Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-14

thing else on earth, except his studies of
Ossian) expected Daura to secure the old
place for their branch of the family. Nira's
engagement to foreigner had been grief
to him. Nothing could quite make up for
that disappointment except DauraS mar
rage with Alastair MacRimmon. And
Daura herself was quite sure that by and
by, when her worshiped Annira was married
and gone, she would feel like falling in love
with so good looking and gallant soldier
Instinct told her that in playing to win
George Conway's game she was IN danger
of losing her own. Why, after all, would it
not answer the purpose for Vane to f1irt
with Robert Troy, and gain him for the
family interests, leaving the daughter of the
house free? Vane had seemed inclined for
the task; but-that had been when the way
to Alastair was blocked. And in her heart
the girl knew that Vane could do nothing
with man like Robert Troy. He was for
Lady Daura Score to conquer, if he could
be conquered at all.
II mustn't think of myself" she said in
her heart. at doesn't matter what happens
to me, or anyone else, compared with An
Mira. And I've got to save George for her!
Let Alastair go, if he ikes-and the castle
too. must have this man for mine!'
7 DON'T know why I'm interested she
laughed, answering Troy's question; but
l know that am"
3Do you forget things easily?' he asked
in the low voice that was only for her
@No, l don't think do She banished
her smile. Il am remembering
thing Perhaps that's partly why l am
so interested in you, Mr.. Troy-and all you
do"
@You are interested in me-and all dor"
eyes. We are in the same secret. 1t
makes kind of-bond between us. I can't
help feeling that, can your"
The burning eyes-the devils eyes
were almost wistful now. aIt's true. do
feel that. But I'm going to shake off the
feeling. It's weakness. It doesn't fit in
with my mission here"
4Still--please don't shake it off. It
makes things more-bearable, doesn't it,
for both of us?"
3How do you mean?"
3For US to be friends whatever happens.
Already you have made me feel that you're
an honorable man, that l can trust your
word, and that you are trusting mine.
don't see how I-who know what's hanging
over us-am to live through the next week
or so, if you won't let me feel that you're
human"
You are trying to make me lose my head"
@No-no! How conceited and stupid you
must think me! I'm only girl. I'm not
twenty yet. don't know anything about
life, or men. And you
I'm thirty-two," said Troy, 4and ! feel
forty. At least, did, until
4Until- when?'
3Why," and he laughed rather self con-
sciously, Il believe there's something queer
about the kilt. 1t must be that Ever
since put it on I've had the sensation of
having changed, somehow, my whole out
look on things, and of being younger. Yes,
it must be the kilt"
aAnd the magic of Skye" said Daura.
NThere is magic on our dear island. Oh, it
can change hearts, I'm sure it can; but al
ways for the better
3Theres room in mine for improvement"
muttered Troy, suddenly at his grimmest
again.
Daura felt that he was resisting her furi-
ously, and deliberately she put forth all her
power. How she wished that she was as
beautiful as her sister, and had Nira's charm,
that she might use it now, for Nira's sake!
u want you to go on feeling younger and
younger she said softly, "and to let me
teach you to dance. Let us forget the sad
things! Can't we do that just for little
while-till we need to remember them again?