Omaha daily bee., 1914-05-24


considerably dashed and then said "Oh,," in a very
unfriendly manner She found her place in the
magazine, assumed more comfortable position and
with noteworthy resolution, set about reading as if
her life depended upon it,
He sat down, pulled the rug up to his chin, and
stared out at the great, heaving billows Suddenly
remembering another injury, he felt once more of
the back Of his head
"By joveP' he exclaimed. "There is lump there"
81 cant hear you," she said, allowing the maga-
zine to drop into her lap, but keeping her place
carefully marked with one of her fingers.
81 can hear you perfectly" he said
"lt's the way the wind blows" she explained
"Easiy remeded," said he. an move into Mrs
Gaston's chair if you think it will help any,"
dol" she said promptly. "You will not disturb
me in the least, - unless you talk" She resumed
her reading, half page above her finger tip
He moved over and arranged himself comfortably
snugly IN Mrs. Gason's chair. Their elbows almost
met, He prepared to be very patient For
long time she continued to read, her warm, rosy
cheek halfaverted, her eyes applied to their task
with irritating constancy. He did not despair Some
wise person had told him that it was only nee
essary to give woman sufficient time and she would
be the one to despair
A few passengers possessed of proud sea-legs
staggered past the snug couple their ridiculous
rounds of the ship. If they thought of Miss Guile
and X. Schmidt at all il with the scorn that is
usually devoted to youth at its very best. There
could be no doubt in the passing mind that these
smallest of comforts.
AT last his patience was rewarded She lowered
the magazine and stihed a yawn - but not a real
one.
"Have you read it2" she inquired composedly
"a part of it," he said. "Over your shoulder"
"ls that considered polite in Vienna?"
IF You only knew what bump I've got on the
back of my head you wouldn't be so ungracious"
he said.
81 couldn't possibly know, could II"
LIE LEANED forward and indicated the spot on
the back of his head, first removing his cap.
She laughed nervously, and then gently rubbed her
fingers over the curly hair.
"There is dreadful lumpp she exclaimed. "Oh,
how sorry am Do do you feel faint or Or
/ mean, is it very painfulP
mot now," he replied, replacing his cap and
favoring her with his most engaging smile.
She smiled in response betTaying not the slightest
sign of embarrassment. AS a matter of fact she was
IT anything, somewhat too s,lf possessed.
81 remember falling down stairs once" she said,
"and getting a stupendous bump on my forehead.
But that was great many years ago, and | cried.
How was ! to know that it hurt you. Mr.. Schmidt.
when you neglected to cry2"
"Heroes never cry" said he. at isn't considered
irst-class fiction, you know
"Am to regard you as a hero?"
"lf you will be so kind. please"
She laughed outright at this. 81 think I rather
like you, Mr.. Schmidt" she said, with unexpected
eandor.
"Oh / fancy Pm not at all bad," said he, after
momentary stare of astonishment. 81 am especially
good in rough weather. he went on, trying forget
that he was prince of the royal blood, rather
difficult matter when one stops to consider he was
not in the habit of hearing people say that they
rather liked him.
"Do your friends from viennaH" she in
quired abruptly.
"Yes" he said. and then saved his faca uSual