The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-07-28


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 privilege. ! 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 amazoment.
NO" she explained, as though in
unwilling apology; "he has passed the
age where he can safely measure
strength with rumanism. It Is not
lack Of courage. senior. but of bodily
yigor"
- time Of life which must come to
all Of us, 1 returned, hastily, "and
prudence is not necessarily disgrace
Yet believe me, senorita, already feel
amply repaid for my little part in this
comedy Of errors by your smile of rec.
osnition 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, I'VE
are English travellers for pleasure.
Our yacht lies anchored in the harboI
below"
| imagined she was tempted to in.
quire who / might be- but, while she
stood hesitating, uncertain of the pro
priety Of so personal a question, the
spare, stiff figure of the Engllshmau
appeared suddenly in the open case
ment For a moment of silence his
cold eyes surveyed us both with mani
fest disapproval.
Doris" he spoke at last, his words
cold and stern, 1T would have been
proper to permit me to express oui
natural gratitude to this young gentle
man."
She drew aside quietly, making nc
response, and he stood directly facing
me, bowing 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 senior has not suffered during
the encounter?"
mot in the slightest"
That is most gratifying" the calm
of his features slightly re
lieved by the flicker of a smile, as he /.
drew forth a gold-mounted case and f.
extended toward me an engraved
card. Permit me, senior; and we
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 special letter Immediately
I bowed giving utterance to a 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
be yielded her no further opportunity
'or expression, and | remained there
alone, watching them move slowly
across the brightly illumined dining
'oOm, instantly the cynosure of all
eyes at the numerous tables, my heart
)ulsing to a new emotion as she
urned swiftly, beneath the half-con
,ealing shadow of the portieres, and
,ast one quick, sweeping glance back
ward "Doris"-the name fingered
ioftly pleasant upon my lips in mem
Try, seeming to bring before me the
vision of her face. 1 held
he card up to the light and read: