Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1910-05-12


exclamation was one of relief. Now
he could understand the attitude of
the countess toward Cherub Devine.
1t was merely an impersonal interest
which she had taken in a somewhat
picturesque public character whom
she had CHANGED to see at close range.
II beg pardon for my suggestion"
he went ON. II see you know the
Cherub better than l thought. Inter-
esting chap. isn't he? He has his
good points. too-Oh. really. has a code
Of honor all his own that he sticks to
as faithfully as II it were-well, the
accepted code. And he is generosity
itself to those whom he fancies."
us he. indeedY
There was an encouraging note In
her tone.
"Oh. extremely! Now. In the matter
Of buying those shares. they were
never actually quoted at that figure.
you know. but he needed them very
badly, and he fixed the price accord
ingly. whereas he might have pur-
chased them for "A fifth as much and
still paid you the highest market
rate"
''Then he practically makes me a
gift Of this?" And the countess fiut-
tered the pink check disdainfully.
'Oh. no. Had ! been selling the
shares for you. knowing how badly he
needed them. | could have forced him
ness transaction. but generosity was
displayed none the less. And his offer
to hand over Hewington Acres at your
own terms-that Is another example.
OF course he doesn't want the place
on his hands. but he could readily dis
pose Of 1t at a profit. Evidently he
wishes you to retain possession. how
ever"
$50 1t would appear" unused the
countess. II wonder why?"
Nicholas pursed his lips quizzically.
Il suppose 1t has not occurred to you
that he might be- we'll, interested In
youy"
The countess eyed him with cool un-
concern.
I'm afraid you are making rather
an impudent guess. Mr.. Walloway."
But it's no guess. Devine told me
himself-that is. he as good as con-
fessed as much"
Her calm poise was rufi1ed. Color
flashed into her cheeks betrayingly.
DO you mean to imply that he talk.
ed to you of-of me?" she demanded.
well. will admit that l drew him
out. could see 1t plain enough. you
know. and. when asked him he didn't
attempt to deny. although he did have
the grace to protest his own unworthi-
ness. Good of him. wasn't 1t? Oh,
yes. he has improved the opportunities
you gave him. He has had the audaci
ty to fall In love with you. countess.
My congratulations on your conquest"
He held his head at a knowing angle
"Then why did he send you here to
day instead of coming himselfY
"Unaccountable. Perhaps he flunked
at the last moment He may have
thought you would not accept his ia
vors If offered directly, so he asked
me to come. Me. Isn't that richY'
I'm just what way? And SO quiet
have had warning.
why. he doesn't know how long |
have waited for just such a chance
But you know, Adele. and now
He had risen and was approaching
the countess with outstretched arms.
All that was needed to complete the
happy reunion was for her to throw
herself into them. However, that was
not precisely what happened.
"NichOlaS." said the cOuntacc roprox
ingly, "sit down."
But If you will only just listen
to-
Please sit down. Nicholas
Nicholas sat.
you used to tell me. Adele, that
you loved
did /? It's no wonder. for Won