The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-19

hand upon my sleeve, and her voice
replied calmly, before ! succeeded in
anding words
'rThis is the gentleman who protect
cd me from the mob, II that is what
Tou mean. Permit me to present Cap
tain Grant of the Queens Rangers,
DECENTRALIZATION my having already
forgotten your name"
.Fortesque." stammersd, intensely
hsting the necessary deception
An, yes-Ieutenant Fortesque Of
the Forty-second British Foot"
We bowed coldly, neither extending
q hand. the captain twisting his mus
tache as he continued staring at me.
"FortssQue," he repeated slowly.
'FortesQue; not Of this garrison. be-
Heve."
mo, from New York." cooIly. II re-
gret having interfered with your pro
gram"
Don't mention It; there are other
ladies' present, and. no doubt your
gallant act was worthy the reward; q
pleasant evening, sir" and he with
drew aside. stifiy military. Eager to
lose as little as possible Of the meas
ure, swung my partner forward.
catching glimpse again Of the mans
face az we circled.
PLEASANT disposition" ventured,
without meaning to be uncivn
"Oh, very" and her eyes met mine
frankly. But you must not quarrel
with him; that In his one specially
you know"
Els the warning on your account,
or my OWN"
Both. perhaps. Captain Grants
family and mine are neighbors-oT
were before war intervened-and be
tween our fathers exists q lifelong
friendship. could never consent ia
be the cause Of his quarreling with
anyone, and have reason to know
how quick tempered he is"
Il have little use for any man who
swaggers about seeking trouble" re
turned, as she hesitated. TT has beer
my experience that there IL usually
cowardice back Of such a disposition.
Not in this case" earnestly. cap
tain Grants courage has been SUN
GENTLY tested already. warn yoU
not to presume on your theory 30 IA
as he IL concerned. advise the safe
course"
What is that?'
Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly
and yet grave enough In their depths
ITO let this one dance prove SUN
Gent reward for your act Of rescue
you request thisT''
~Oh, you must not place the entfr<
burden Of decision on me. sir. car
only suggest"
"Has Captain Grant any authority
to dictate who shall be your partnerf'
Her lashes lifted, and then feiI be
fore my gaze.
HE at least assumes the power
and generally with fair success.
must, ask to be excused from discuss
ing this matter further now, but-but,
her voice trembled to a whisper, =
am sure your safety depends upoT
your leaving me-"
Astonished by these words, sudden
~ wondering II she suspected me
scarcely oomprehending what sh'
meant, I stared into her face, as W
circled the room. Grant stood stifdy
against the wall where We left him
his eyes fastened moodily on thu
crowd; realized his presence, ys
my whole thought was concentrated
on the girl. the strands Of her hal
brushing my lips, her steps lightly fol
lowing the music, her eye downcast
Into the cheeks there came q flush o
pink. and she glanced up to read thu
surprise in my face.
do need to say more?"
Eyes, you must" insisted. "you cal
never believe 1 would leave you be
cause Of personal fear"
81 did not know-at first. Now
realize It will require q higher motiv'
to influence you; not love Of Life. bu
love Of country"
felt the closer clasp Of her finger
ON my guiding hand. and knew I tool
. deep breath Of surprise.
Lean your head Just a little closer,
she whispered. II know you, Ma
for Lawrence, and-and l wish yoV
we'll"
How kept to the measure canno
imagine. for, in an instant. all M
house Of cards crumblsd into nothing
ness. She knew me, this blue-eyeC
girl; knew me, and sought 70 aid MI
mission. this daughter Of a loyahst
! this lady Of the Blended Rose. It wa
Uncomfortable. and yet a fact-mI
name had been whispered By her lips
Suddenly she looked up laughing. Al
| though to make others feel that w
conversed lightly. We passed Grant
sven as I held my breath, almos
afraid to venture with words. Ye
they would not be restrained
You certainly startled me; how d.
you know thisf Surely We have neva
| met before"
! Il refuse to be questioned. sir: 1
means nothing how l know-ths fac