The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1917-03-08
CHAPTER ;,xIV-continued.

president, that he failed to see Marie
until she spoke to him. The first sight
of her bewildered him, and his bow
did not altogether hide the effects of
the delicious shock given him by her
dazzling beauty. But he quickly re-
covered his self-pOsSessiOn when he
saw that she was with Vandervyn.
That young man, though more bOylsh-
ly handsome than ever, bore himself
with rather a sullen air. He met Har-
dy's clear gaze with forced smile.
The smile became still more forced
when the girl transferred her hand
from his arm to Hardy's.
"Only n very few minutes" she
sOOthed the disappointed lover.
whatever you say!" he deferred to
her caprice, and he drew back to speak
TO sharp-eyed man near the presi-
dent.
Hardy was gazing into the wonder
full blue-black eyes of his companion.
They were as inscrutable as when he
had last looked into their depths. He
tried to speak calmly, but his voice
shook.
do you know that you are by far
the most beautiful woman hcreE
Her long lashes dropped and rose
again to disclose the same inscrutable
look.
so have Deen told several times
Blready-I wished few moments
with you, that l might thank you for
your generosity. 1t has given me the
great opportunity of my trip abroad
and this visit in Washington"
81 am saving all the reports of your
social triumphs," he said. "They have
made me very happy"
Again the girls laShCs dropped.
THAT Is good of YOU 1t Is quite nee
esSary for me to become the rage-if
am to force a recognition from Reg
gies relatives. He says that. fOrtu-
nately, his tiancee has become interest
ed in another man who is quite as ELI
gible as himself"
Hardy's eyes contracted, yet he did
not falter:
Since 1t will bring YOU happiness,
wish him-goOd fortune"
You do?" The question was al
most an exclamation. But the girl at
once regained her quiet COmposure.
II do not understand. If you wish him
good fortune, why then do you seek
To prevent him from receiving his
81. Nhn
trihcf'
81 said good fortune" replied Har-
dy. ANY money paid him on that
contract would be tainted"
Marie arched her black eyebrows.
els it not true that he will get through
much larger appropriation than 9th
prwiSc would have been made?"
The lands are fully worth the
amount agreed upon" stated Hardy.
The tribe should receive all the ap-
preparation. Honest lobbying would
carry the bill through at Il cost of n
few hundred dollars. These supposed
friends of the tribe want millions"
DO you wish to deprive me of the
share that l would receive through
hing
"Yes-of every dishonest dollar"
said Hardy, his mouth stern though
his eyes besought her to forgive his
harshness. You have enough al
ready"
Are you Certain?" She rrioined.
You may have heard that mines often
pinch out or run into yauHlrSS ore
You can guess why Pere and have
told no one, least of all Reggie"
Hardy remained unShak"n. IF he
is worthy of you. that will make no
difference to him
But myself? l am already used to
luxury" pleaded the girl.
Down in your heart you tnow the
values in life that are rnHl." he said.
You do not wish for wealth gained
through fraud"
Il have not admitted that there is
amy fraud in the contract"
Perhaps it is rs Well" ic remarked.
"You should not doubt your future
husband"
She flashed him m Ohd. QuizZical
look. mo, l cannot doubt my future
husband now, Captain Hardy. | must
believe in him if | am to be happy.
must | nOt?'
Yes" agreed Hardy.
She uttered Il guy little tril of
laughter.
THAT is so good of YOU Ia say it,
Captain. 1t makes me feel that |
really must do something fer you in
return. May l not offer You little
loan of, say, three or four thousand
dollars? | understand that. for some
strange reaSOn--Or unrras0n-yOu
have refused your pay as captain"
My resignation has nos been with
urawn, and | am engaged in private
enterprise. l cannot draw pay as an
officer in the service" explained
Hardy
Few would be so quixotir," she ar
Gued. Most would make the excuse
that an attempt to fruStrntn what they
considered a wrong to others is not TO
be considered private enterprise"
Il must beg to differ with you, Miss
Dupont"
Then let it pass. But the little
loan?'
VERY good of You to offer. How
ever, believe have enough left to
last me through. And in any event,
could not impose on your generosity
The money would be used against him
which, you see, would hardly do"
Then you refuse any !oan?"
at was most kind 0! sou to make
the offer"