Putnam patriot., 1912-07-26
Y FREDERIC TfiOPNBUDGF
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C/ c57r7s1s, ssz asE 21szzf ss21oRzl Gzszzs7- as the young meenan1osan went oy hIm.
 Tt sure is," came the cheerful agree ment.
 Yes. But it's nothing to the bruse of driver you've got"
 Floyd paused 10 glance back.
 Let my driver alone" he advised. Stanton and l understand each other all right"
 Then you had better quit racing be fore you're demoralized,. jeered the ether, and turned to find Stanton had come up behind him.
 There was nothing said, Stanton went on as if he had not heard. But he carried with him the discovery that 1t is the perfection Of comradeship to be able to quarrel without bitterness.
 There was a tan-eolored automobile drawn up opposite the exit, when he emerged.
 "Mr. Stanton" summoned a low toned, smooth voice, from the car; Valerie Carlisle leaned out, extending a small hand.
 She was the consummation of cool daintiness and repose. It was impos- sible to meet her beautiful, concerned eyes without yielding admiration, at least
 T have been waiting here for an hour" she informed him. "I am so distressed that my car should have hurt you, l shall reproach myself so much if anything happens to you to- morrow because of your strained arm, that l wanted to ask you about it my self. A weakness there might kill you, might it not?"
 Tt might, if it existed" he con- firmed. But the strain does not trou- ble me. l deserved to pay more se- verely for such stupid carelessness.
 She did not avoid his keen gaze at all, yet somehow failed to impress he sincerity.
 Tt was an accident" she deprecat ed. T suppose you just forgot. Frank ly, though, l wish you were to drive Duplex or an Atalanta, tomorrow. ] do not like the Mercury, it is so often in wrecks."
 Tt is faster than either of the oth ers," Stanton defended, yet moved in spite of himself by her anxiety for his safety. T am also obliged to admit that it is not responsible for any of our mishaps, so far, at least; I lead it into trouble, myself, sometimes"
 Her long. fair lashes fell; she tapped her fingers neryously upon the door panel.
 If you could not race, who would be likely to win, MT. Stanton?"
 You are taking it for granted that I will succeed-I easily may not. But without the Mercury, probably the Du. plex or the Atalanta on this long road race On a track, would choose the Italian car"
 She listened attentively. then smiled.
 T am such an amateur; I do not half understand. I have come with an invitation from papa. He wishes to consult you about auto tires, those for your next race, and lie hopes you will dine with us, this evening""
 Thoroughly surprised, he promptly declined
 Excuse me to Mir Carlisle; I must get ready for tomorrow. Moreover, it is for the Mercury company to discuss tires, not for me-
 Her small mouth set, she drew aside her shimmering skirts.
 We will decide that on the way-I will put you down at your hotel, at least"
 Miss Carlisle, l am just from the course; I am not presentable"
 That is for me to say" she remind. ed. Pray do not refuse all my re- quests"
 Almost under compulsion, Stanton entered the car.
 He could have fancied her breathing was quicker; she gazed at him with so singular and disproportionate a triumph as almost to starue him. Without waiting the chauffeur's move ment, she herself slammed the door of the car and snapped the handle, keep ing her eyes upon Stanton.
 "I thought you would come, she murmured, half under her breath. -and you will dine with us."