Putnam patriot., 1913-02-21
CHAPTER VI.

Foraa time there was silence fin the room. Then the door of one room opened and Mrs. Blazes peered anx- iously forth.
 q wonder why he is SD long getting that hat" she said to herself.
 The door across from her began to open, and she hurriedly dashed back and closed her door The Count and Daphne came from the library
 Indeed" Daphne said, "he might have told me you were in there. But maybe he meant it as surprise to me"
 She simpered and peeped roguishly at the Count.
 -'I hope" the Count said. 1t vas a surprise. To think dot now ve haff B meetings"
 ''rhe pleasure is all yours, sweet noble of teutonic blood said Daphne, with fine sarcasm. The Count looked at her with piqne, shaking his head mournfully. -eTo think" he sighed. After all I spend on you, den you leave me waiting for you in such dissraceful- ness on der cornerf' Daphne tried to explain.
 Honest, County" she said. at which pet name he flinched. Honest, Conn ty, I didn't mean to disappoint you, but a travelling gentleman 1 hadn't seen for a long time came through, and as l hadn't seen him for so long, l went to supper with him. You see, the trouble with you and me was the way we talked. Half the time l couldn't understand you and the other half you couldn't understand me"
 The Count looked at her blankIy. Her explanation did not explain at all.
 Such a deceitfulnessi" he said. And after gave you my ring. How dared you keep it?"
 The Counts naughty indignation over her having kept his ring was tinctured with little twinge of con science over the fact that, separated from them by only a thin door. was another lady to whom, that very day, ne had given similar ring. The Count had the habit of wishing on" a ring, as an incident oe his various fir 1ations. And no sooner did he wish it cn then he began to wish 1t back.
 T didn't keep your cid ring'" Daphne retorted.
 You didn't?"
 4.No. I gave it away to gentleman friend"
 'Vat!" the Count asked, in noble horror. You gave my beaudiful ring away. Achi To shink of it. nit all it's family unt historical significance, being pn der finger of some common person.
 Indeed" Daphne snapped. "'He isn't any common person, want you te know. He is the head of noble family, a respected citizen and a par ticular admirer Of mine"
 The Count regarded her with an icy stare as he said cr1shingly:
 q am afraid den he iss nod 90 par tieular as he might be-.
 For a moment the very air was tense between them. The Count glared at Daphne, and Daphne re- turned his glare with fiery interest She leaned over until her sharp nose was within three inches of his face. and said to him in razory accents:
 You cant insult me. I've been in- suited by espertsi"
 The Count jumped az though hs had been pricked by pin This set ting of him down as g Eonentity. ac- companied by a sharp snap Of tho finger, was a bit more cavalier treat ment than he had eyet received. lie could think of nothing to say in reply. Daphne, now thoroughly angry, went on:
 q want you to understand that Gen. eral Blazes-"
 You gave my ring to ChenerA BIazesi" the Count gasped.
 Sure" Daphne replied.
 sMein Gott i'm himmel!"
 With one Of his rings on the Gen erals finger and the other on the finger of the Generals wife, the thought was too much. The Count dropped Imply into chair ana wagged his head grimly.
 Both rings in der same famiiy' Ach, Gotti" he murmured-
 Harry hurried into the room, and