Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-08-30

%: notion in the smart set II
s. r. Edith's desire 10 slip into
the g.. led circle through the rift that
the Kodueys make. Do you compre-
hend%'
They were seated side by side in the
corner of the compartment, his broad
back screening her as much as possible
from the persistent glances OF Freddie
Ulstervelt. who was nobly striving to
confne his attentions TO Katherine.
Brooks eyes were devouring her ex-
Quisite face with a greediness that
might have caused her some uneasi-
ness ifNthere had not been something
pleasantly agreeable in his way of do
ing It
"Yes-faintly." he replied after an
almost imperceptible conflict between
the senses Of sight and hearing. But
how does she intend to explain me
away? III be n dreadful skeleton in
her closet II it comes TO that. When
she IS obliged 10 produce the real Rox-
bury, what them"
shes thought 1t all out. Roxbury,"
said Constance severely. but almost
inGudibly. I'm sure Freddie heard
part OF what you said. Do be careful.
She's going TO reveal the whole plot 10
Mrs. Odell-Carney just as soon as EOx-
bury gives the word. trea ting ii as a
very clever and necessary ruse. don't
you see. Mrs. Odell-Carney will be
implored TO aid in the deception for a
few days. and she'll consent. because
she's really quite bit Of n sport At
the psychological moment the ,odneys
viii be told That places Mrs. Odell-
Carney in the position Of being an
abettor Or accomplice. She's had the
distinction Of being a sharer in most
glorious piece Of strategy. Don't you
see how charmingly it will all work in
the end?"
What are you two whispering
abOut?" demanded Freddie Clstervelt
noisily. patience coming TO an enc
"Wha-what the devil is that to-
began Brock furiously. Constance
brought him up sharp with warning
kick on the ankle. He vowed after
ward that he would carry the mark 10
his grave.
Hes telling me what nice chap
you are. Freddie" said she sweetly
Brock Glared out Of the window. Fred
die shifted scornfully.
I'm getting sick Of this job" growl-
ed Brock under his breath. 81 didn't
calculate on
Now. Roxbury. dear, don't be n
bear" she pleaded so gently. her eyes
so full OF appeal. that be flushed with
sudden shame and contrition.
Forgive me-" be said. the old light
coming back into his eyes so strongly
that she quivered for an instant be-
fore lowering her own. II hate that
COMPOUNDED puppy" he explained Ian
ly, guarding his voice with n new care
IF you felt MS I do you would too"
She laughed in the old way. but she
was not soon TO forget that moment
when panic was so imminent.
II don't see how,any one can help
liking Freddie" she said without
actually knowing why. He stared
hard at the Danube below. After a
long silence he said
It's oil tommyrot about its being
blue isn't it,"
She was also looking at the dark
brown, swollen river that has been
immortalized IN song.
It's never blue. It's always a vel
/ low ocher. IL seems 10 me-"
He waited a long time before ven
turing 20 express the thought that OF
late had been troubling him seriously.
Il wonder IL you truly realize the
+ difficulty Edith will have in satisfying
an increduious world with her abso-
I lutely truthful story. She'll have to
explain. you know. There's bound TO
/ be a skeptic or two, my dear Con.
I stance
But there's Roxbury." she protest
/ ed. her face clouding nevertheless.
/ HE will set everything right"
The world viii say be is a gullible
/ fool" said he gently. And the world
( always laughs at. not with. a fool.
Alas, my dear sister. it's a very deep
/ pool we're in" He leaned closer and
allowed q quaint. half Oantering. Who'll
~ difident smile TO cross his face.
! lin afraid that you are the only
being on earth who can make the story
! thoroughly plausible
/ ~ she demanded quickly. Their
eyes met. and the wonder suddenly
left hers. She blushed furiously
, Nonsense" she said and abruptly
left him 10 take a seat beside Rather
inc Rodney. He found small comfort
in the whisperings and titterings that
came Willy nilly to his burning ear:
from the corner of the compartment
He had a disquieting impression thai
they were discussing him. 1t wa:
forced in upon him that being a broth
er-in-law is not an enviable occupa
ton.
"Woti" he asked almost hercely aft
er the insisteut Freddie had thrice re
[ pcated "A question.
Il say, will you have a cigarette?
half shouted Freddie, exaspegated.
oh, No, thanks The train make
such besstly racket. don't you know
y They tod me at the Bristol yol