Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1913-10-09
pIeaSanuly agreeaDle III MS way or 90.

how does she intend to explain me
away? I'll be a dreadful skeleton in
her closet if it N to that. When
she is obliged to produce the real Rox-
bury. what them"
She's thought it all out, Roxbury,"
said Constance severely. but almost
inaudibly. I'm sure Freddie heard
part of what you said. Do be careful.
She's going to reveal the whole plot to
Mrs. Odell-Carney just as soon as Rox-
bury gives the word. treating it 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 a bit Of n sport. At
the psychological moment the Rodneys
will be told. That places Mrs. Odell-
Carney in the position of being an
abettor o" accomplice. She's had the
distinction of being a sharer in a 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 Ulstervelt
noisily. patience coming to an end.
"Wha-what the devil is that to-
began Brock furiously. Constance
brought him up sharp with a warning
kick on the ankle. He vowed after
ward that he would carry the mark to
his grave.
He's telling me what a nice chap
you arc. Freddie said she sweetly.
Brock glared out of the window. Fred
die shifted sc%ornfully.
I'm getting sick Of this job" growl-
ed Brock under his breath. 81 didn't
calculate on
Now. Roxbury. dear. don't be a
bear" she pleaded SO gently, her eyes
so full of appeal. that he flushed with
sudden shame and contrition.
"forgive me-" he said. the old light
coming back into his eyes so strongly
that she quivered for an instant be-
o lowering her own. 81 hate that
COMPOUNDED puppy" he explained lame
ly, guardin" his voice with a new care.
IF you fe' as | do you would too"
She laughed in the old way, but she
was nc soon to forget that moment
when panic was so imminent.
IL 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:
Its all tommyrot about it's being
blue. isn't it,"
She was also looking at the dark
brown. swollen river that has been
immortaliZed in song.
ITS never blue. It's always a vel
ow Ocher. it seems to me-"
He waited Il long time lmfOrp VEN
turing to express the Thought that Of
late had been troubling him seriously.
II wonder if you truly realize the
difficulty Edith will have in satisfying
an i~ncredulouS world with her absO-
lutely truthful story. She'll have to
explain, you know. There's bound to
be a skeptic or two. my dear Con-
| stance"
But there's Roxbury," she protest
ed. her face clouding nevertheless.
"He will set everything right"
THE world will say he 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 a quaint, half bantering, Who'll
~ diftident smile to cross his face.
"I-I'm afraid hat you are the only
being on earth who can make the story
thoroughly plausible"
Up" she demanded quickly. Their
eyes met. and the wonder suddenly
left hers. She blushed furiously.
"Nonsense!" she said and abruptly
left him to take a seat beside Rather
Inc Rodney. He found small comfort
In the w~hisperings and offerings that
came willy nilly to his burning ears
from the corner Of the compartment
He had a disquieting impression that
they were discussing him. 1t was
forced in upon him that being a broth
er-in-law is not an enviable occupa-
ton.
"Wot?" he asked almost fiercely aft
er the insistent Freddie had thrice re-
peated Il question.
II say, will you have a cigarette"
half shouted Freddie. exasperated.
oh! No, thanks. The train makes
such a beastly racket. don't you know"
They told me at the Bristol you
were deaf. but Oh, l say, old man.
I'm sorry. Which ear is it,"
The one next to YOU replied Brock.
recovering from his confusion. Il hear
perfectly we'll with the other one
Yes" drawled Freddie, with a wink.
80 I've observed" After a reflective
silence the young a ventured the in
teresting conclusion. She's a stunning
girl. all right" Brock looked politely
askance. by Jove. Pm glad she isn't
my sister-in-law!"
II suppose Pm expected to ask Why"
frigidly.
Certainly. Because if she was l
couldn't. Do you get the point?" He
crossed his legs and looked insupporta-
bly, sure Of himself.
They reached Munich late in the aft
nrr>nn orJ xr,oyk NJ nuon <o +h~ LIotol