The Tomahawk., 1917-01-11

During the operation, which Hardy
endured without groan, Vandervyn
stood by, watching Marie's face with
sullen jealousy. The moment she had
rebandaged the wound, he suggested
that it would be we'll to leave Hardy
quiet. In reply she asked him to 60
for ice. When he returned. he found
her sitting beside the cot, fan in hand.
Hardy had fallen asleep. She rose
and went into the house, and Wander
| vyn followed her. ....,.
The young man made no attempt to
conceal his anger. He closed the par
lor door and turned upon her accus-
ingly. $50 that's what you've been up
to all the time I've been away?"
up to what, prayT =.
"Coquetting with that old fossil Of
tin soldier"
"Am I not a dutiful daughter?" the
girl parted. "Mon pere said / must
make myself agreeable to the agent"
HE did,"
"Why not 60 and ask him, II you
doubt what say?"
II don't. That's Just it-damn it
| anw
The girls eyes flashed with resent
ment, but her voice was sweetly mock
ing: "Oh, Mr.. Vandervyn, how can
you? Captain Hardy never swore once
during all our delightful rides"
"You've been riding with him every
day."
"All except one. I've been sorry
ever since that missed that one. He
was invariably courteous. He is a
kgentleman."
"You infer that I am not" ex-
claimed Vandervyn. $50 he's courteous
and smooth and slick, is he? One
might know that you've been raised
in the backwoods."
"You forget I spent four years at
the capital of Canada"
I'm a convent! No wonder you've
let him play you"
The girl met the jeer with a tantaliz-
ing smile.
1T has been q most amusing game.
He treats me with rs much respect as
if were a young lady of his own set"
"There's no one else here for him to
flirt with"
"That is an advantage, is it not?"
The girl dropped into her English man.
ner. II daresay he will forget me as
soon as he gets back to civilization
! unless decide to accept his proposal"
,Vandervyn stared at her cynically.
"You needn't try to rag me, Marie"
She smiled. $50 you do doubt what
I say. Yet it is true. Captain Hardy
did me the honor of declaring that he
wished to marry me-"
"Hardy asked you?-he, a captain
in the regular army!
"And a quarterbreed, the daughter
CT my father. Amazing, is it not?"
Vandervyn caught himself up as he
saw the proud humility Of her express
sion. It was q new look to him. He
had often seen her proud, but never
humble. His jealousy aared: GLOW
did you answer him? You didn't ac-
cept-you refused the old board
back! !"
Eyes and no, that is, not yet" the
girl leased.
vandervyn stepped close and
grasped her arm.
BE so kind as to release me, Mr..
Vandervyn."
"You coquette! You're trying to
play me against him."
$50 that is what you think OF me"
The girl wrenched herself free and
turned from him haughtily.
He stepped forward, and again
grasped her arm. His voice shook
with jealous anger: "You shall have
nothing to do with him! He shall not
have you'll"
Indeed! May I ask what right you
have to dictator"
"You love me, that is why" ne flung
back at her. "You love me, Marie.
You can't deny It," His voice sank to
q deep, ardent, golden note that sent
a tremor through her. "You are mine
mine! You know it. Your arm
quivers-that look in your eyes! You
cannot hide your love, Marie-sweet-
Eeart!"
He sought to embrace her. But
again she wrenched herself free from
him. She could no longer feign hau-
teur. Her face was rosy with bushes;
her bosom heaved; her eyes, behind
their yelling lashes, glowed with ten
der passion. Yet she kept her head
despite the Intoxicating ardor OF his
lA.k ItIlsa Oinpa sha was cot so