The evening times., 1911-07-08
CHAPTER XIV.
MRS. HOLT.S CAMPAIGN.

MRS. HoLT'S CAMPAIGN.
But to wean the vehement Stephen
from his newest fancy would certain
ly test the singular abilities Of his
resourceful mother. Further appeals
to her sons reason (who that is mad
ly in love has it?) would be futile;
of this she was already fully con-
WINGED.
Without having any knowledge to
the contrary, the good woman had
concluded that Miss Guerrero would
be unable to Withstand the onrush Of
Stephens endeavor, if, indeed, she
did not encourage it. Close observer
though she was, she did not know
how could she know?-of Bolston's
capitulation to the fair doncellita. No
more did Stephen, nor Margaret; not
even the Sonora nor Don Jose. All
but Stephen, however, might have
suspected it. And, too, Juanita was
distrustful of her own compelling
powers-that is, for some reason en-
tertained from the beginning, she
lacked confidence even in her subtle
ability to impress the world-wise
Englishman.
Nor had the tender incident on the
Tampico pier served to completely
reassure her. She could not rid her.
self of an innate dread Of failure. 1t
was an entirely different incentive
that prompted Bolston's reserve
first. his native caution; second, his
diplomatic training, and. third, his
fear in regard to ''the wrong woman"
Had it been possible at this moment
for Mrs. Holt to have OWNED the
contending thoughts in Juanita's
mind. the plans that were now revolv-
Ing in her own would have been sub
ject to important emendation, no
doubt.
In this situation, she sought Mar
garet and the captain on the "Pene-
lope's' deck one afternoon, and lost
no time in opening her complicated
campaign, for she had fully determin-
ed upon a course to pursue.
Almost whole week of tender lux
ury in the society of Margaret Holt
had not brought the polished, attrac-
tive and decorated Russian any near
er the goal of his ardent desire. And
now, as the days were passing on
the penelope" he found himself in
the throes of desperate effort to
formulate new terms of endearment
by which to win her favor. Yet, he
had not overlooked the fact that, as
last resort, there was much he
might say to her estimable mother
to whom the customs and people of
Europe were of such absorbing in
terest that he had never failed to
hold her attention when discussing
the subject with her. So, Margaret
excusing herself and going below
the captain turned his attention to
Mrs. Holt. Margaret was not aware
OF his new tactics; yet she could not
md 1t In her sunny nature to put any
obstacle in his way, had she desired
70 do SO ever SO much.
Stephens persistent passion for Ju.
anita was now a subject even for the
village gossips. There was so little
disguise about 1t the captain ventured
70 refer to it.
Loves young dream, no doubt" re.
piled Mrs. Holt. "They will think
differently in time"
"The lady appears to be quite self.
possessed, remarked the Russian.
"A very sensible girl. captain. She
is older than Stephen. He is a mere
child-so inexperienced. Miss Guer.
zero should marry a man twice his
age, one with world KNOWLEDGE
Mr.. Bolston, for instance, or, still
more suitable. yourself, captain"
The Russian was impressed. More
he must have experienced a thrill Of
astonishment, for he was facing an un.
pected crisis. Had Mrs. Holt told
him that he was not to be considered
in the serious light Of a prospective
son-in-law she could not have made
herself better understood. She had
used Bolston's name. he had no doubt
merely as a cushion for himself tc
fall upon. Yet, the captain resolved
70 make the best of the situation; he
was not to be vanquished at the first
onset.
"A most attractive lady, grant you
Mrs. Holt" was his sympathetic re.
ply. But as for me-really, until
you were kind enough not to omi,
me from the list of eligibles, l had
never given the matter even a pass
ing thought. Besides, it would be un.
generous in me. ignoble 1 may say, to
think Of supplanting Stephen in her
affections" r
II could quite agree with you, cap
tain" she replied. III they were re-
silly serious. he 80 young and she 80
Of husband ripe in ex-
perience and wisdom. will talk with
the Sonora on the subject"
Here was q situation! 1t was like
Iewo simultaneous shots from SINGLE