The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-11-02


and dictator to her Iadyship. It had been
difficult enough when he had received
the first letter from her brother. Hal
bert was bound for the trenches and
glory
II would be dull for Wanda back in
London. She had worked hard through
the winter and needed a change.
Wouldn't Courtney and his mother keep
an eye on her II she ran over for a
few weeks. 1t had sounded 50 easy In
the asking. But Courtney had met Wanda
twice during visits abroad He knew that
Of all willfuL caprIciouG irresistible
wards. her ladyship would prove the
hardest TO manage. Still he had agreed
to watch over her. Ostensibly she came
as the guest OF Mrs. Towne. his mother.
but II was Courtney who shouidered the
full responsibility.
II haven't seen Peggy since she was
married She says they are going to
put In at Pinehurst pier tomorrow at
10 and I am to motor over with you.
She would love TO have Mrs. Towne
and you come. too. Courtney"
My mother doesn't approve OF Peg.
Mo-" With lifted brova shes per
fectIy dear, and nov she's married shes
settled down wonderfully. I think l
shall 20. Courtney
Courtney said nothing. He agreed quite
pleasantly 90 drive her over the next
morning Mrs. Towne was tndisposed.
and some way Wanda mans ged to coax
her into acqulescence-
It was a COOL windy morning the next
day. when they started for Pinehurst
Courtney had chosen his own car. a low,
two-seated French machine. He seemed
rather silent as they swung out along
the shore road.
1t isn't far. IL ItT' Wanda asked
lightly.
About eighteen miles. I'm going to
take the short cut"
Once outside the little seaside village
he turned on the main road and took
the one through the pines inland. Wsnoa
stole a glance at him again. at the clean
cut. almost stern profile beside her. and
then At his hands and the way they
gripped the wheel.
You don't really mind my going. do
you, Courtney" she asked tentatively
Not at all now" Courtney returned
cordially.
"Halbert's very fond Of Peggy. I think
he might have married her himself some
time IL she hadn't chosen Capt Min
turn"
Courtney smiled at the ribbon OF road
unvinding before them. His eyes were
half closed. He knew every inch of this
road. And every mile was taking them
from Pinehurst and the boat landing.
Yet he waited to make sure. It was at
the fourteenth mile that he slipped q
lever wrong and the machine stopped.
With a quick apology he sprang out
and started to tinker away At the car.
Her ladyship chatted for a few minutes.
waiting expectantly. but as the minutes
few by. she glanced around curiously
at the EMBEDDING hills.
u don't see the ocean"
ITS down at your left"
Very far"
Somewhat"
She hesitated and frowned.
Courtney. are you really trying to nx
tho car or just"
He sat UP In the road. his cap on the
back of his head. and smiled at her.
Just WHAT"
You're not fixing II at all. are you?
That's what you call II over here. isn't
II, fixing instead OF repairing? Won't
Il go at ALP
He shook his head contentedIy. She
stepped from the car with dignity. de-
lightful dignity he thought. considering.
II think ! shall walk until I fnd some
sort OF a conveyance"
"You can't, because we're about seven
miles at least from the last house I'm
going to stay here until" no glanced at
his watch acknowledgement 1870 They
will have sailed by then. don't you
think so?''
wanda's dark eyes were bright with
anger.
81 don't see how you dare to do this,
Courtney Towne. They are my friends
and II ] choose to go with them II Is
absolutely my own AFFAIR"
Dear. you are not quite 49," said
Courtney gently. "Halbert put you in
my care and I can't conscientiously let
you chase down the coast with Peggie
and have her marry you on to any
other crowd"
You mean Kent? The color rose
in her face quickly.
Courtney nodded.
Il know the whole thing. Wanda
I heard Kent bet that he would marry
you before you returned to England
You know as well as / do that old
Halbert Is in debt to him badly. II