Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-03-31
CHAPTER VIII.
On the Green.

Mr.. Bruce held back: he even, per-
haps, showed a tendency to withdraw
little. But no one regarded him; the
last arrivals-Sir Archibald and his
explanations which he, in the same
language and the same cold, monoto-
nous tones, reiterated several times
absorbed general attention.
Did Mr. Bruce feel himself depos-
ed. overshadowed by another In the
estimation of the proud possessor of
the pearls? Any young man of DEM
ocratic prediction might have felt
slightly piQued under the cir n
stances. Miss Goldbergs smile for
nobility was not to he measured.
Bruce's expression, however, seemed
only that Of a person listening courte-
ously, observing conventionally a
scene In which he had no great con-
Germ. His eyes passed casually over
Mr.. Wood and fingered but a moment
on Sir Archibald. Yet in that brief
period his gaze appeared to harden.
Or was it only the light of one of
the lamps, shining on his features,
that threw a CLINT like a spark from
his look? 1t faded almost immedi-
ately: melted into vague distance, as
he turned from the Englishman's rath-
er massive face to an indefinite back
ground. From the distance, beyond
the house, came the pounding of the
engine of a car. Some one was en-
deavoring to repair a defect in the
mechanism Of the motor that had
finally conveyed Sir Archibald thither.
How delightfully."- unaffected Sir
Archibald appears-just like one of
u.s." the dowager, Mr.. Bolger's COM
panion remarked enthusiastically.
Sir Archibald was, in his heavy way,
very courteous to all, notably to Miss
Goldberg, regal with gems.
But what a magnet, those pearls,
for him who took the Morrow emer-
aids. the Page bonds" went on the
dowager. That subtle and myster-
ious person whose detection Is so
much desired!"
Chatfield Bruce moved farther away
| The supper was practically over and
Miss Goldberg evinced an unmistakable
desire to attach herself to Sir Archi-
bald Perhaps Mr.. Bruce argued that,
on the whole. he would not he COM
mitting a social faux pas by almost
imperceptibly eliminating himself
from the proximity of that prominent
central group and merging into the
general, kaleidoscope whole. At any
rate, with charming modesty and un-
obtrusiveness, he was about to do So
when Miss Marjorie Woods eyes
| chanced to rest on him. OF course
he came forward at once; there was
nothing else To do. Did she, however
divine from his manner what had been
| his intention, notice even now an In
stant's hesitation In moving toward
her-shc, who was accustomed to be-
ing seen first, and sought out, too, by
those with whom she was acquainted
however slightly?
The hint of coldness In Miss Woods
blue eyes soon vanished. The young
man laughed it down; he seemed to
charm her as he did 50 many others
His greeting of Sir Archibald was
easy. conventional; his long, slim fin
gers met the others big ones with ap-
parent glad frankness. The gaiety on
| Bruce's features contrasted with the
stolid reticence of the BritOn.
| You and Bruce should enjoy know
ing each other" Mr. Wood, refined
looking man of about sixty, said In his
| friendliest fashion. You have some
| thing i'm common-the Orient. | have
| noticed that people who have lived
long in the Far East seem to like tc
get together to exchange odd expert
ences, no doubt"
The Younger man disclaimcd an!
adventures out of the ordinary. Mr.
Wood. as If pleased by this modestE
smiled indulgently. He ana Bruc'
were members of the same club; thf
elder had rather sought out the other
on occasions finding him interesting
to talk to, when he would talk he
| appeared disposed to do so now IL
| fact. exerted himself and was at MS
| best. Mr.. Wood laughed, but Sii
| Archibald's face remained SphinX-liKc
| 1t may he. he was interested in MISS
| Wood, or a conversation between hel