The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-09-28


vltation of their gaze. He was con-
sclous, too, OF the queer, lndefinable
fascination Of her near presence In the
dimly-lighted room.
what you will learn" she proceed
ed depends very much upon your de-
slres. II you seek for the best, and
are content with nothing else, you will
find IT, But so few men are content
to waltz
Il intend to-" John said simply.
"Look at me, please she ordered.
Once more he was compelled to look
Into her deep-blue eyes. The incom-
prehenslble smile was still upon her
lips.
"You have loved?"
NO" he answered, taken little
aback by the abruptness of the ques-
ton.
You grow more wonderful You
are free from any dlstractlng thoughts
about women? You have no entangle-
ments?"
IL have nothing of the sort" John
declared, almost irritably. "There is
one person who has made a wonder
full change In my life. believe could
say that am absolutely certain of my
feelings for her, but so far she has not
given me much encouragement. Tell
me, madame, why do you ask me these
questlons?"
Because it interests me-" she re-
piled. "Why do you not insist that
this lady should tell you the truth?
Il have come. to London to insist"
he told her, but have been here only
forty-eight hours. am waiting"
80 many people spend their lives
doing that" she went on presently. ut
does not appeal to me. The moment l
make up my mind that l want a thing,
| take it. The moment make up my
mind to give, l give
John was suddenly conscious Of the
! clOseness of the atmosphere. The fin
gers of his hands were clenched tight
ly together. He swOre to himself that
he would not look into this woman's
face. He listened to the band which
was playing in the balcony of the great
hall, to the murmur of the voices, the
shouts of laughter. He told himself
that Nine. Calavera was amusing her
self with him.
"The princes party" she continued,
after Il long pause, "seems to be
great success, to judge by the noise
they are making. So many people
shout and laugh when they are happy.
l myself find a more perfect express
sion Of happiness in silence"
She was leaning a little back in her
place. One arm was resting upon
pile of cushions, the other hung loose
ly over the side of the divan. John
felt a sudden desire to rise to his feet,
and simultaneous consciousness that
his feet seemed to be made of lead.
"YOu may hold my fingers" she said;
"and please keep your face turned
toward me. Why are you nervous? l
am not very formidable"
He took her fingers, very much as
the prince had done upon her arrival,
and pressed them formally to his lips.
Then he released them and rose.
"You know" he confessed, 81 am
very stupid at this sort of thing Shall
we go back to the reception rooms?
shall be the most unpopular man here
if keep you any longer"
The smile deepened slightly. Little
lines appeared at the sides of her
eyes. So far from being annoyed, he
could see that she was laughing.
"Joseph," she Knocked, 81 am not
tempting you, really! Do sit down.
have met men in many countries, but
none like you. Don't you realize that
your love for one woman should make
you kind to all?"
"No, DON'T" he answered bluntly.
She patted his hand gently.
Come" she said, "dO not be afraid
of me. I will not make love to you
seriously. You must be kind to me be- |
cause everybody spoils me. After sup
per there are one or two more ques-
tions l must ask you. Do you know
that am going to dance here? Never |
before have danced in private house |
in England. Except upon the stage, l
like to dance only to those whom / |
love!"
The little space between the cur
tains was suddenly darkened. John
turned eagerly around, and, to his i'm
mense relief, recognized the prince.
Their host came forward to where they
were sitting and held out his arm to
Calavera.
"Dear lady," he announced, supper
Is served. VIII you do me this great
hOnOr?"
She rose to her feet. The prince
turned to John.
'"This is my privilege as host" he
explained; but If you will follow us,
you will find some consolation in store
'or you"
"Well" the prince asked, as he
handed Aida Calavera to her place at
lis right hand.
II think not" she replied.
He raised his eyebrows slightly. For
/ moment he glanced down the supper
able with the care of a punctilious
lost, to see that his guests were prop
,rly seated. He addressed a few
rivialities to the musical-comedy star
Who was sitting on his left. Then he
eaned once more toward the great {
lancer.
"You surprise me-" he said. 81
hould have thought that the enter
rise would have commended itself to
on. You do not doubt the facts2"