Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-05-07
CHAPTER XI.-(Continued.)

Let us o be formal. Sir Robert
she apologizedE to the guest Of hon
or. inviting him to the chair at her
other side with the pretty inperious-
ness of the .old-time Delight. I'VE
are too far from formal places
Countess so that am not de-
prived of my neighborhood TO you, L
|%gallantry stronger thar surprise.
Delight smiled. her thanks, not
venturing to look at Stefan Balsic or
hazard a conjecture as to his
thoughts. She saw Lesendra seat
himself on his chiefs left, and knew
his eyes, still dark with storm. were
liked upon her. She felt the eX-
hilaration of one who dominates, in
spite Of her inward tumult and pain.
IShe had vanauished Danilo. who had
meant to prevent her presence here;
she held in her small. pink palm the
future of Count Balsic, who asked
no woman's aid"
The travellers were hungry. and
there was no invitation to. heroic
drama in the bearing of the girl they
had come to rescue. Yet Sir Robert
hesitated before the fragrant plate
set in front of him by one of the Al
banians; oppressed by his mission
and sorely puzzled as to his course.
While he paused, the cool voice OF
Rupert filled the blank, answering a
question of I-esendra's.
II amt denying I've seen districts
where the motoring was duller. No,
we didn't have any trouble coming
up; onIy-some of the hurrying
crowds dropped something I found
What was that?" the host in
CURED. 7
"Only a knife. 1t wasn't more
than a foot long and lengthwise of the
road, so it only split two tires all
around the rim. I've picked a few
things out Of tires. after road-prac-
n%ing-gear and chickens Maryland
against the radiator, but this is my
first trial at collecting swords"
Every one smiled. 1mmeasurablS
relieved by a diversion that com
PEELED n~aturalness, Sir Rober
fumbled for his.spoon. and. dinner
was underway: ~
The conversation between the mer
Twas: light and general; of motoring
hand politics, and, the likelihood OF wa
between the Porte and the Balkans
Delight did not <speak5unlessadirectl.
addressed, mi found herself no NOR.
fable to eat thanswa Lesendra. Mo
ment Gbys'nioinent she was aconsciouI
that the timeaof explanation and con
'Tnict drew nearer. A new apprehen
sion seized her: what If the English
man shouldTwaft until she had with
drawn to take UP the purpose Of hi
visit? He might do SO. with mascu
line abhorrence of feminine emotion
'1Eow would Stefan Balsic's overmas
tering pride answer the examination
or the fiery Lesendra endure hearinl
it? She would not go; she woul'
claim the CONTINENTAL custom and re
main! Her waning courage fame'
tup.
The dinner moved on quietly Unit
near Hs close. Well-fed, Sir Rober
.grew a trifie drowsy and lulled int
inaction after the days long ride. II
began to mediate the i chances o
leaving serious Investigation unit
morning. JLesendra sat playing wit
|3a winegIaAs. sabstractedly intent as 1
he watched some scene in the am
ber-flled crystal. 1T was, Rupert VIII
fhrst saw the change In Delights ex
.aarrpression. Stalled into attention, 1
lfleaned forward. s5 @,.
Count .Baistc was speaking and oh
served nothing, ID the gtFie beside hir
drew herself. erect In her seat, lie
lfHps.syarted. her BROWN eyeSs dilatifl
1her slender fingers tightening on tt