The Lamar register., 1917-02-21


out from Chicago to accommodate
them. Better snuggle up on their
warm side What, not going surely7
You must come in to lunch and show
us how tactful a tactician can be.
Thanks, no." replied Hardy. IN
r2sk you kindly to excuse me TO Miss
dupont. The commissioners may iind
N me at the office at any time that suits
them"
Vandervyn shrugged and went in
doors, his smile trlfie forced. He at
once Joined his party In their eager
acceptance Of Dupont's most cordial
expression of hospitality, his eight
year-old whisky. Marie had excused
herself to the guests. BY the time she
reappeared every member Of the party
was aglow with good feeling. The girl
ut once became the target for a shower
of compliments, all in doubtful taste,
and some decidedly too free and easy.
She looked to vandervyn, and met
only with an uneasy smile. Seeing
that he would say nothing. she replied
to the offenders with wit and dig
nifty that soon altered their bearing
toward her. They were puzzled to find
garden rose in this rough wilderness,
but she soon brought them to the reall-
zatlon that they We're not at liberty
to splash mud on her petals. The
luncheon completed her conquest.
Vandervyn came to the table with
all the uneasiness gone from his
smile. He took his seat, and proceed
ed to extOl Marie's skill as a chef.
Olnna, bearing tray, came in, and
began to serve luncheon. Though ex-
tremely shy, she started with Il deft-
ness that showed careful training
Several moments passed before Van
dervyn looked up and perceived her.
The surprise was too sharp even for
his assurance. He stopped short m
his talk, and stared at her, discon-
certed.
At sight of his frown the girl
dropped her tray, now fortunately
empty. ana with little gasping cry
fed from the room. She did not re-
appear. Marie passed Of the awk-
ward incident with smile and "A tact
full explanation of Oinna's excessive
shyness. The Indian boy finished the
serving.
Vandervyn had delivered Hardy's
messages. They had been received
alike by Marie and by the commission
ers without comment. After luncheon
one of the commissioners brusquely
proposed that Hardy be summoned to
attend upon them. Vandervyn inter
posed with the suave suggestion that
the acting agent might leave in the
safe some Of the papers necessary to
full understanding Of the affairs of
the agency.
At this the party fingered only for
parting nip at Dupont's liquid hos
pitalIty. Assuring Marie that they
would return In time for dinner, they
left under the escort of their host.
With the excuse that he had mislaid
his hat, Yandervyn returned to the
dining room. When he came out, he
shut the door. Marie was alone in the
parlor. All the suppressed fire Of his
passion famed in his face, as he
turned and came swiftly back to the
waiting girl. There could be no doubt
that he expected her to meet him half
way.
She stood beside a chair, somewhat
pale. hut outwardly very calm She
did not advance single step. Yet.
blinded by his own ardor. he came on
without needing the look in her face
until within arm's-reach Of her. Then
at last he perceived her lack of re-
Spouse, and stopped.
81 say he exclaimed. whats the
matter? Is this the way TO welcome
me back, sweetheartI"
The term OF endearment brought
quick blush into the girls cheeks. But
She replied in cold, even tones: Are
you now at liberty to address me as
your fiancee?"
His eyes shifted before her level
gaze. Don't be foolish, Marie. You
know you're the only woman. You
know that engagement must stand I'M
til we are sure Of the mine. There is
something else as we'll"
This is quite enough for the pres
ent," she broke in. II promised to
wait for you until you should come
back-free from your cousin. You have
returned, but you are not free from
her. Is it honorable for you to speak
to me nowf
How can help iii" he urged, seek
Ing to melt her with his ardent gaze.
sYou are the only WOmau-the only