The Washington herald., 1920-01-01
CHAPTER XVIII CONTINUED.

DO you love him as much as that?"
Norine raised her eyes and in their
depths Branch read her answer. "Weli.
that ends the rest Of us.~ he sighed.
There's q Minister of Justice here.
believe: he sounds as IL he could per
form most any kind OF a ceremony.
Wen end out for sure"
1t 30 happened that the president
and wei nigh the entire Provisional
Cabinet were in Cubitss. Leslie and
Norine went directly to the former.
The supreme oficiai was eager TO
oolige In every way the guest or his
government and her daredevil coun-
tryman. FL Demonio. He promptly
sent for the Minister OF Justice. who
In turn calamity put himself al
! Norine's disposal. He declared that,
although he had never performed the
marriage ceremony he would gladly
try his hand at IL. In no time the
1 news had spread and there was sub
dued excitement throughout the camp
When Norine left headquarters she
was the target Of smiles and friendly
greetings. Women nodded and chat
tered at her. ragged soldiers swept
her salutes with their jipi-japa hats,
children chung to her and capered By
her side. 1t was vastly embarrassing
this STAINLESS publicity, but IL was
touching. too. for there was genuine
affection and good will behind every
smile. Norine was between tears and
laughter when she ran painting into
Estebsn's cabin. leaving Branch to
wait outside.
At sight Of her Esteban uttered q
low cry OF happiness Dearest! I've
been lying in a stupor Of delight. The
world has become bright: hear
people laughing. What q change! And
how is El Demonio?"
Hes all right; he's waiting to see
you. but hrst-Pve arranged every
thing! The president and his cabinet
are coming to witness the ceremony"
Esteban poised, petriied, upon his
elbow. his face was q study. what
have you -arrsnged?" he managed to
inquire.
'Sh-h"" Norine laid q finger upon
his lips. The guest of the Republic
is to be married today. Dignitaries
magistrates. nabobs, are turning out
in her honor. They are shaving and
borrowing clean shirts for the occa-
\ sion. The Minister OF Justice has q
brand new pair of tan shoes and he
has promised to wear them, come rain
or shine"
''Norine! oh. my dear" quaverec
the sick man. Il can't let you do this
mad thing. Think! I'm ready for the
! grave"
This win make you well. We're
going away when the very next ex-
I petition arrives"
But still Varona protested. NO
no! Who am I? I have nothing &c
offier, nothing to give. I'm poorer
than a peon."
Thank goodness, can do all the
giving! I've never told you. Esteban
but I'm quite rich" Holding the man
away, she smiled into his eyes Yes
richer than 1 have any right 70 be
] had no need to come to Cuba; il
was Just the within of an irresponsible.
spoiled young woman. ! gave a huge
amount OF money TO the New York
Junta and that's why I was allowed
! to come
You're not IA trained NURSE
"oh, dear. no, Except when II
amuses me to pretend"
! How strange" The invalid was
I dazed, but after a moment he shooL
his head. 1T il hard to say this, but
] i don't know whether. you really love
VI NhNNhNA sSAA 6ANaA Aos
been touched. You have learned my
feelings, and perhaps think in thi:
way TO make me well. Is that it,"
| mo. no! I'm thoroughly selfish and
must have what want. I want you
So don't let's argue about it" Norins
tenderly EMBODIED the weak figure ir
her arms. You must. you shall gel
well or-I shall die. too"
Il haven't the strength to refuse
Esteban murmured. And yet. how
can I leave Cuba? What right have
to accept happiness and leave Rosa
This was a subject which Norin'
dreaded, a question TO which she knew
no answer. She was not in a MOOD
to discuss It. and made no attempt
to do so. Instead. she laid the invalid
upon his pillow. saying:
Leslie is waiting to wish you Joy
and a quick recovery. May i ash
him in?''
She stepped to the door. only e
behold her late companion making of
down the village street in great hast'
and evident excitement. Surprised
offended. she checked her impulse q
call him back. A moment, then sh'
stepped out into the full sunlight anC
stared after him, for she saw tha
which explained his desertion. Ap
preaching between the drunken row.
Of grass huts was a little knot o.
people. Even as Norine watched q
grew into a considerable crowd. fol
men and women and children cam'
hurrying from their tasks. There were
three figures in the lead. a man and
two boys. and they walked slowly
ploddingly, as IL weary from q lons
| march.
Norine decided that they were mo-
villagers, but ragged pacihcos, upor
the verge OF exhaustion. She saw
Branch break into q swifter run anc
heard him shout something, Their
through eyes suddenly dimmed she
watched him fall upon the tallest OF
the three strangers and embrace him
The crowd grew thicker. 1t surround.
ed them.
''Esteban." Norine cried in a voice
she scarcely recognized. She retreated
into the doorway with one hSnd upon
her leaping heart. "Esteban. Look
Some one has just arrived. Leslie has
gone" She cleared her vision with a
shake Of her head and her tongue
grew thick with excitement. They're
coming-here! Yes. Its-it's O'Reil-
lyw
Young varona struggled from hi,
hammock. Rosa" he called. loudly
Rosa"
Norine ran and caught him or he
would have fallen prone. He paved
and fumbled in a weak attempt to
free himself from her restraining
arms; a wildness was upon him: he
shook as II with palsy. Did he bring
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