The Detroit times., 1912-03-29
CHAPTER v.
Continued.

sMr. Van Camp never gave me any
kind OF nower. He thinks flowers are
the most intimate OF all gifts. and
should only be exchanged between
sweethearts. At least, ! heard MN
expound some such theory years ago.
when we first knew him."
Madame smiled Significant smile,
n any one had been looking. Moth
ing further was said until Melanie un-
expectedly shot straight to the mark
with:
"How do you think he would do,
AHntie. In place OF Count Lorenzo22
Madame Reynier showed no sur
prise. He Is a sterling man; but
your cousin would never consent 70
it,
-And II | should not consult my
cousin?"
"My dear Melanie, that would entail
many embarrassing consequences; and
embarrassments are worse than
crimes" F
Melanie could laugh at that, and
did. "I've already answered a note
from Mr.. Van Camp this morning,
Auntie. No, don't worry" she play.
fully answered a sudden anxious look
that came upon her aunts counter
ance, I've not said yes to him. But
he's coming to see me at twelve. II
don't give him a chance to say what
he has to say, he'll take one any
where. He's capable OF proposing on
the street-cars. Besides, have some
thing also to say to him"
We'll, my dear, you know best; GER
tainly I think you know best" was
Madame Reynier's last word.
Mr.. Van Camp arrived on the stroke
OF twelve. an expression of happiness
on HIS lean, quizzical face.
'T'm supposed to be starting on a
cruise" he told Melanie, "but luck Is
with me. My cousin hasn't turned up
--or rather he turned up only to dis
appear Instantly. Otherwise he would
have dragged me of to catch the first
ebb-tide, with me hanging back Ike
an anchor-chain."
'Fs your cousin, then, such a ty-
-oh, yes; he's a masterful man, is
JIMMY,
And how did he disappear instant
ly? II sounds mysterious"
fIt Is mysterious, but Jim can take
care OF himself; at least. hope he
can. The message said he had sailed
on the Jeanne D'Arc, whatever that IL.
and that I was to look after our hired
yacht, the Sea Gull"
Melanie looked up, startled. The
Jeanne dare, was it, she cried.
Are you sure? But, of course-there
must be many boats by that name,
are there not? But did he say moth
Ing more-where he was going, and
why he changed his plans?"
mo, not word more than that.
Why DO you know OF boat named
the Jeanne D'Arc?'
"Yes, very well; but II can not mat
ter. II must be another vessel, sure
ly. Meanwhile, what are you going
to do without your companion?"
Aleck rose from the slender gilt
chair where, as usual. he had perched
himself, walked to the window and
thrust his hands into his pockets TOR
contemplative moment, then ne
ts.- y. and came to a stand squaroly
before Melanie, looking down on her
with his quizzical, honest eyes.
THAT depends, Melanie,' he said
slowly. upon whether you are golug
to marry me or not"
FOR second or two Melanie's eyes
refused to lift; but Alexis Triumphant
ed figure, his steady gaze, above all,
his dominating will, forced her to
look up. There he was, smiling,
strong, big, kindly. Melanie started
10 smile, but for the second time that
morning her eyes unexpectedly hiled
with tears.
II can't talk to you towering over
go IKE that" she said ut last softly,
49, smile winning against the tears.
ifAlsck did not move. II don't want
vow to talk to- me about II; all want
N Tor you to say yes"
9.sBut I'm not going to say yes; at
least, 1 don't think ! am. Do SIT
down"
AIeeh started straight for the gilt
chair. ~
uOh. no: not that, You are four
times too big for that chair. Besides,
It's quite valuable; It's LOUIS
Quinze."
Aleck INDUCED In a vicious Kick az
the ridiculous thing, picked up an
enormous leather-bottomed chair made
apparently OF lead, and placed IL
jauntiiy almost beside Miss Reyniers
chair but facing the other way.
"This IL much better, thank you,
he said. Now tell me why yon think
YOU are not going to say yes to me-.