The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-08-17
e %!4RE&RSs 80 4 = = e.? y y
NHE~S\ Illustrate By

No: we are coming back to Phila-
delphia victors. and soon. l am not
afraid to tell you. l have learned
much today. and go back to report to
Washington that the exchange of Brit
ish commanders means the early evac-
uation OF the city. When We meet
again you will not be q lady of the
Blended Rose. nor will l be wearing
this uniform"
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine. then dropped demurely.
Il rather like the colors you are
| wearing now. and am sure this dress
Is most becoming. IL have a pas
| sion for masquerade"
Il recognize that, but have already
! discovered where / can read the truth
beyond the masque-what Is occurring
now"
She turned to look. attracted as l
had been by the change and hustle
| about US. A few feet from where We
stood conversing. large folding doors.
previously concealed by draperies,
were suddenly flung wide open, re-
vealing a magnificent dining hall.
Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle.
l turned to my companion. unable to
resist temptation. She must have in
stantly read the purpose in my race,
for she grasped my sleeve.
| No; you must not think OF remain
ing a moment longer. There will be
seat reserved for me. and Captain
Grant is coming this way now. Some
thing is wrong, l am sure: I have no
| time to explain, but promise me you
will leave here at once-at once"
Her eyes, her words, were so In
| sistent l could not refuse, although as
| / glanced about l felt convinced
there was no danger in this assem-
blage, not familiar face meeting
mine At the instant Grant came up,
elbowing his way through the press.
| and staring insolently into my eyes,
| even as he bowed politely to the lady
beside me.
AT least this is my privilege" he
insisted, unless there be another pre-
vious engagement of which l am igno-
rant"
"Oh, no." and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve, smiling from his
face into mine. We were waiting for
you to come. Goodnight, Lieutenant
Fortesque."
| They had taken a step or two. when
Grant halted, holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where ! stood.
| Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare
| me a moment after have found the
lady a seat?" he questioned politely
Gladly, If you do not keep me
waiting too long"
Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor below"
l bowed, conscious Of the mute ap-
peal in the lady's face. yet with no
excuse for refusal.
LAS well there as anywhere. sir"
Once again we bowed with all the
punctilious ceremony of mutual dis
like, and he whispered something into
her ear as they disappeared in the
stream Of people My cheeks burned
with indignation at his cool insolence.
What could it mean? Was he merely
seeking a quarrel? or was there some
thing else concealed behind this re-
quest? In either case knew not how
to act. and yet felt no inclination to
avoid the meeting. Studying over the
situation l pushed my way through
the crowd across the floor Of the ball
room. There were few people still
lingering on the stairs. but. except for
the servants, the parlors below were
deserted. walked the length of one
of the great rooms, and halted in
front Of fireplace to await Grants
coming. / was eager to have this af-
fair settled. and be off. l compre-
hended now the risk l had assumed
by remaining SO long. and began to
feel the cords of ENHANCEMENT draw
ing about me. There was door op-
posite where l stood, and, staring
toward 1t, I saw 1t open slightly. and,
back in the darkness. the beckoning
Of hand Startled. yet realizing that
it must mean me, l stepped closer,
gripping the hilt Of my sword. half
suspecting treachery.
Quick" and l recognized the deep
contralto of the voice. Don't stop to
question:; there Is not moment to
lose"