Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-03-25
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l was upon my feet instantly, bow
ing before her as to a queen. yet feel
Ing a strange embarrassment.
That Incident was nothing. senor-
tia" I insisted. yet venturing to look
directly into the depths Of those dark
gray eyes. SO intensely studying my
face under the dim light of the Ian.
terms. Il did no more than any man
would consider a privilege. l realized
you had no younger protector at
hand"
She glanced around toward the 9TH
ers Of her party. now also upon their
feet. and gazing out at US in undis-
guised amazement.
mo-" she explained. as though in
unwilling apology: he has passed the
age where he can safely measure
strength with ruffianism. 1t Is not
lack of courage. senor. but Of bodily
vigor." ~
"A time Of life which must come to
all OF u.s." I returned. hastily. "and
prudence is not necessarily disgrace.
Yet believe me. senorita, I already feel
amply repaid for my little part In this
comedy OF errors by your smile Of rec
ognition and words OF thanks. You
are English?"
Her eyes fell slightly. the long
lashes clearly outlined against the
white flesh.
"Yes. senor." she replied. softly. "wo
are English travellers for pleasure.
Our yacht lies anchored in the harbor
below"
l imagined she was tempted to In.
quire who I might be. but. while she
stood hesitating. uncertain Of the pro-
priety OF so personal n question. the
spare. stif figure of the Englishman
appeared suddenly in the open case
ment. For n moment OF silence his
cold eyes surveyed us both with mani
fest disapproval.
Doris" he spoke at last. his words
cold and stern. 'it would have been
proper to permit me to express our
natural gratitude to this young gentle
man."
She drew aside quietly. making no
response. and he stood directly facing
me. bowling slightly with a stateliness
| OF manner scarcely courteous, his Ian.
guage Immediately changing to Span.
ish. doubtless assuming that to be my
native tongue.
THE gallant action OF the senor was
greatly appreciated by all Of u.s." he
began formally: the more SO because
l was SO astounded by the fellows un-
paralleled impudence as TO be. for the
moment. helpless to resist insult.
trust the senor has not suffered during
the encounter"
Not in the slightest"
That is most gratifying" the calm
stateliness Of his features slightly re-
lieved by the flicker OF n smile. as he
drew forth a gold-mounted case and
extended toward me an engraved
card. Permit me. senor: and wn
shall feel greatly honored to receive
you at any time on board our yacht
in the harbor. The length OF our stay
at this post Is uncertain. yet we shall
surely remain for several days. And
let me add" he concluded. drawing
himself up with an air that compelled
my admiration. that l hold myself
personally answerable for any conse-
quences which may follow upon your
timely Interference. I shall SO inform
him by a special letter Immediately"
bowed. giving. utterance to word
or two OF formal thanks. believing
read a far more cordial invitation in
the depths Of the suddenly uplifted
gray eyes behind his shoulder. But
he yielded her no further opportunity
for expression. and I remained there
alone. watching them move slowly
across the brightly illumined dining
room. instantly the cynosure Of all
eyes at the numerous tables. my heart
pulsing to q new emotion as she
turned swiftly. beneath the half-con-
cealing shadow Of the porIeres. and
cast one quick. sweeping glance back
ward. "Doris"-the name fingered
softly pleasant upon my lips in mem.
| ory. seeming to bring before me the
haunting vision of her face. held