The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-12-05
WEEKLY SHORT STORY
THE AFFAIR OF THE COUNT.

THE AFFAIR OF THE COUNT.
'of course do not wish to marry
the count" said Miss Berna1d, petu-
1antly. IF Aunt Dorinda gave you to
understand" she paused significant
ly.
"She did give me to understand that
the affair was settled" muItered En-
DRY, his gloomy eyes fixed on the flash
ing sails in the harbor. "In fact, she
intimated that Americans cut no ice
in the matterl"
Poor auntie loves a title" sighed
Jean, ruffling her pretty hair distract
eddy; why couldn't she marry the
count herselfT'
Emory got upon his feet with sud-
den alacrity; there was fire in his red
brown eyes and determination in the
lines of his strong Jaw.
''If Miss Leigh marries the count,
will you marry me, Jean?" he asked
deliberately.
Miss Bernard stared; then she
laughed merrily.
''Why not? With auntie's craving for
a titled position satisfied, q believe l
ht--don't-not-yeti" she warded
off Emory's impulsive movement, and
sought refuge behind a high-backed
chair. And now be of about your
business, MIR. Marriage Broker!"
She smiled derisively at him. Emory
picked up his hat and ran down the
steps.
What are your engagements for this
evening, Jean?" he asked, camly.
''The dance at the Bicknells, Of
counsel"
''And Miss Leigh-and the count?"
They dine with Mrs. Frake and
come to the dance afterward."
II will see you at Bicknell's, Jean;
come early, dear" he said brazenly.
RUN away, you bold, bad mere
Americani" retorted Miss Bernard,
saucily; then she watched him as he
strobe down the path and on to the
shore road, a warm laugh in her gray
eyes. 1 would whether auntie married
the count or not" she murmured mys-
teriously.
Get ees re beautifulness OF re
evening Eat appeals to my lovaire
SOUL gurgled Count Leon Despagne
as he Joined Miss Dorinda Leigh on
the veranda of the Frake mansion.
Miss Leigh adjusted lorgnette to
her high-bridged nose and peered up
at the star-jeweled sky and then over
the moonlit bay, with its hundred
anchor lights vaguely indicating the
whereabouts Of pleasure craft.
at is very pleasant" she replied
practically; "but of course it cannot
compare with your swn country! The
romance, the beauty, the stateliness
Of the old chateau" she sighed luxu-
riously.
"Ah-ett ees glorious-ze vale de
Doire-ze magnificent chateau Des-
pagne-ahs madmoisellei What ees all
of eet without your beautiful niecei
You hat been SO kind-so gracious
you are quite-sure?" his voice Quaver-
ed doub6ully.
There is no doubt about it, count, "
returned Miss Leigh in a tone of de-
cision. "Of course Miss Bernard is
quite thoughtless as she may appear
and am quite sure-that your-affec-
ton is reciprocated!"
The count grasped her thin white
hand with an ecstatic cry. At that
moment servant approached them.
"a note for Miss Leigh" ne said.
Miss Leigh went to the drawing
room window and perused the note in
the stream of light that sIfted through
une lace draperies. When she turned
her face was quite white and her hands
shook TREMENDOUSLY.
Order my car around, please" she
said to the servant, and as he depart
ed she whispered to the count: This
rs terrible! I have just received news
that my niece has eloped with that
Vlllianous young Emory! Will You
JOIN me in the pursuit, dear count?'
"Sacre!" muttered the count, bitter
ly' as he followed Miss Leigh to the
drawing room to make their adieux.
Five minutes later they were seated in
the tonneau of the huge vehicle and
whirdng rapidly along the shore road
toward the east.
AS the miles curled out from under
the tires Miss Leigh grasped scanty
particulars of the flight.
1t was an anonymous letter-from
some friend-I suppose-they eloped
from the Bicknell dance, in his auto
moDlle-going toward the east"
Aere are so many cars" WHISPERED
the count, turning up the collar of his
light overcoat, 1--WE cannot identify "a
villain" His thin voice shook with
rage.
ut is a white car. Watch we are
meeting some. None of them are
white. 1 have ordered Francois to
spare nothing to make the time" The
cnauHeur' bending low over tn steer