fleetwood, New York. u. S. AZ
Until the gong clashed out the hour
of dinner Believer kept his room. writ
ing letters, slowly changing into his
evening clothes, stopping every now
and then to lean upon his window
ledge and gaze out upon the incom-
among the earliest persons in the long,
vaulted dining room, once the refec
tory of the Capucbins, and a word In
the ear, and n coin III the hand ot
the head waiter, procured him a place
next to Miss Fleetwood This ar
ranged, he retired little and mingled
with the throng of Germans, English,
ing in to dinner. In a moment OF
two ne saw Mrs. Fleetwood and her
daughter coming in from the read
ing room Lesley in simple but
charming white evening dress. shining,
in his eyes, among the other women,
like flower among wesds
When the two ladies were seated
Il L 4.
hands and, with a humping heart.
took the vacant place by Leslie 8
side. The girl looked up. Her eyes
widened with wonder as she gave him
quick, surprised glance; then n CLEAN
OF merriment flashed into her face, and
a rich, warm blush Redeemed her cheeks,
tinging even the shell like ear. Bel
ever saw, with Infinite relief, that the
first encounter was to be decided in
his favor. He smiled and bowed, look
ing very handsome in his evening
dress
"I hope" he ventured. "that You
are not tired after your drive"
Mrs. Fleetwood was looking at him
across her daughter
''Is il possibe-9' she had be-
gun.
CT IN afraid it is. mamma Lesley
cut in mischievously, "Somewhere
there s been very big mistake
Whether it's our fault or this gentle
man IS, dom know
''Let me take ali the blame,' said
Believer. hastily, "if blame there be,
for letting myself appear TO be what
| am NOT. 1t was hard TO withstand
the temptation Of having two ladies as
companions on the drive.
"And I-made personal remarks, and
gave you two francs for yourselfi'
Lesley threw up her two little hands
in horror,
cit was the sincerest compliment I
ever received, - said Believer. "I shall
always keep the coin in recollection
of the pleasantest drive Of my life.'
he was wonderfully happy again by
this time.
"And that was really your own
coach and you are not an Jta]ian?'
~ am as little Italian as you are.
drive my coach for my own pleasure
about this coast. | have rented ono
of those old watch towers which VIC
passed on the way and am having il
Furnished and fitted up for me now.
1t would give me great pleasure if
you and your mother will take tea with