The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-06-21

helmet, placed 1t over his head, abrad-
ing his nose in the process. The suit
1t was the same which had fallen
during the night of the burglary
had certainly been made for a knight
of great stature-it fitted de Jussac
very well.
"Magnifque ~ said Bertrand. "And
who knows-it may he the very suit
of my ancestori The"
He turned slowly. aware of someone
approaching. A tall. spectral figure.
white and ethereal. stood in the door
way.
1t was Lady Diana, in a long girdled
wrap trimmed with white fur. In her
hand was rolled up paper that might
have been a piece of music; it treni-
bled visibly. Her face. as she gazed
at the armored figure, was as white as
her garments.
She controlled her nerves with
mighty effort. If 1t was a spirit, It
was indeed splendid one. To her,
Of all people. this manifestation of the
Infinite was vouchsafed.
For some moments she gazed. In a
thrilled silence. Then she actually
advanced few steps. faltering.
"Speak!" she said. in a voice that
Quavered slightly. "Are you he?
Speak to me. am of the elect. am
n-n-n-not afraid"
De Jussac grasped the situation. He
| searched his mind swiftly for the mot
juste-the speech Of the Fourteenth
century.
"Moult puissante dame" he began,
dropping reverently on one knee.
Diana, the moment the unmistak-
able voice smote upon her ear, gave
a piercing shrek, and clasped her
hands to her head. She swayed as
II about to fall.
Bertrand rushed forward, and
caught her just In time.
| "B-B-B-Bertrand !" she gasped faint
ly.
The name, wrung from her by stress,
was such music in the Vicomte's ears
that he tore off his helmet and kissed
her rapturously.
"Angel! !" he cried. "Adored Diana
Say 1t again ~ He made 1t somewhat
difficult for her to say anything. Say
| it-whisper it-'Bertrand All, hap
piest of menl''
| Diana struggled.
How dare you'll" she said wildly.
How dare you-pretend to be a
ghost !"
But did not! thought you were
pretending to be onei Let me bear the
blame. I love you'll was in despair
and put on this mail that for one mo-
ment I might imagine myself ap-
proved. Dear lady Of Romance, am
NO ghost-I own it"
He proved it with a kiss that was
by no means ghostly.
"Ohi" said Diana family.
The mailed arms encircled her
tightly.
-sweetest Of all earth's treasures I"
exclaimed Bertrand. "You love met
You 'tremhle-your heart beats. Say
titi You love mer -
T. Suddenly she hid her face against
his breastplate. /.
"I-I-I-I do" she whispered, hardly
audible. "and-I should never have
dared to let you tell me 20"
Thrice blessed accidenti To my un-
happy ancestor owe my happiness
All, day Of days! Diana, you will
marry me, belovedr sl'
II suppose so. can't help 1t, now.
Oh-Bertrand
II said that armOr was Of no avail.
But It has conQuered"
She glanced up at him shyly.
II shall wear 1t for evermore |" said
De Jussac rapturOusly. ut shall never
be doffed, save at your orders Diana
~
"But my aunti" exclaimed Diana
! suddenly, her blushes changing to pal
lor. III"
"She will give us her blessing. In
the morning."
But If she found out how 1t hap
pened !" said Diana in panic. "And
the time-you do not know how terri
BILE Aunt can be"
"She will not know! I will put my
self in order-I will propose to you
again in the morning. We will an
nounce 1t with all formalities." Ber-
trand was alarmed to find her almost
collapsing; he led her to the table and
raised a goblet to her lips. "A little
wine. my angel 1t will revive you'll"
mo, mol"
But yes! You are agitated. Just
one sip!"
1t was impossible to deny anything
to the conquering Bertrand. Lady d.
Hrfhusin A