The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1924-09-11

"Have / acknowledged the acqualnt-
ance?'
aWell, you are talking to me. any
how" he pointed out. with slight
twinkle in his eyes.
81 scarcely see how could help II"
she replied. .'If you are really curious
about my nationality, will tell you
that have some French blood in my
veins. France. however. is not my ma
tive country" 49,
"And you live-where?
.Nowhere." she answered little
sadly. "At present we are wanderers
what you cali in England adventures"
Gerald raised his eyebrows.
"That is scarcely the word he muir
INJURED.
"My aunt has curious objection to
meeting people upon our travels,
Pauline continued. 81 myself find her
aloofness sometimes a little tedious.
That is why ! am misbehaving to the
extent of letting you talk to me. AS
matter of prOpriety. you certainly
ought to leave me at once. As q mat
ter Of fact, was about to propose
something else"
'Let me hear 1t, at any rate" ne
insisted
81 watched you drive up to your
fathers villa In your car. Will you
take me little way in it?'
"Ratherp' he assented eagerly.
"Where shall I pick you up?"
"Outside the villa gates" she re-
piled. my aunt is absolutely certain
to sleep for two hours. 1t is the only
liberty have during the day. Please
go at once and fetch the car"
She dismissed him with an impera-
tive wave of the hand. As soon as ne
was out of sight she jumped down
from the rock, crossed the little strip
of sand, and commenced her leisurely
ascent to the villa. Once or twice she
laughed softly to herself.
It was an excursion which Gerald
pondered on many times afterward.
Pauline had settled down in the low
bucket seat by his side and leaned
back with an air of absolute content.
She had, in fact, the appearance OF
one enjoying a rare pleasure. As soon
as Gerald slackened speed. however,
with the idea Of entering into CONVEX
sation, she became curt and almost
rude, and his proposition that they
might take the higher road and have
tea at Nice she promptly negatived.
When. after an absence of about an
hour and a half, they drew UP at the
gates of the villa, she left him with
the merest nod of farewell.
"You will come for another ride
soon-perhaps tomorrow he asked
anxiously.
She shook her head.
j 81 can make no plans" she replied.
81 should think 1t very improbable.
! thank you SO much for your kindness.
| Your car is quite wonderful
! She walked away with the air of one
who has conferred u great favor. Ger
aid drove slowly back to the villa
| d'Acacia and joined his sister on the
terrace.
"Do you know anything about the
/, two women at the next villa Maryf"
he asked
Zone never knows ones neighbOrs
! here" she answered. ST saw them
! driving, the other day-a strange
| looking old lady and very goOd-lOok-
! ing girl. Isn't there something queer
I, about them, or is it my fancy?"
"There is something unusual" Ger
/! aid replied. "rhey seem curiOusly In
disposed to forming acquaintances
| which is odd in Il place like this.
happened to be talking to the younger
woman for few minutes. She gave
| me the impression, somehow, that they
] were people of greater consequence
than their manner Of living here would
indicate"
II expect I am uncharitable." Mary
observed "An elderly lady with No
| friends, who takes a rather beautiful
vounG woman about with her 10 public
| places, does certainly invite comment
doesn't she? Tell me about your little
| protege?"
eve lunched with her, Chris and L.
Gerald replied.
Goodness gracious! Where?'
"At Ciro's. We bought her som,
clothes at IGNORES, this morning"
| Lady Mary lit cigarette and threw
down her book.
81 am not the guardian Of your NOR
ais, Gerald" she observed dryly; II
girl, nowadays. has all she can do t
look after her own-but l honestly
think you ought to send that chile
back to her people"
'ToO brutal" he replied. "They
wanted to marry her to some horrible
old man. aF
Whatever the position was, you
interference was most uncalled for
his sister declared. "As for Chris
topher, am really surprised at him
think you two young men ought to b
thoroughly ashamed Of yourselves foI
what you, are doing, and l shall jus
look forward to an opportunity Of tell
ing Christopher 60"
Gerald glanced at his sisters pro6l'
Il and chupklnd agla