The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-10-19

venture Of which you wrote"
Nothing more could be desired. I
am. sure" he confessed, surprised at
her tone, and glancing toward her. 81
certainly am left completely In the
dark, unable even to clearly distin-
guish my mysterious companion in
adventure"
And there really is no longer any
occasion for such concealment." She
lifted the heavy curtain beside her.
permitting the grey light to rest upon
her face. II preferred not to be seen
at the park for obvious reasons; but
here, alone with you, such precaution
Is quite unnecessary. We are to be
either friends or enemies, so frankness
Is the best course"
He saw the face Of a young woman
OF twenty-four, or five. with dark eyes
and hair, her cheeks flushed with
health and excitement, her lips smil-
Ing. 1t was face Of unusual attrac-
tiveness, not regular, perhaps, in any
Of its features, YET filed with charac-
ter, and glowing with tfe. He liked the
girl, and believed in her.
II can only thank you" he said,
rather lamely. Although 1 do not
understand now how we could ever
become enemies. Surely, That is not a
threat2"
"Oh, no, 1t is far too true. You have
yet to learn what require. Yet that
was very nicely said. I'take it to
mean your first impression of me is
not unfavorable7"
very far from 1t. I am already
deeply interested in my task. If I
lacked an incentive before, you have
furnished it."
She laughed again softly, her eyes
still on his face.
Really, l had not anticipated such
sincere compliment. No doubt you
learned these delightful speeches in
France" she answered, very faint
tinge Of sarcasm in the words. "How.
ever, this Is very serious matter,
Captain West, and seally has nothing
to do with my personal appearance.
am seeking neither Irritation nor COM
pliment; merely trustworthy agent.
First Of all, 1t is necessary that you
comprehend this"
He bowed, impressed by her man.
ner, and somewhat ashamed of his i'm.
petuosity.
II accept the reproof," he said
quietly, "and will endeavor henceforth
not to offend in any way. am en-.
tirely ut your service"
"rhere is no offense; I merely
thought 1t best there should be no mis-.
understanding. Now, 1 am sure, we
can proceed intelligently. Indeed, I
am going to frankly confess, I also
like your appearance. This mutual
liking ought to be half the battle. We
have quite ride before us yet; you
may question me if you WISH"
"You mean I am to question you
freely"
"Assuredly; while I am to remain
quite as free in my answers. That Is
perfectly fair, is It not?"
"At least, 1t sounds so. Where am I
being transported, then7 And why the
dress suit?'
His questions evidently amused, for
her eyes sparkled.
NATURALLY that query comes first (;
and especially the dress suit. You
have the prejudices Of your sex, I see,
and without regret. 1 shall endeavor
to reply categorically, yet with reser,
vations. We are going to country
home, where we dine, in company with
q few guests"
II see; am first Of all to be pro,
jected into society. Are any Of these
guests known to me?"
God forbid; and I may even ven.
ture to predict that you will never care
to know any OF them again. You are
to be present as my guest, and will 50
be welcomed"
II feel the honor; but would 1t not
be well under these circumstances for
me to know more clearly whose guest
L am? Suppose, for instance, had to
refer to our long friendship, 1t would
be extremely awkward not to even be
able to mention your name"
"My name! Why, of = course, you
do not know what 1t Is. Well, really ]
am not altogether certain that I do.
either. We will therefore compromise
on the one l am known by, which will
be safer. Allow me, Captain West, to
present to you Miss Natalie Coolidge" :"
She held out frankly neatly
gloved hand. which he as instantly
took, and retained in his own, the girl
making no immediate effort to with.
draw it.
''This Is very kind of you, Miss
Coolidge" he acknowledged, adapting
himself to her present mood, "But II
seems there is no necessity for me
to present myself. Apparently my
identity is already known"
"Otherwise you would not be
among those present" she admitted
frankly.
"Then, ] judge you have not ac.
cepted me blindly?'
mo, I have not" earnestly, and
now RELEASING her hand, 81 do not
think we ever really know any one
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