Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-04-21

AANNSE a AASo4SUtII6 StOP vi
vainly searching her recollections for
a clue to this new companions ident-
ity. She could not remember that
Michael had ever spoken of sucn a
friend. NFt E
Jack Rupert had slipped from his
seat behind the wheel of his machine
and nov came up to. them. His small
dark face was eloquent of relief. The
American had had many complicated
hours since his countrywoman came
to him in the breakfast-room Of an
Italian inn, both little gloved hands
held out.
II have just missed you all across
France" she had toll him, laughing
eyes wet with sheer content. "Oh, l.
thought that 1 Vas brave. but l.
would have one back a. score Of
times II l had not known you were
on ahead! And now, you will take
care of me. will o not?'
He had assumed the charge, grim
ly capable. He was not more than
ten years older than the girl. but he
possessed all the world acknowledge
she lacked. A few questions assured
him that Delight had committed her
self; that wild as her fight might be,
it was now better to &C on than. to
return and attempt explanations. In
deed, the young girl would not con-
slider a return.
The journey had been ,~undisturbed.
All thcIway down to Bari, Rupert had
deliberately registered Miss Warren.
maid and chauffeur; sinking his own
identity to shelter her with all pos
sible. conventionality. And then the
maid had taken fright at the prospect
of entering a little-known land, and
refused to continue with her mis-
tress. She had deserted at the last
- = - 80 r~v~G 1H@Sa
i to sail and there was no time to pro-
cure a substitute.
II can cross the Adriatic without a
maid,"- Delight had met the crisis.
You will be. with me, Rupert" He
had taught her to- use his unpreceded
name to suppoFthe fiction of his be-
ing her chauffeur.
He accepted the inevitable without
enthusiasm, merely growing a trifie
more grim. He was cycling Fate with
sardonic expectancy, awaiting her
next antic.
F.: But now his expression was more
cheerful han it had been for some
days, as he offered his hand to De-
lights companion.
IF Miss Warren is going to be con-
nected with you, I guess I amt like
ly to get old as fast as !. expected"
he announced, with his slight drawl.
II amt denying Tn glad you are n
Of this party Of reception"
"You know this gentleman" the
girl exclaimed. looking from, one to
the other as they shook hands.
Il almost didn't" returned Rupert.
his speculative ~iglanceson the officers
costume. "Hei has changed some
since / last salg him. But I taught
Captain Lesendra n or two Details
about handling an aeroplane, on
Long Island"
"Danilo Lesendra. 'our cousin
it Michaels knocking, bitter voice
rang in the girls memory: the. gar
den at home rose before her, and her
fiance's handsome face, never less
handsome than when he spoke Of his
brother. She faced toward. the Mon
tenegrin her large eyes like burnish-
ed copper in her excitement.
You are Count Balsic's cousin and
aide 2" she demanded.
There was ascurious expression in
his eyes; like all of his half-Russian
house, he was fairer than was usual
in Montenegro, his eyes were blue
black and very clear. But he an
swered at once and frankly,
II am, mademoiselle.''' XXI
She held herself more erect in her
triumph and passionate relief.
Inere mas been a mistake" she
said cptt!ngly. ~ am here to MARI,
Lieutenant Michael Balsic. No doubg
Captain 5Lesendra expected a sue
( lessor to thelady. who has left. Mr..
Rupert, ! think that 1 see my car
rage; will YOU take me there
The speech was outrageous, and
she knew 1t. But she herkelf fAlt
outraged, and visited all the mistake
and her momentary doubt of Michael
upon the officer who served Stefan
Balsic.. .A
She had met a capable antagonist.
Captain fLesendra bowed IN q silence
that was more effective than any re-
tori, although the heavy crimson ran
under his skin. The New Yorker
gave him q glance Of ir0nic SYM
pathy. complying with the girls res
quest.
Her color very bright. Delight hur-
iried on. The open carriage she had
seen waiting att the other side Of the
Platform accorded better WITH her
i~conception OF her fance's circum-
stances than did the costly auto
mobile. Why had she not seen It at